For better or for worse, VRChat is the next big thing

VRChat is a Virtual Reality social service that is currently blowing up in the gaming space. Available via Early Access on Steam, VRChat is currently taking the gaming world by storm and redefining the social game genre. With over 1.5 million players and counting, developer VRChat Inc. may have just created an industry changing product.

Taking social aspects from game’s such as Second Life and Habbo Hotel and adding a whole new layer of immersion through Virtual Reality technology. It’s not a surprise that VRChat is a big hit. But is it a healthy trend in the gaming space?

The developers describe the games as “a world where anything is possible. Join a game of capture the flag in outer space. Share stories around a campfire while roasting marshmallows, then moments later experience a retro game of bowling with an alien and robot. In VRChat there is something around every corner that will delight, thanks to the power of true user generated content. Jump into hundreds of awe inspiring environments and meet unique avatars every day. Watch a movie on the moon. Ride the Titanic. Step into a new world every time you come online. In VRChat, you are one of us. Enjoy your stay.”

More succinctly, VRChat is a service that allows users to jump in to the VR world using their avatars, experience a huge range of user generated games and other content, all whilst interacting and communicating with a whole range of other real players. Well, that’s the idea anyway. What you’re much more likely to find is an insane playground full of individuals running amok, making their own entertainment and utilising the game’s full functionality to engage in meme culture – just like the internet does best.

The following video is currently the most watched video when you type “VRChat” into YouTube. It speaks for itself.