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

Sansar

Sansar

Sansar is a social virtual reality platform that enables users to create, explore, and share immersive 3D experiences. Designed for events, concerts, and social meetups, it offers high-quality graphics, spatial audio, and custom avatars, fostering interactive gatherings in a visually rich virtual world.
Purpose:
Creating, Entertaining, Socialising
Created by:
Launched in:
2017
Second Life

Second Life

Second Life is a virtual world where users create avatars to explore, socialise, and interact with user-generated content. Launched in 2003 by Linden Lab, it quickly grew to around one million users by 2013. Unlike typical online games, it has no set goals or conflicts—offering an open-ended, immersive experience shaped entirely by its community.
Purpose:
Creating, Entertaining, Exploitation, Learning, Service, Socialising, Transactions, Working
Created by:
Launched in:
2003
Sensorium Galaxy

Sensorium Galaxy

Sensorium Galaxy is a next-generation digital metaverse focused on immersive entertainment and social experiences. Blending AI-driven virtual beings, VR, and high-quality music performances, it offers users interactive worlds where they can connect, explore, and attend events. Built for music, art, and self-expression, Sensorium aims to redefine how people experience culture in the metaverse.
Purpose:
Entertaining
Created by:
Launched in:
2023
Sine Space

Sine Space

Sine Space is a multiplayer virtual world platform that lets users create, explore, and monetise immersive 3D experiences. Built for creators, it supports custom avatars, virtual goods, and real-time events. With tools for education, business, and entertainment, Sine Space bridges creativity and collaboration in an open metaverse environment.
Purpose:
Creating, Entertaining, Exploitation, Learning, Service, Socialising, Transactions
Launched in:
2016
Somnium Space

Somnium Space

Somnium Space is an open, social VR metaverse where users can buy virtual land, build environments, and interact in real time. Fully blockchain-based, it supports VR and desktop access, enabling ownership of digital assets like avatars and items as NFTs. It offers immersive experiences for gaming, events, socialising, and virtual commerce.
Purpose:
Creating, Transactions
Created by:
Launched in:
2018
Spatial

Spatial

Spatial is a metaverse platform that enables users to create, share, and explore immersive 3D spaces for events, exhibitions, meetings, and social gatherings. Accessible via web, VR, and mobile, it supports custom avatars, voice and video chat, and NFT integration. Designed for creators and communities, Spatial blends art, culture, and collaboration in an interactive virtual environment.
Purpose:
Entertaining, Exploitation, Learning, Service, Socialising, Working
Created by:
Launched in:
2017
The Nemesis

The Nemesis

The Nemesis is a metaverse platform blending gaming, social interaction, and Web3 features. Users can explore immersive 3D worlds, attend virtual events, and play games while interacting with others. It supports branded experiences, NFT integration, and offers tools for creators to build and monetise their own virtual spaces.
Purpose:
Creating, Entertaining, Socialising
Created by:
Launched in:
2019
The Wild

The Wild

The Wild is an immersive collaboration platform for architecture and design teams, enabling real-time interaction in shared virtual spaces. Accessible in VR or on desktop, it supports 3D model reviews, spatial coordination, and feedback, making remote design workflows more intuitive and engaging. Ideal for creative teams working in AEC and related fields.
Purpose:
Socialising, Working
Created by:
Launched in:
2017