VRChat
VRChat is an online virtual world platform created by Graham Gaylor and Jesse Joudrey and operated by VRChat, Inc. that allows users to interact with others with user-created 3D avatars and worlds. "VRChat" is primarily designed for use with virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest series, SteamVR headsets (such as HTC Vive), and Windows Mixed Reality, but is also usable without VR in a "desktop" mode designed for either a mouse and keyboard or gamepad. "VRChat" was first released as a Windows application for the Oculus Rift DK1 prototype on January 16, 2014 , and was released to the Steam early access program on February 1, 2017. Features. "VRChat"s gameplay is similar to that of games such as "Second Life" and "Habbo Hotel". Players can create their own instanced worlds in which they can interact with each other through virtual avatars. A software development kit for Unity released alongside the game gives players the ability to create or import character models to be used in the platform, as well as build their own worlds. Player models are capable of supporting "audio lip sync, eye tracking and blinking, and complete range of motion. "VRChat" is  also capable of running in "desktop mode" without a VR headset, which is controlled using either a mouse and keyboard, or a gamepad. Some content has limitations in desktop mode, such as the inability to freely move an avatar's limbs, or perform interactions that require more than one hand. In 2020, a new visual programming language was introduced known as "Udon", which uses a node graph system. While still considered alpha software, it became usable on publicly-accessible worlds beginning in April 2020. A third-party compiler known as "UdonSharp" was developed to allow world scripts to be written  in C#. Trust and safety. Users of "VRChat" are classified into various "trust levels", based on factors such as their use of the platform. All users begin at "Visitor" rank (grey). When promoted to "New User" (blue) rank, they are given the ability to upload their own content using the VRChat SDK. This is followed by "User" (green), "Known User" (orange), "Trusted User" (purple), and friends (yellow). Users can choose to toggle communications, avatars, and avatar features based on their trust level. VRChat Plus. In November 2020, the service announced a subscription tier known as "VRChat Plus". On launch, it  allows users to display a custom image on their nameplates, increases the number of avatars they can save in their favorites from 25 to 100, grants them an "increased trust rating", and allows them to attach an in-game photo to an invite request. Other exclusive features for subscribers are also in development. Hardware support. "VRChat" has extensive support for a large number of PC-compatible VR headsets and accessories, including Oculus, and SteamVR-compatible headsets such as the HTC Vive series and Valve Index. A port of "VRChat" is also available for as a native app for Oculus Quest , which supports cross-platform play with PC users; due to hardware limitations, only maps and avatars optimized within specific constraints can be accessed on the Oculus Quest version. Finger tracking and gesture recognition is supported on controllers such as the Index Controller and Oculus Touch, allowing users' finger movements to be reflected by their avatar, and hand poses to trigger linked animations (such as a corresponding facial expression). VRChat also supports SteamVR full-body tracking for motion capture of waist and leg motions, typically by using HTC's Vive Tracker peripherals or alternative devices (such as Kinect). Community. "VRChat" popularity  has been attributed to use by YouTubers and Twitch streamers. "VRChat" has spawned media such as a weekly newspaper in its forums, and talk shows and podcasts dedicated to a discussion of the game. After an initial wave of viral popularity upon its release, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred a steady increase in concurrent users of "VRChat" throughout 2020. There were recorded spikes in viewership of "VRChat"-related Twitch streams in mid-2020 and September 2020. The service reported a record of over 24,000 concurrent users over the Halloween weekend (with over half using it on a VR platform), spurred by holiday events  and the recent release of the Oculus Quest 2. On December 31, 2020, the service recorded a new record of over 40,000 concurrent users for New Year's Eve, to the point that it experienced a major outage around midnight in the Eastern Time Zone due to a security provider having mistook the surge as a denial-of-service attack. In popular culture. Ugandan Knuckles. "VRChat" gave rise to a meme known as "Ugandan Knuckles", in which players use crude in-game models of Knuckles the Echidna from the "Sonic the Hedgehog" series while repeating the catchphrase "Do you know  the way?" in a mock African accent. The players' model and mannerisms originated in a review by YouTuber Gregzilla and Forsen's Twitch stream respectively, in addition to lines from the Ugandan movie "Who Killed Captain Alex?" This has generated controversy from many sources; "Polygon"s Julia Alexander labelled it "blatantly racist" and a "problematic meme", comparing it to "Habbo Hotel" raids, and Jay Hathaway of "The Daily Dot" called it a "racist caricature". The creator of the 3D model used in the meme expressed regret for having made it, and urged players that they "do not use this to bug  the users of VRChat." In response, the developers of the game published an open letter on "Medium", stating that they were developing "new systems to allow the community to better self moderate" and asking users to use the built-in muting features. Music and dance. The platform has attracted various music-oriented communities and events; dancers have leveraged full-body tracking support to give virtual performances and classes within "VRChat", including ballet, breaking, and pole dance. Online dance music events have also occurred on "VRChat", especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. They are organized by collectives such as Loner Online, take  place within virtual nightclubs, sometimes simulcast on live streaming platforms such as Twitch. Loner's world was noted by an "NME" writer for its attention to detail in recreating an underground club experience, right down to having bathroom stalls. In June 2020, French electronic musician Jean-Michel Jarre presented a virtual concert experience in "VRChat", "Alone Together". On December 31, 2020, Jarre presented a second virtual concert for New Year's Eve, "Welcome to the Other Side", within VRChat and broadcast across other radio, television, and online platforms. The event took place at the Notre-Dame cathedral, with Jarre presenting  the performance in-person from outside of the cathedral, and the virtual event using a recreation of its interior. Controversy. In February 2022, a BBC News researcher posing as a 13-year-old girl witnessed grooming, sexual material, racist insults and a rape threat on the VRChat app. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children head of online child safety policy Andy Burrows added the investigation had found "a toxic combination of risks". The BBC researcher downloaded VRChat from an app store on Facebook's Meta Quest headset, with no age verification checks - the only requirement being  a Facebook account. The BBC News researcher created a fake profile to set up her account - and her real identity was not checked. While Oculus has a form where users can report abuse, the Center for Countering Digital Hate claims Meta rarely takes them seriously, reporting 100 policy violations on Oculus, they did not receive a response. Imran Ahmed, the charity’s chief executive, branded it “a cesspit of hate, pornography and child grooming.”