Explanation
Platforms that allow users to interact socially in a virtual environment.
Real-world example
VRChat, where you meet friends as avatars to chat and hang out.
Practical applications
- Immersive meetings: collaborating remotely with a real sense of presence
- Virtual events: conferences, trade shows, afterwork gatherings in VR
- Collaborative training: group work, role-playing, team simulations
- Informal socializing: meetups, conversations, relaxation among colleagues
Social VR platforms
Consumer platforms
- VRChat: creative freedom, diverse communities
- Rec Room: social games and activities
- Horizon Worlds: Meta's platform
Example: Joining friends to play together in VR
Professional platforms
- Horizon Workrooms: work meetings
- Spatial: collaboration and showrooms
- Engage: corporate training and events
Example: An international team's weekly meeting in VR
VR scenario
A team spread across 3 continents meets weekly in Horizon Workrooms. Around a virtual table, they brainstorm on a shared whiteboard, share their screens, and interact almost as if they were in person. Social VR advantageously replaces video conferencing.
Why it matters in professional VR
- Social VR addresses the human interaction deficit of remote work
- Presence + collaboration + informality: what video calls cannot offer
- Growing use case post-Covid: meetings, onboarding, team events