Assessment of Virtual Worlds for Co‑creation Potential

This web page presents the final selection of 30 virtual worlds, identified from an initial pool of 75 through OPENVERSE’s in-depth analysis of platforms aligned with European values of openness, privacy, and human-centred design. The study applies a robust analytical framework across 9 dimensions —from accessibility to interoperability— to assess co-creation potential, sustainability, and future readiness.
The analysis reflects the state of the platforms as of October 2024 and may not capture recent developments.

This interactive dashboard offers SME founders, researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts insight into how each virtual world scores through a dynamic bar chart, detailed heatmap, and purpose-matching alluvial chart. A filterable catalogue enables easy comparison and exploration.

The findings support foresight and innovation by identifying the most promising platforms for European creators to engage with, build upon, and shape the future of open virtual worlds.

General scoring by evaluation criteria

Here you can use the drop down menu to select different criteria for ranking the virtual worlds studied according to your interests or focus.

Heatmap

The heatmap below offers a visual comparison of how each of the 30 selected virtual worlds scores across the 9 evaluation dimensions used in the OPENVERSE study.
Each cell represents a score, with colour intensity indicating performance: darker shades reflect higher alignment with key criteria such as accessibility, co-creation, interoperability, and more.
This allows for a quick, intuitive overview of strengths and gaps across platforms.

Purposes

The alluvial chart below shows how each of the 30 selected virtual worlds maps to one or more key purposes: Creating, Entertaining, Exploitation, Learning, Service, Socialising, Transactions, and Working.
The flowing connections highlight the main functions these platforms serve, helping users understand the diverse roles they can play in co-creation and innovation across the Openverse.

Virtual Worlds in this study

Purpose
Technological area
Year of launch
Arthur

Arthur

Arthur is a virtual reality platform built for enterprise collaboration, offering immersive meeting spaces for teams to connect, brainstorm, and present. With features like spatial audio, custom rooms, and 3D content sharing, it enables productive remote work in a secure and engaging VR environment.
Purpose:
Socialising, Working
Created by:
Arthur Technologies
Launched in:
2020
Visit this Virtual World
Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based play-to-earn game where players collect, breed, and battle fantasy creatures called Axies. Built on the Ethereum network, it combines gaming with decentralised finance (DeFi) through NFTs and the AXS and SLP tokens. Players earn rewards by participating in battles and trading Axies, contributing to a thriving digital economy and community.
Purpose:
Entertaining
Created by:
Sky Mavis
Launched in:
2018
Visit this Virtual World
Engage VR

Engage VR

Engage VR is a virtual communications platform designed for education, training, and professional collaboration. Accessible via VR and desktop, it enables users to host immersive meetings, presentations, and events in customisable 3D environments. It’s widely used by enterprises and institutions for realistic, interactive remote experiences.
Purpose:
Creating, Entertaining, Exploitation, Learning, Service, Socialising, Working
Created by:
Engage XR
Launched in:
2022
Visit this Virtual World
Fortnite

Fortnite

Fortnite is an online multiplayer game and virtual platform developed by Epic Games, known for its fast-paced battle royale mode and creative sandbox experiences. Beyond gaming, it hosts live events, concerts, and brand collaborations in immersive virtual spaces. With customisable avatars and social features, Fortnite blends entertainment, community, and gameplay in one dynamic universe.
Purpose:
Entertaining, Socialising
Created by:
Epic Games
Launched in:
2017
Visit this Virtual World
Highstreet

Highstreet

Highstreet is a play-to-earn open-world metaverse that blends shopping, gaming, and NFTs in an MMORPG setting. It reimagines e-commerce by turning real products into “phygital” items—bridging traditional brands with Web3. Players earn through gameplay and brand-driven value creation, aiming to offer sustainable yield through immersive, retail-focused experiences.
Purpose:
Entertaining, Socialising, Transactions
Created by:
Highstreet
Launched in:
2021
Visit this Virtual World
Illuvium

Illuvium

Illuvium is an open-world fantasy RPG built on the Ethereum blockchain. Players explore alien landscapes, capture creatures called Illuvials, and battle in auto-chess-style arenas. Combining high-quality graphics with decentralised ownership, it offers play-to-earn mechanics through ILV tokens and NFTs, appealing to both gamers and crypto enthusiasts.
Purpose:
Entertaining, Transactions
Created by:
Illuvium
Launched in:
2024
Visit this Virtual World
IMVU

IMVU

IMVU is a social metaverse platform where users create 3D avatars to chat, play, and build virtual worlds. Known for its vast user-generated content, IMVU lets people customise their look, design spaces, and connect through shared experiences. With its own virtual economy and currency, it blends social networking with immersive roleplay and creative expression.
Purpose:
Creating, Entertaining, Socialising
Created by:
Together Labs
Launched in:
2004
Visit this Virtual World
LearnBrite

LearnBrite

LearnBrite is a browser-based metaverse platform for immersive learning and collaboration. It enables organisations to create interactive 3D spaces for training, meetings, and events—no downloads or VR headsets required. With support for SCORM, gamification, and AI avatars, it blends engagement and accessibility in a customisable virtual environment.
Purpose:
Creating, Exploitation, Learning
Created by:
Hyperspace
Launched in:
2015
Visit this Virtual World