Jump to content

Viverse

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
VIVERSE
HeadquartersDublin, Ireland
Country of originTaiwan
FounderCher Wang (Co-Founder)
ChairpersonCher Wang
Key peopleJoseph Lin (General Manager)
Andranik Aslanyan (Head of Growth)
Industrybrowser games
video games
extended reality
user-generated content
ServicesVIVERSE Avatar
VIVERSE Create
VIVERSE Marketplace
VIVERSE for Business
ParentHTC
URLviverse.com
Launched1 March 2022; 4 years ago (2022-03-01)

VIVERSE is a gaming and content platform developed by HTC. Games can be played instantly in a web browser across desktop, mobile, tablets, and VR devices, as well as through iOS and Android mobile apps.[1]

Originally launched in 2022,[2][3] VIVERSE is a platform where gamers can discover instant-play, no-install premium games to play for free in their web browser, and developers can easily publish, distribute, and monetize on the open web.[1][4]

The platform partners with independent creators, studios, and distributors to bring premium titles to VIVERSE users, many of which normally require a purchase and download elsewhere but can be played instantly on VIVERSE in the browser or app. Among the studios who have brought titles to the platform are COWCAT, whose BROK the InvestiGator (previously available on paid PC, console, and mobile storefronts) launched free on VIVERSE;[5][6] Bedtime Digital Games, which publishes titles including Back to Bed and Figment on the platform;[7] and Sennep, whose typography-based game Alphaputt was rebuilt as a free, web-based experience on VIVERSE after previously being a paid release.[8][9] These are a small sample of the growing library of premium titles available on VIVERSE, many of which are not widely available elsewhere on the web.

Beyond curated titles, VIVERSE is designed so that anyone can publish and host their own games, videos, web apps, art, and immersive XR experiences, then share with others via a link.[4]

The platform includes tools for avatar creation, content publishing, and a digital asset marketplace, along with business-facing solutions. VIVERSE also supports a broader creator economy, including funding programs and direct monetization options for creators and publishers.[1][10]

History

[edit]

Origins (2014–2022)

[edit]

Some component technologies that would later become part of VIVERSE were developed as early as 2014, though VIVERSE was not formally announced until the 2022 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.[2][3] Cher Wang, CEO of HTC, co-founded the platform and serves as its chairperson.[2] At launch, VIVERSE was positioned as an open metaverse intended to connect virtual worlds, avatars, and social experiences across devices, including HTC's VR headsets and mobile platforms, without being confined to any single piece of hardware.[3]

2022–2023: Early Platform Era

[edit]

VIVERSE began building its enterprise ambitions, launching VIVERSE for Business in 2023 to give companies tools for building branded virtual spaces.[11]

2024–2025: VIVERSE Create and WebXR

[edit]

HTC expanded VIVERSE's creation and content tools through 2024 and 2025, starting with VIVERSE Create, a no-code virtual world-building tool introduced in 2024.[12] The following year brought VIVERSE Worlds, a cross-device destination for hosting and discovering 3D content,[13] along with support for all major WebXR game engines, a first among immersive platforms.[14]

VIVERSE ended 2025 having reported 1 million monthly active users.[15] That November, the platform retired support for NFT-related transactions.[16]

2025–2026: Games-First Repositioning

[edit]

VIVERSE has shifted its core focus toward games. The platform continues to support video, web apps, art, and immersive experiences, which users can upload and share alongside partnered and third-party game content.[17][1] In February 2026, HTC launched the VIVERSE Partner Program, a performance-based initiative that lets creators earn based on audience engagement rather than advertising impressions.[18]

Platform and Products

[edit]

Content

[edit]

Games

[edit]

Games are VIVERSE's primary content category, with free, instant-play browser titles spanning a range of genres from both third-party studios and independent creators.[17] The library extends to mobile through a dedicated VIVERSE app, available on Android since 2023[19] and iOS since June 2026.[20]

WebXR

[edit]

VIVERSE supports WebXR, an open standard for browser-based extended reality experiences. The platform hosts user-created 3D content, known as Worlds, that can be built, published, and explored across devices.[13] As of 2025, VIVERSE became the first immersive platform to support all major WebXR game engines, including Unity WebGL, Three.js, Godot, A-Frame, and PlayCanvas, among others.[14]

Video, Apps, and Art

[edit]

VIVERSE also supports user-generated video content, web applications, and XR art experiences. In 2026, VIVERSE partnered with Open Brush, a community-developed version of Tilt Brush, to host the "VIVERSE x Open Brush Art Jam," a competition allowing artists to publish immersive 3D artwork created in Open Brush directly to VIVERSE for free.[21]

Products

[edit]

VIVERSE Avatar

[edit]

VIVERSE Avatar lets users create a personal avatar in one of three styles:[22]

  • Stylized — 3D models that can be exported as an ARKit-compatible VRM file for use as VTuber avatars for live streaming, avatar use across multiple platforms, or other user-generated content, complete with customizable options
  • Retro — a classic anime-inspired design with customizable options
  • Realistic — generated from a webcam capture or photo scan to reflect the user's own likeness or one they provide

Users can also select pre-made avatars from the VIVERSE Marketplace instead of building their own, and avatars carry across games and worlds where supported.[22][23]

VIVERSE Create

[edit]

VIVERSE Create offers multiple ways to publish content, from no-code, in-browser tools to full engine support and AI-assisted coding. Creators can share work with a simple browser-ready upload or use a command-line interface for more advanced deployment.[4]

VIVERSE Marketplace

[edit]

VIVERSE Marketplace is a storefront for digital assets, including 3D VRM avatars, virtual worlds, and 3D models.[23]

Creator Economy

[edit]

VIVERSE supports creators and publishers through a combination of funding programs and built-in monetization options.

Creator Grants

[edit]

The Creator Grant program, launched in 2025, funds creators building games, art experiences, worlds, and other 3D content for VIVERSE. Funding terms are negotiated individually per project and typically include guaranteed compensation plus performance bonuses after launch. Accepted creators also gain access to development tools, asset libraries, and community support, and the program has reached creators in over 36 countries so far.[24]

Partner Program

[edit]

The Partner Program, launched in 2026, pays creators based on audience engagement rather than advertising impressions, tied to unique views, with no minimum follower requirement to participate.[18]

General Monetization

[edit]

Creators and publishers can also monetize content directly, through channel subscriptions, per-title fees, or free, ad-supported access.[25]

VIVERSE for Business

[edit]

VIVERSE for Business provides tools for companies to create custom, branded 3D virtual spaces for customer engagement, collaboration, and training, with support planned across VR headsets, smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Tools include AI-driven features such as real-time translation and virtual assistants, and the platform supports Microsoft Single Sign-On and ISO-compliant security.[10]

Solutions

[edit]

VIVERSE for Business offers a set of industry-specific solutions:

  • 3D Commerce — embeddable 3D storefronts and interactive product showcases for online retail, with support for platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, and Magento[26]
  • Digital Twin — virtual replicas of physical spaces and systems for real-time monitoring and insights[27]
  • Arts & Culture — virtual galleries and interactive exhibits for museums and cultural institutions, supporting heritage preservation and public access[28]
  • Education — immersive learning environments for institutions and educators[29]
  • For Good — partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups to deliver accessible, browser-based 3D experiences[30]
  • Healthcare — VIVERSE technology is used as a backend component of DeepQ, HTC's AI-driven healthcare subsidiary[31]
  • Training — interactive simulations for corporate and industry skills training[32]
  • Polygon Streaming — a service for delivering high-fidelity 3D content by streaming only visible or nearby detail, reducing load times on lower-end devices[33]
  • 3D Scene Generator — a tool that converts user-uploaded video into 3D Gaussian splat scenes[34]

Awards and Recognition

[edit]
  • 2023 — ICT Champion Awards, VR Platform of the Year[35]
  • 2023 — European Metaverse Awards, Top Metaverse Platform (Consumer)[35]
  • 2024 — XR Awards, Best Immersive Collaboration Solution (Winner)[36][37]
  • 2024 — Auggie Awards, Best Collaboration Tool (Finalist, VIVERSE for Business)[38]
  • 2024 — Auggie Awards, Best Use of AI (Finalist, VIVERSE for Business)[38]
  • 2024 — London Design Awards, Best Innovation, User Experience Design (Winner; entrant of record: Cultural Path Ltd., using VIVERSE technology for the BizWinner 5G XR Expo Solution)[39]
  • 2025 — Auggie Awards, Best Creator & Authoring Tool (Finalist, VIVERSE Create)[40]
[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 3 4 "VIVERSE". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  2. 1 2 3 "HTC VIVE Debuts New Viverse Experience at Mobile World Congress". VIVERSE Blog. HTC. 2022-02-28. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  3. 1 2 3 Takahashi, Dean (2022-02-28). "HTC unveils its Viverse vision of the metaverse". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  4. 1 2 3 "VIVERSE Create". create.viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  5. ↑ "BROK the InvestiGator Is Now Free to Play On VIVERSE". COGconnected. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  6. ↑ "BROK the InvestiGator Now Available for Free on VIVERSE". Games Press. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  7. ↑ "Bedtime Digital Games on VIVERSE". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  8. ↑ "Award-Winning Alphaputt Comes to VIVERSE, Demonstrating How Developers Can Drive Long-Tail Game Discovery Through Web-Based Platforms". Business Wire. 2026-02-12. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  9. ↑ "Alphaputt is now free to play, in your browser". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  10. 1 2 "VIVERSE for Business". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  11. ↑ "HTC VIVE Grows XR Ecosystem, Launches VIVERSE for Business". VIVERSE Blog. HTC. 2023-05-17. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  12. ↑ "HTC Launches No-Code Virtual World Builder With VIVERSE Create". Business Wire. 2024-08-22. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  13. 1 2 "HTC Launches VIVERSE Worlds, the Ultimate Destination for 3D Content Exploration". Business Wire. 2025-02-26. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  14. 1 2 "HTC VIVERSE Becomes First Immersive Platform to Support All Major WebXR Game Engines". Business Wire. 2025-06-12. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  15. ↑ "HTC 'VIVERSE' Immersive Social Platform Hits 1 Million Monthly-active Users". Road to VR. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  16. ↑ "VIVERSE Terms of Use Update". VIVERSE Blog. HTC. 2025-11-05. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  17. 1 2 "Play Browser Games Online for Free". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  18. 1 2 "VIVERSE Redefines the Creator Economy by Paying Creators for Engagement, Not Ad Impressions". Business Wire. 2026-02-24. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  19. ↑ "VIVERSE App". YouTube. HTC VIVE. 2023-08-22. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  20. ↑ "What's new in VIVERSE: June 2026 Updates". VIVERSE Blog. HTC. 2026-07-10. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  21. ↑ "VIVERSE Offers Cash Prizes for Artwork in First "Open Brush Art Jam" Competition". Business Wire. 2026-03-02. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  22. 1 2 "VIVERSE Avatar". avatar.viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  23. 1 2 "VIVERSE Marketplace". market.viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  24. ↑ "VIVERSE Creator Grants". create.viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  25. ↑ "VIVERSE Technical Docs - Monetization". docs.viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  26. ↑ "3D Commerce". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  27. ↑ "Digital Twin". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  28. ↑ "Arts & Culture". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  29. ↑ "Education". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  30. ↑ "For Good". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  31. ↑ "VIVERSE". viverse.com site navigation. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25. Solutions navigation lists Healthcare, linking to deepq.com
  32. ↑ "Training". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  33. ↑ "Polygon Streaming". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  34. ↑ "3D Scene Generator". viverse.com. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  35. 1 2 "VIVERSE Receives Double Honors at the ICT Champion Awards and European Metaverse Awards". VIVERSE Blog. HTC. 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  36. ↑ "VIVERSE for Business Wins Best Immersive Collaboration Solution at XR Awards 2024". VIVERSE Blog. HTC. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  37. ↑ "XR Awards 2024 Winners". XR Today. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  38. 1 2 "2024 Auggie Awards Finalists". AWE. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  39. ↑ "BizWinner 5G XR Expo Solution". The London Design Awards. 2024. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
  40. ↑ "2025 Auggie Awards Winners". AWE. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Viverse&oldid=1371342394"