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
Town Star

Town Star

Town Star is a blockchain-based farming and town-building game from Gala Games. Players compete to build efficient towns, producing and trading goods to earn points and climb leaderboards. With play-to-earn mechanics, users can collect NFTs that enhance gameplay and generate rewards, blending classic simulation strategy with Web3 features.
Purpose:
Entertaining, Transactions
Created by:
Gala Games
Launched in:
2021
Visit this Virtual World
Upland

Upland

Upland is a blockchain-based metaverse where players buy, sell, and trade virtual properties mapped to real-world addresses. Built on the EOS blockchain, it features a play-to-earn economy powered by its native token, UPX. Users can build, collect NFTs, and run virtual businesses, making Upland a gamified version of the real estate market within a digital world.
Purpose:
Entertaining, Socialising, Transactions
Created by:
Uplandme
Launched in:
2019
Visit this Virtual World
Viverse

Viverse

Viverse is HTC’s immersive metaverse platform, enabling users to explore interconnected virtual spaces, attend events, and interact through custom avatars. Supporting VR and web access, it blends art, education, entertainment, and commerce, aiming to create an open, human-centred digital universe for collaboration and creativity.
Purpose:
Entertaining, Socialising, Working
Created by:
HTC Corporation
Launched in:
2022
Visit this Virtual World
VRChat

VRChat

VRChat is a social virtual reality platform where users can create avatars, build worlds, and interact through voice and gestures. Known for its vibrant community and user-generated content, it supports both VR and desktop play. From casual chats to live events, VRChat offers immersive, real-time social experiences in shared 3D spaces.
Purpose:
Creating, Entertaining, Socialising
Created by:
VRChat
Launched in:
2014
Visit this Virtual World
VRLand by Captic

VRLand

VRLand by Captic is a browser-based platform for immersive, multiplayer 3D worlds—no downloads, special devices, or registration required. It enables users to connect, host events, play, learn, and build virtual spaces straight from their web browser. Captic’s white-label solution empowers organisations to create secure, scalable Metaverse experiences.
Purpose:
Creating, Entertaining, Learning, Service, Socialising, Working
Created by:
Captic
Launched in:
2023
Visit this Virtual World
Yuku

Yuku

Yuku (formerly Shiku metaverse) is a browser-based Web3 platform offering immersive 3D spaces where users can connect, build, and monetise designs. Its Architect Studio enables easy minting of architectural models as NFTs, integrating with an on-chain marketplace. With no downloads or KYC required, it fosters seamless collaboration and monetisation of creative assets in the open metaverse.
Purpose:
Creating, Entertaining, Socialising, Transactions
Created by:
Yuku AI
Launched in:
2024
Visit this Virtual World