HTC Announces ‘VIVERSE Create’ No-Code Virtual World Builder

In Virtual Reality News

August 29, 2024 – HTC VIVE, a leading provider of virtual reality (VR) technology and creator of the VIVERSE spatial computing platform, has recently announced ‘VIVERSE Create,’ a suite of tools that enables creators to build and share interactive multiplayer worlds across any device, without requiring coding skills. According to the company, VIVERSE Create’s cross-platform “no install” feature allows users to share their creations on VR headsets, mobile devices, PCs, or Macs, making interactive entertainment accessible without the need for a dedicated gaming setup.

“Gone are the days of keeping your creations locked in your virtual world. With VIVERSE Create, we’re giving creators the tools to create any world and share it with their friends, parents—even their grandparents—to experience with one simple, secure, joinable link,” said Andranik Aslanyan, Head of Growth at HTC VIVERSE. “Whether virtual hangs, live events, or multiplayer match-ups, everyone can hang in VIVERSE Create, proving that the metaverse isn’t dead; it’s just waiting for the rest of us to catch up.”

How do creators build in VIVERSE Create?

VIVERSE stated that there are two ways to build in VIVERSE Create. The first is via a no-code building tool on the VIVERSE Create website that allows users to quickly compose virtual worlds with assets and media files directly in their web browser on flat screen devices. This allows for seamless integration with the Sketchfab library, giving users access to millions of free models without specialized 3D expertise. Additionally, it offers native support for the VROID VRM format, enabling users with advanced skills to import and utilize their existing models.

The second way to build is with PlayCanvas, an advanced game engine-style building tool that enables users to create more interactive experiences directly in the browser. PlayCanvas seamlessly deploys builds to VIVERSE and can be used with or without code.

“At PlayCanvas, we believe in the power of the web to create interactive experiences that are accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise. Our partnership with HTC VIVERSE to launch VIVERSE Create embodies this vision by enabling creators to build and share rich, multiplayer worlds directly in the browser, without the need for coding,” said Will Eastcott, PlayCanvas CEO. “This partnership marks a significant step forward in democratizing game development, making it easier than ever to bring innovative ideas to life on any device, anywhere.”

VIVERSE added that Create launches following HTC’s recent introduction of Polygon Streaming, which allows organizations to integrate high-fidelity, interactive 3D models into their workflows across a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops/PCs, and XR headsets.

What is Polygon Streaming?

Polygon Streaming helps make 3D graphics and virtual objects easier to use on different devices, even if those devices don’t have a lot of processing power. It combines server-side processing with client-side rendering to reduce bandwidth and processing power requirements, whether used for a single object or managing multiple assets within the same environment. Polygon Streaming streams the actual 3D data of an asset, transmitting only the necessary polygon data for the sections of the 3D model the user is looking at, and at the level of detail appropriate to their distance from the object. This device-agnostic approach helps to better ensure democratized access for everyone to next-generation immersive graphics and interactivity, according to HTC VIVE.

For more information about HTC VIVE and its VIVERSE Create suite of tools, please visit the company’s website. To learn more about PlayCanvas and its WebGL engine, click here.

Image credit: HTC VIVE / VIVERSE