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'''''VRChat''''' is a ] ] ] social platform created by Graham Gaylor and Jesse Joudrey. It allows players to interact with others as 3D character models. The game was released for ] as a standalone application compatible with the Oculus DK1 development kit on January 16, 2014, and via ]'s ] program on February 1, 2017. It supports the ], ], ], and the newly added ] via the Oculus Store, the ] series, ] ]s and the ] through SteamVR. Notably, it also supports full-body humanoid avatar tracking via Vive Trackers, though none of these accessories are mandatory to play. '''''VRChat''''' is a ] ] ] social platform created by Graham Gaylor and Jesse Joudrey. It allows players to interact with others as 3D character models. The game was released for ] as a standalone application compatible with the Oculus DK1 development kit on January 16, 2014, and via ]'s ] program on February 1, 2017. It supports the ], ], ], and the newly added ] via the Oculus Store, the ] series, ] ]s and the ] through SteamVR. Notably, it also supports full-body humanoid avatar tracking via Vive Trackers, though none of these accessories are mandatory to play.


==Gameplay== ==Features==
] ]
''VRChat''{{'}}s gameplay is similar to that of games such as '']'' and '']''.<ref name=Polygon1>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/22/16805452/vrchat-steam-vive-oculus-twitch-youtube|title=VRChat is a bizarre phenomenon that has Twitch, YouTube obsessed|last=Alexander|first=Julia|publisher=Vox Media, Inc.|work=Polygon|date=December 22, 2017|accessdate=January 9, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109131656/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/22/16805452/vrchat-steam-vive-oculus-twitch-youtube|archivedate=January 9, 2018}}</ref> Players can create their own instanced worlds in which they can interact with each other through virtual avatars. A ] released alongside the game gives players the ability to create or import character models from various franchises and adopt them as their personas.<ref name=Polygon1/> Player models are capable of supporting "audio ], ] and blinking, and complete range of motion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/vrchat-oculus-rift-htc-vive,33557.html|title='VRChat' Is A Social Platform, A Dev Sandbox, And A Step In The Right Direction|last=Forrest|first=Derek|work=]|date=February 1, 2017|accessdate=January 14, 2018}}</ref> It also includes several ]s in which players can "], rob a bank in Steel 'n' Gold, and lob digital discs at each other in a match of Battle Discs."<ref name=Polygon1/> ''VRChat''{{'}}s gameplay is similar to that of games such as '']'' and '']''.<ref name=Polygon1>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/22/16805452/vrchat-steam-vive-oculus-twitch-youtube|title=VRChat is a bizarre phenomenon that has Twitch, YouTube obsessed|last=Alexander|first=Julia|publisher=Vox Media, Inc.|work=Polygon|date=December 22, 2017|accessdate=January 9, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109131656/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/22/16805452/vrchat-steam-vive-oculus-twitch-youtube|archivedate=January 9, 2018}}</ref> Players can create their own instanced worlds in which they can interact with each other through virtual avatars. A ] released alongside the game gives players the ability to create or import character models from various franchises and adopt them as their personas.<ref name=Polygon1/>


Player models are capable of supporting "audio ], ] and blinking, and complete range of motion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/vrchat-oculus-rift-htc-vive,33557.html|title='VRChat' Is A Social Platform, A Dev Sandbox, And A Step In The Right Direction|last=Forrest|first=Derek|work=]|date=February 1, 2017|accessdate=January 14, 2018}}</ref> It also includes several ]s in which players can "], rob a bank in Steel 'n' Gold, and lob digital discs at each other in a match of Battle Discs."<ref name="Polygon1" />
⚫ Although the game is named "VRChat", it is not necessary to have VR equipment to play the game. The game also offers a desktop version for those who don't have VR headsets, but it has limitations such as the inability to freely move an avatar's limbs,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://twinfinite.net/2018/01/vrchat-need-vr-headset/ |title=VRChat: Do You Need a VR Headset to Play? |last=Jecks |first=Chris |date=January 8, 2018 |website=Twinfinite |access-date=February 23, 2018 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224173215/http://twinfinite.net/2018/01/vrchat-need-vr-headset/ |archivedate=February 24, 2018 }}</ref> as well as certain content which require the user make use of both hands, such as a shooting game where the player must use their other hand to reload a weapon while holding it with their primary hand. Desktop Mode users are restricted to a single hand for interaction, but can make use of a compatible game-pad for further interaction. As the majority of content in VRChat is user driven, making "accessible" content cross platform is up to the designer.

⚫ ''VRChat'' is also capable of running in desktop mode without a VR headset, which is controlled using either a mouse and keyboard, or a ]. Some content has limitations in desktop mode, such as the inability to freely move an avatar's limbs,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://twinfinite.net/2018/01/vrchat-need-vr-headset/ |title=VRChat: Do You Need a VR Headset to Play? |last=Jecks |first=Chris |date=January 8, 2018 |website=Twinfinite |access-date=February 23, 2018 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224173215/http://twinfinite.net/2018/01/vrchat-need-vr-headset/ |archivedate=February 24, 2018 }}</ref> or perform interactions that require more than one hand.

=== 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=VRChat Safety and Trust System|url=https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/vrchat-safety-and-trust-system|access-date=2021-01-03|website=VRChat|language=en}}</ref>

=== VRChat Plus ===
In November 2020, the service announced a subscription tier known as "VRChat Plus". On launch, it allows users to display a custom two-dimensional avatar on their nameplates, increases the number of avatars they can save in their favorites from 25 to 100, and grants them an "increased trust rating". Other exclusive features for subscribers are also in development.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hayden|first=Scott|date=2020-12-07|title='VRChat' Launches Premium Membership, Now in 'Early Supporter' Phase on Steam|url=https://www.roadtovr.com/vrchat-plus-membership-early-supporter/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Road to VR|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Baker|first=Harry|title=VRChat Plus, Paid Subscription Option, Now Available On Steam|url=https://uploadvr.com/vrchat-plus-subscription-steam/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=UploadVR|language=en-US}}</ref>


{{clear}} {{clear}}


==Hardware support== ==Hardware support==
VRChat has extensive support for a large number of VR headsets and accessories, such as the ] DK1, DK2, CV1 and S headset variants running on ] with or without the Oculus Home launcher, as well as the Android-based ] standalone VR platform. Uniquely to VRChat, users on the Android platform can fully interact with users on the PC platform, provided the player-created avatar is uploaded and optimized for the Quest. Quest users can view PC user's avatars in their "full body" configurations, and physical movement is accurately synced between clients. ''VRChat'' has extensive support for a large number of VR headsets and accessories, including ], and ]-compatible headsets such as the ] series and ]. A port of ''VRChat'' is also available for ]<nowiki/>s ]-based operating system. Due to hardware limitations, only maps and avatars optimized within specific constraints can be accessed on the Oculus Quest version. ] between Quest and PC is supported as well.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Here's How VRChat Will Work On Oculus Quest|url=https://uploadvr.com/vrchat-quest-limitations-details/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=UploadVR|language=en-US}}</ref>


] and ] is supported on controllers such as the Index Controller and ], allowing users' finger movements to be reflected by their avatar, and hand poses to trigger linked animations (such as a corresponding facial expression).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Oculus Touch|url=https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/touch|access-date=2021-01-03|website=VRChat|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Valve Index Controllers|url=https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/valve-index|access-date=2021-01-03|website=VRChat|language=en}}</ref> VRChat also supports SteamVR full-body tracking for ] of waist and leg motions, typically by using HTC's Vive Tracker peripherals.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moss|first=Gabriel|date=2018-11-30|title=VRChat's Full-Body Tracking Attracts Pole Dancers, Breakdancers and More|url=https://www.vrfitnessinsider.com/vrchats-full-body-tracking-pole-dancers/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=VR Fitness Insider|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Carbotte|first=Kevin|date=|title=You Can Use A Kinect For Full Body Tracking In SteamVR; Here’s How|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/driver4vr-kinect-full-body-vr-tracking,35476.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Tom's Hardware|language=en}}</ref>
Additionally, all VR hardware that is compatible with the SteamVR/OpenVR platform are supported to various degrees. This includes (but is not limited to) the HTC Vive and Vive Pro, as well as the more recent Valve Index as of June 5, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/vrchat/vrchat-valve-index-support-and-the-gesture-toggle-system-742ec3ae016e |title=VRChat Valve Index Support and the Gesture Toggle System |website=Medium |publisher=VRChat Inc. |date=May 31, 2019 |accessdate=June 28, 2019}}</ref> Depending on the headset used, models for the respective controllers will appear while the player is navigating the in-game menu. Controllers which support finger positional tracking such as the Valve Index Controllers and the more limited "cap-sense" of the Oculus Controllers allow users to make natural hand gestures such as "fist" or "victory", which can then be further customized to trigger linked animations, such as a corresponding facial expression.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/controls| title=Controls| publisher=VRChat Inc.}}</ref>

The game allows additional add-on support for hip and feet ], among its user base commonly referred to as "full-body" tracking. Humanoid movement is calculated through unity inverse kinematics. Officially, only the HTC Virtual Reality System Tracker, better known as the "Vive Tracker Puck" by many, allows this support. Users must purchase one or three tracking "pucks" (one placed in front of the hips, one on each foot). Users can have "hips only" for additional tracking fidelity without the need for left and right foot tracking.
Unofficially, players have made "frankenstein" VR setups such as using a ] headset to track the head, ] ] for the hips and feet and ] ]s for the hands (alternatively, ] controllers) to simulate the full-body tracking the HTC Vive supports, with SteamVR facilitating the combination through custom ] drivers.<ref>https://github.com/sharkyh20/KinectToVR</ref>


==Community== ==Community==
The game's popularity has been attributed to use by ]rs and ] ].<ref name=Polygon1/> ''VRChat'' has spawned media such as a weekly newspaper in its forums, and talk shows and podcasts dedicated to a discussion of the game.<ref name=Polygon1/> The game's popularity has been attributed to use by ]rs and ] ].<ref name=Polygon1/> ''VRChat'' has spawned media such as a weekly newspaper in its forums, and talk shows and podcasts dedicated to a discussion of the game.<ref name=Polygon1/>

After an initial wave of viral popularity upon its release, the ] 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, while the service reported a record of over 24,000 concurrent users over the ] weekend (with over half using it on a VR platform), spurred by holiday events and the recent release of the ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lang|first=Ben|date=2020-11-04|title=Spurred by Quest 2 Launch, 'VRChat' Hits Record 24,000 Concurrent Users, More Than Half in VR|url=https://www.roadtovr.com/vrchat-record-concurrent-users-traffic-quest-2/|access-date=2021-01-03|website=Road to VR|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Controversy== ==Controversy==
{{Original research section}}
VRChat has come under fire several times due to ] activities within the game.<ref>https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/twitch-streamer-walks-into-incredibly-nsfw-vrchat-scene-696861</ref> With large communities built around the idea of an 18+ atmosphere, VRChat has often been criticized for a lack of age protection for and against younger users of the game. As well, ] have become a problem within many of the communities, and continue to be an ever-present danger that is shared with much of the Internet.<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/07/us/video-games-child-sex-abuse.html</ref> VRChat has come under fire several times due to ] activities within the game.<ref>https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/twitch-streamer-walks-into-incredibly-nsfw-vrchat-scene-696861</ref> With large communities built around the idea of an 18+ atmosphere, VRChat has often been criticized for a lack of age protection for and against younger users of the game. As well, ] have become a problem within many of the communities, and continue to be an ever-present danger that is shared with much of the Internet.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bowles|first=Nellie|last2=Keller|first2=Michael H.|date=2019-12-07|title=Video Games and Online Chats Are ‘Hunting Grounds’ for Sexual Predators (Published 2019)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/07/us/video-games-child-sex-abuse.html,%20https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/07/us/video-games-child-sex-abuse.html|access-date=2021-01-03|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>


==In popular culture== ==In popular culture==

Revision as of 07:07, 3 January 2021

2014 video game
VRChat
[REDACTED]
Developer(s)VRChat Inc.
Publisher(s)VRChat Inc.
Designer(s)
  • Graham Gaylor
  • Jesse Joudrey
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, Oculus Quest
Release
  • Microsoft Windows, Oculus
  • Jan 16, 2014
  • Steam
  • February 1, 2017
  • Oculus Quest
  • May 20, 2019
Genre(s)Massively multiplayer online
Mode(s)Multiplayer

VRChat is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online virtual reality social platform created by Graham Gaylor and Jesse Joudrey. It allows players to interact with others as 3D character models. The game was released for Microsoft Windows as a standalone application compatible with the Oculus DK1 development kit on January 16, 2014, and via Steam's early access program on February 1, 2017. It supports the Oculus Rift, Oculus Rift S, Oculus Quest, and the newly added Oculus Quest 2 via the Oculus Store, the HTC Vive series, Windows Mixed Reality headsets and the Valve Index through SteamVR. Notably, it also supports full-body humanoid avatar tracking via Vive Trackers, though none of these accessories are mandatory to play.

Features

Players in VRChat

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 released alongside the game gives players the ability to create or import character models from various franchises and adopt them as their personas.

Player models are capable of supporting "audio lip sync, eye tracking and blinking, and complete range of motion. It also includes several minigames in which players can "Capture the Flag, rob a bank in Steel 'n' Gold, and lob digital discs at each other in a match of Battle Discs."

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.

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 two-dimensional avatar on their nameplates, increases the number of avatars they can save in their favorites from 25 to 100, and grants them an "increased trust rating". Other exclusive features for subscribers are also in development.

Hardware support

VRChat has extensive support for a large number of 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 Oculus Quest's Android-based operating system. Due to hardware limitations, only maps and avatars optimized within specific constraints can be accessed on the Oculus Quest version. Crossplay between Quest and PC is supported as well.

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.

Community

The game's 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, while 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.

Controversy

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VRChat has come under fire several times due to NSFW activities within the game. With large communities built around the idea of an 18+ atmosphere, VRChat has often been criticized for a lack of age protection for and against younger users of the game. As well, online child predators have become a problem within many of the communities, and continue to be an ever-present danger that is shared with much of the Internet.

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.

See also

  • AltspaceVR – provided meeting spaces in virtual reality using Microsoft's Kinect
  • Sansar (video game) – social virtual reality platform with a near-identical premise
  • NeosVR - a free-to-play massively multiplayer online virtual reality metaverse. Also a game engine in VR.

References

  1. ^ Alexander, Julia (December 22, 2017). "VRChat is a bizarre phenomenon that has Twitch, YouTube obsessed". Polygon. Vox Media, Inc. Archived from the original on January 9, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  2. Forrest, Derek (February 1, 2017). "'VRChat' Is A Social Platform, A Dev Sandbox, And A Step In The Right Direction". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  3. Jecks, Chris (January 8, 2018). "VRChat: Do You Need a VR Headset to Play?". Twinfinite. Archived from the original on February 24, 2018. Retrieved February 23, 2018.
  4. "VRChat Safety and Trust System". VRChat. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  5. Hayden, Scott (2020-12-07). "'VRChat' Launches Premium Membership, Now in 'Early Supporter' Phase on Steam". Road to VR. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  6. Baker, Harry. "VRChat Plus, Paid Subscription Option, Now Available On Steam". UploadVR. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  7. "Here's How VRChat Will Work On Oculus Quest". UploadVR. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  8. "Oculus Touch". VRChat. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  9. "Valve Index Controllers". VRChat. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  10. Moss, Gabriel (2018-11-30). "VRChat's Full-Body Tracking Attracts Pole Dancers, Breakdancers and More". VR Fitness Insider. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  11. Carbotte, Kevin. "You Can Use A Kinect For Full Body Tracking In SteamVR; Here's How". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved 2021-01-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. Lang, Ben (2020-11-04). "Spurred by Quest 2 Launch, 'VRChat' Hits Record 24,000 Concurrent Users, More Than Half in VR". Road to VR. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  13. https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/twitch-streamer-walks-into-incredibly-nsfw-vrchat-scene-696861
  14. Bowles, Nellie; Keller, Michael H. (2019-12-07). "Video Games and Online Chats Are 'Hunting Grounds' for Sexual Predators (Published 2019)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-01-03.
  15. MacGregor, Collin (January 9, 2018). "Controversial 'Ugandan Knuckles' Meme Has Infested VRChat". Heavy.com. Archived from the original on January 9, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  16. ^ Hathaway, Jay (January 10, 2018). "How Ugandan Knuckles turned VRChat into a total trollfest". The Daily Dot. Archived from the original on January 14, 2018. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  17. Alexander, Julia (January 8, 2018). "'Ugandan Knuckles' is overtaking VRChat". Polygon. Vox Media, Inc. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  18. Tamburro, Paul (January 8, 2018). "Creator of VRChat's 'Ugandan Knuckles' Meme Regrets His Decision". GameRevolution. Archived from the original on January 10, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  19. Alexander, Julia (January 10, 2018). "VRChat team speaks up on player harassment in open letter". Polygon. Archived from the original on January 11, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  20. ^ Wilde, Tyler (January 10, 2018). "VRChat's surge in popularity has created a bizarre scene". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2018. Second Life developer Linden Lab has been working on a similar concept, called Sansar, Microsoft now has the reins of Altspace, and there are surely many other sandbox-y VR social experiences in the works.

External links

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