Overte
Overte is software for building and sharing virtual worlds that people can visit on desktop or in VR.
What Overte is
Overte is software for building and sharing virtual worlds that people can visit on desktop or in VR. Users can host worlds, explore them, meet others, and organize or attend live VR events. World creation and editing can be collaborative, and VR support includes body tracking. A single world can scale to 500 users. JavaScript scripting supports games, interactive objects, interface elements, and custom applications; users can also bring 3D objects into a virtual environment. The software includes spatial audio and physics powered by the Bullet physics engine. Overte is free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license, with releases for Linux and Windows as well as source code and Docker images. It can be self-hosted, including on a home server, and does not require a user account or central authority. The project is backed by Overte e.V., a German non-profit association; membership is not required to use or develop it. Documentation covers security for Interface and servers, including crash reporting and asset security.
Good
- Free and open source under Apache 2.0
- Collaborative world creation and editing
- VR support includes body tracking
- Worlds can scale to 500 users
- Self-hosting and guest access are supported
Watch out
- Desktop releases are listed for Linux and Windows
- VR use requires compatible VR equipment
Who it suits
Overte suits people who want to build or visit shared desktop and VR worlds, host events, or develop interactive experiences with JavaScript. It also fits users who want to self-host or work with open-source software.
Verdict
Overte combines collaborative world building, social spaces, and VR events in free, open-source software. Its self-hosting and scripting options suit people comfortable creating or operating virtual environments.
Plans and prices
From Overte's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Overte | Free | Open-source virtual worlds and social VR software · Apache 2.0 license |
The facts
Each one read from Overte's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio and physics
- Overte lists high quality low latency spatial audio and physics powered by the Bullet physics engine.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Downloads
- The downloads page lists Linux and Windows releases, source code, and Docker images.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Importing 3D objects
- The documentation says users can import any 3D object into their virtual environment.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Integrations and community
- The project links to Matrix and Discord for discussion, and says its Matrix Space is bridged to Discord.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Open source
- Overte is fully open source under the Apache 2.0 license.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Organization
- Overte e.V. is the association behind Overte and is a non-profit association registered in Germany; association membership is not required to use or develop the software.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Privacy
- The website privacy policy says overte.org uses log files that collect IP addresses, browser type, ISP, timestamps, referring and exit pages, and possibly click counts; it says these are not linked to personally identifiable information.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- Overte lets people create and share virtual worlds as VR and desktop experiences, host worlds, explore, meet users, and attend or host live VR events.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Scripting
- JavaScript scripting can be used to create games, interactables, UI elements, and custom applications.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Security
- The documentation provides security information for Interface, the server, and the metaverse server, with sections on crash reporting and asset security.checked 7 Oct 2001
- Self hosting and accounts
- The site says there is no central authority, users can run a server from home, and no user account is required.checked 7 Oct 2001
- VR
- VR support includes body tracking.checked 7 Oct 2001
- World building
- The software supports collaborative world creation and editing.checked 7 Oct 2001
- World capacity
- The site says a single world can scale to up to 500 users.checked 7 Oct 2001
The company
- Headquarters
- Paderborn, Germanychecked 28 Sep 2001
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