SideQuest, the alternative app library for Quest headsets, is bringing Microsoft's long-shuttered social VR platform AltspaceVR back from the dead. The company announced on July 29, 2026, that it has acquired the rights to the Altspace name and plans to launch a "brand new Altspace" this fall—a spiritual successor that reclaims the playful, community-centered identity of the platform's 2016–2017 peak, complete with its iconic robot avatars.
What SideQuest Is Actually Building
SideQuest isn't simply dusting off Microsoft's old servers. CEO Shane Harris made clear in a Reddit post that this will be a rebuilt platform, not a restoration of the AltspaceVR that Microsoft shuttered on March 10, 2023. The target is the early Altspace experience—think shared social spaces, community events, and approachable avatars—not the enterprise collaboration tools Microsoft pursued with Mesh.
To get there, Harris has assembled a team that includes former Altspace staffers and what he calls "some of the most prolific OG players." One key recruit is Christian Boe, the original concept designer behind Altspace's beloved robots. Boe's involvement guarantees that robot avatars will return alongside new custom avatar options. The company promises regular development updates as the fall launch window approaches, though no specific date has been set.
The Robot Avatars Are Back—And That Matters
For anyone who used Altspace during its early years, the return of the robot avatars is more than a nostalgic throwback. Microsoft's later decision to replace them with human-only avatars became a flashpoint for the community—a symbol of the platform's shift away from its quirky, inclusive roots toward a more generic professional aesthetic. By bringing back the robots (with updated variants and accessories), SideQuest is signaling a clear break from Microsoft's vision and a return to the identity that first drew people in.
But the reboot isn't just about avatars. Harris says the initial release will bring back much of the functionality that defined the 2016–2017 era, including support for live events, meetups, and user-created spaces. That focus on curated social experiences once made Altspace a haven for comedy shows, educational gatherings, and grassroots community building—a niche that remains underserved in today's VR landscape.
Who This Affects (and How)
For former Altspace users
If you were active on the original AltspaceVR, don't expect to log in with your old account. This is a clean slate—no legacy data will carry over. You'll need to create a new profile when the platform launches. The good news: many of the features you remember should feel familiar, and the team is specifically courting "OG users" to shape the experience. Expect the same welcoming, less chaotic social atmosphere that set Altspace apart from VRChat.
For VR newcomers looking for a social home
The modern VR social app landscape is dominated by VRChat's open-ended, often overwhelming ecosystem, Meta's tightly controlled Horizon Worlds, and the kid-focused Rec Room. Altspace—if executed well—could fill a middle ground: a social platform that's more structured than VRChat but more creator-friendly than Horizon Worlds. Its event-driven model could appeal to users tired of VRChat's free-for-all or Rec Room's younger crowd.
For Windows PC VR and Quest owners
SideQuest hasn't announced a final platform list, but the original Altspace launched on PC VR and eventually reached Quest, Gear VR, and Go. Given SideQuest's deep ties to the Quest ecosystem, a Quest version is all but guaranteed. PC VR support is also likely, as the original team's roots were in PC headsets. Meta is the dominant headset maker today, but PC VR stalwarts using Valve Index, HTC Vive, or Windows Mixed Reality might still get a seat at the table.
For IT professionals and enterprise users
Microsoft Mesh was the enterprise successor to Altspace, and its standalone PC, web, and Quest experiences were retired on December 1, 2025, with remaining immersive-event features folded into Microsoft Teams. The new Altspace is purely consumer-focused; it won't replace Mesh or Teams for business collaboration. If your organization relied on Mesh for virtual meetings, you'll need to stick with Teams or look to platforms like Engage or Spatial.
The Road Here: From Altspace to Mesh to a Revival
AltspaceVR launched in 2015 as one of the first social VR platforms, offering shared spaces where people could gather, watch videos, play games, and attend live events. Microsoft acquired the startup in 2017, and for a while, Altspace continued to operate largely as before—a quirky, cross-platform meeting ground. But by 2022, Microsoft had begun pivoting toward Mesh, a mixed-reality collaboration platform aimed at enterprise customers.
On January 20, 2023, Microsoft announced it would shut down AltspaceVR on March 10, 2023, to redirect resources to Mesh. The news devastated a small but loyal user base that had built communities around weekly dance parties, comedy open-mics, and support groups. Mesh launched later that year, but it never captured a broad audience. Its standalone apps—available on PC, web, and Quest—were pulled on December 1, 2025, with Microsoft integrating what remained into Teams.
Now, SideQuest—a company best known for its Quest sideloading store and community tools—sees an opportunity to revive the brand and the community that had been left behind. By acquiring the rights to the Altspace name and assembling a team of veterans, SideQuest aims to restart the platform on its own terms, free from enterprise mandates.
What You Can Do Right Now
As of early August 2026, there's no sign-up page, no beta program, and no way to reserve a username. SideQuest has promised regular development updates in the coming weeks and months, so the most practical step is to watch SideQuest's official channels—their website, Reddit, and social media—for news.
If you were part of the original Altspace community, you might also look for unofficial Discord servers or forums where OG users are gathering. Harris says the team is already consulting with "prolific OG players," so engaging with those communities could give you a voice in shaping the platform's direction.
VR headset owners who don't yet have a Quest or PC VR setup might consider this a catalyst: prices for used Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets remain reasonable, and the Meta Quest 3S (announced in September 2025) is the latest budget option. PC VR users with older Windows Mixed Reality headsets should note that Microsoft recently removed WMR from Windows 11, but those still on Windows 10 can continue to use them until end of support.
What Comes Next
The fall launch window is the critical milestone. SideQuest has the brand, the team, and a direct line to the Quest audience through its existing app store. What it doesn't have yet—and what will likely determine the platform's fate—is a sustainable business model. The original AltspaceVR operated for eight years without monetization; it lacked an in-world economy, a creator marketplace, or even a subscription tier. VRChat's thriving economy, Rec Room's in-app purchases, and Horizon Worlds' integration with Meta's ad business all show that social VR demands more than just community goodwill.
SideQuest hasn't shared how it plans to keep the lights on, but Harris's focus on recapturing what made Altspace great suggests the first priority is to rebuild the audience. A successful relaunch might lead to creator tools, event ticketing, or premium avatar accessories down the line. For now, all eyes are on fall—and the hope that the robots can make social VR feel welcoming again.