VRChat

VRChat is a popular F2P online multiplayer game that allows players to enter a virtual world and interact with each other in real-time in an incredibly lifelike manner utilizing seamless features such as full body avatars with lip sync, eye tracking/blinking, 3D spatial audio, the complete range of motion, and more.

This title runs in BOTH standard and VR modes. It does not require a VR headset.



Since its appearance on the PC platform in early 2017, this VRChat game received an incredible array of updates, making it one of the premier online meeting places for gamers who want to socialize with their friends or random online users while hundreds of community-created worlds.

Highlights

• Enjoy full-body avatars that come equipped with lip sync, eye tracking/blinking, and a complete range of motion.
• Express yourself with the use of hand gestures, emotes, and emojis.
• 3-D spatialized audio technology allows you to hear conversations that are important to you.
• Participate in a variety of games including Capture the Flag, Battle Discs, Bowling, and other games that have been created by the community.
• Connect with family and friends through chatting, collaborating, drawing, sculpting, or watching videos.
• Use our Unity SDK to create your own avatars and worlds.
• Explore hundreds of worlds that have been created by other members of the community.
• Participate in official and community events.

Main Features

VRChat completely focuses on social interactions, enabling users to express themselves not only by their movements and behavior inside rich 3D worlds where they can chat, play games and explore community-created environments but also by their appearance to the smallest detail. The game features an incredibly in-depth avatar editor and level editor, with a built-in content browser for easy discovery of new assets, gameplay, and social opportunities.

However, players must be aware that VRChat has a large and active player base, with players from all over the world that may appear or emote in a way that is not respectful. These kinds of situations are closely monitored by a strong moderation team that keeps social places in VRChat approachable and friendly.

One of the greatest downsides to this game is that it can be overwhelming to new players. Its vast and complex virtual words and incredibly diverse set of avatars can cause new players to become lost in the VR environments with no knowledge of how to navigate its levels. Thankfully, the game features built-in tutorials that can provide new players with all the essential knowledge and get them started.

What’s the VRChat SDK?

The VRChat SDK is a software development kit that allows users to create interactive worlds and avatars for VRChat using the Unity3D game engine. Almost all of Unity's tools, including lighting, nav mesh, and animations, should work in VRChat. Currently, there are three versions of the SDK available.

• The first is VRChat SDK3 - Avatars, which enables users to create powerful "Avatars 3.0" avatars for VRChat that offer unparalleled expression, customization, and control.
• The second is VRChat SDK3 - Worlds, which allows users to create engaging game worlds, chill hangout spots, neon clubs, immersive experiences, or just a little spot for them and their friends to hang out.
• The third is VRChat SDK2, which is the legacy SDK and should only be used if supporting old content.

VRChat SDK3 also supports Udon, a custom-built programming language designed specifically for VRChat. Udon comes with a powerful and easy-to-use node-based programming editor, and for those who prefer writing code, the community has created several different compilers for Udon. Users who download the latest "SDK3 - Worlds" package will be able to create Udon scripts.

Where do I get the VRChat SDK?

To obtain the SDK, simply log into your account by clicking the button located at the top right-hand corner of the page. Once logged in, you will see a Download button located on the left-hand side. Click on this button and select the version of the SDK you wish to use. The SDK will be provided to you in the form of a standard Unity Package that can be imported into your Unity project.

PROS

• Immersive Virtual Reality Experience
• Creative and Customizable Avatar Creation
• Vast User-Generated Content

CONS

• Potential for Inappropriate or Offensive Content
• Requires High-Performance VR Equipment
• Steep Learning Curve for New Users

Minimum System Requirements 

• OS: Windows 11/10
• Processor: Intel® i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 equivalent or greater
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 970 / AMD Radeon™ R9 290 equivalent or greater
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 1 GB available space
• VR Support: SteamVR

Overall

VRChat is an impressive game that provides a unique and immersive gaming experience that is focused on social interactions, community-created content, eye-catching visuals, and a highly active community. Available as both a traditional PC game and a fully optimized VR experience, VRChat is a gaming and social platform that continues to provide new ways of seamless communication between players.