Microsoft shutters AltspaceVR amid company-wide layoffs

AltspaceVR goes darkish in March as a part of mother or father firm Microsoft’s current restructuring. Based on a current publish on its web site, the VR-based social area will formally sundown on March 10 in favor of Microsoft Mesh. It’s providing customers an opportunity to say goodbye to the platform and obtain their content material earlier than it goes offline.

Microsoft acquired AltspaceVR in 2017, shortly after the startup firm ran out of cash. The crew stated that it plans to “shift our focus to help immersive experiences powered by Microsoft Mesh.” As a substitute of specializing in client experiences, Mesh is a brand new platform geared toward bringing social VR to the office.

This week, Microsoft started a sequence of layoffs throughout its portfolio in an effort to chop prices. These layoffs embrace staff at Xbox, Bethesda Recreation Studios and 343 Industries. It’s not clear if the closure of AltspaceVR is a part of the final reductions, however Satya Nadella stated in a current weblog publish that the corporate will “proceed to spend money on strategic areas for our future, that means we’re allocating each our capital and expertise to areas of secular development and long-term competitiveness for the corporate, whereas divesting in different areas.”

Microsoft has provided directions on how customers can obtain their content material and host farewell occasions. It additionally acknowledged the customers who’ve logged a substantial period of time in Altspace saying, “it has been a privilege to assist unlock passions amongst customers, from academic alternatives for private development to the event of distinctive and fantastic occasions, groundbreaking artwork, and immersive experiences — enabling this neighborhood to attain extra.”