NeosVR
NeosVR is a free-to-play, massively multiplayer online, virtual reality application created by Solirax. It was released for free on Microsoft Windows via Steam on May 4, 2018, with support for several VR headsets.
NeosVR | |
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Developer(s) | Solirax |
Publisher(s) | Solirax |
Designer(s) | Frooxius |
Programmer(s) | Frooxius |
Engine | Hybrid, FrooxEngine (custom), and Unity |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, Linux |
Release | May 4, 2018 |
Genre(s) | Massively multiplayer online |
Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
The game allows users to interact with one another as avatars and features development tools for players to create in-game elements such as games and maps.
As of October, 2023 most of the developers have left Solirax and have created a spiritual successor to Neos, called Resonite.[1]
Gameplay
The gameplay of NeosVR bears similarities to that of VRChat and AltspaceVR.[2][3] Players interact with each other through virtual 2D and 3D avatars capable of lip sync, eye tracking, blinking, and a complete range of motion. The game may be played with either VR equipment or in a desktop configuration.[4] The latter form creates certain inabilities, such as freely moving an avatar's limbs and the inability to use some two-handed VR items.
Users may import and create avatars from other games using NeosVR's built-in "avatar creator".[5] In addition to avatars, users can write computer programs using Logix, a node-based programming system implemented within NeosVR.[6][7][8] Logix may be used to drive functionality for avatars, worlds and other inventions.
NeosVR's selection of worlds includes minigames, social lounges, and worlds created by the user base. A single user may have several multiplayer worlds loaded at the same time.[9] Users can customize their own worlds entirely from within NeosVR without the use of external SDKs,[10] though it is possible to upload custom content such as code and in-game items for use.
In the beginning of 2022, NeosVR held an event called "MMC 2023", which showcased the platform's collaborative capabilities in a 3D virtual space. Participants were able to work on projects and exchange feedback while also forming connections with other users. The event was intended to highlight the potential for collaboration and community building within the metaverse.[11]
Hardware and software support
NeosVR supports many VR headsets such as Oculus Rift, Oculus Rift S, Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 with Quest link, Oculus Go, Pimax headsets, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and the Windows Mixed Reality headsets.[12] Controllers with finger presence detection, like the Valve Index, enable users to perform hand and finger movements that can be used to trigger specific facial expressions, animations, or customized events.
In addition to headsets, NeosVR supports a variety of VR accessories such as the Leap Motion finger-tracking module and the HTC Vive Facial Tracker, enabling a user to visibly broadcast lower facial expressions and speech.[13] The HTC Vive Pro Eye is also supported, enabling the use of eye presence in select avatars.
NeosVR also offers support for hip and feet tracking, also known as 'full-body' tracking. Through inverse kinematics, the system calculates movement using up to eight extra trackers to replicate a person's physical movements in real-time.
See also
- AltspaceVR – a Microsoft-based virtual reality social platform (terminated by Microsoft, as of March 10, 2023)
- VRChat – similar virtual reality game
- Sansar – social virtual reality platform developed by the Second Life team
References
- McDougall, Frank (2023-10-03). "Resonite: A New Social VR Platform from the Former Lead Developer of Neos VR". Game Is Hard. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
- October 2016, Kevin Carbotte 01 (October 2016). "NeosVR Lets You Build Virtual Worlds With Others, Remotely And In Real Time". Tom's Hardware. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- "NeosVR sets beta test of 'metaverse engine' for May 4". VentureBeat. 2018-04-28. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- "Command Line Arguments". NeosVR Wiki. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- "3D Model Import". NeosVR Wiki. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- people.csail.mit.edu/dkao/pdf/kao2020fdg2.pdf
- James, Paul (2017-02-19). "Watch: 'LogiX' is an Impressive Multi-User Visual Programming Interface for VR". Road to VR. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
- James, Paul (2017-05-06). "Watch: NeosVR "Metaverse Engine" World Building in Action, Latest Version Adds Cloud Functionality". Road to VR. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
- "Architecture Overview". NeosVR Wiki. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- Hayden, Scott (2019-02-18). "'Neos VR' Update Brings "massive improvements" to User Friendliness, Social Features & More". Road to VR. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- 株式会社インプレス (2023-03-02). "メタバースでノードプログラミング!? 物作りの未来を先取りする「NeosVR」【でんこと旅するメタバースの世界】". 窓の杜 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2023-03-03.
- "Supported Features". NeosVR Wiki. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- Pocket-lint (2019-03-18). "HTC made a lip-tracking module for the Vive Pro VR headset". Pocket-lint. Retrieved 2020-07-22.