Microsoft Will Close Its Social Network In virtual Reality AltspaceVR 

Microsoft will shut down AltspaceVR, its social virtual reality platform, on March 10, 2023.  The company shared the news on a blog just days after the massive layoff of workers, noting that the move will help shift focus “to support immersive experiences powered by Microsoft Mesh.”

The company explains the decision to close AltspaceVR with the intention to direct more resources to the development of the Microsoft Mesh mixed reality platform, announced in 2021. Some time after its announcement, a collaboration solution was introduced in the Mesh for Teams metaverse, integrated with the Microsoft Teams service.

We have some sad news, Altspacers. #AltspaceVR is shutting down on March 10th.

Though we hate saying goodbye, we also feel such pride and gratitude for all the magic that happened here. ✨

Thanks for joining us on this epic adventure. #socialvr https://t.co/peCwpaaBl3

— AltspaceVR (@AltspaceVR) January 20, 2023

The company said that the launch of the Microsoft Mesh platform in the near future will create new jobs around the world. “In the near term, we will be focusing our VR efforts on the workplace experience, learning with and from early customers and partners, and working hard to build a foundation for security, trust and compliance,” the company said.