OpenSim Monthly Report: A Decline in Land Area and User Engagement
The virtual world of OpenSim has seen significant shifts this month, with notable declines in both land area and user engagement. As the community navigates these changes, it’s essential to analyze the factors contributing to these trends and what they might mean for the future of OpenSim.
Declining Land Area and User Numbers
This month, OpenSim experienced a decrease of over 3,000 standard region equivalents in total land area, bringing the total down to approximately 135,700 standard regions. This drop is particularly striking as it follows an all-time high in the previous month. Additionally, the total number of registered users fell by just over 1,000, while active monthly users decreased by 425, now totaling 47,195.
The primary reason for this decline in land area can be traced back to the Discovery Grid, which did not report its region totals this month. In April, Discovery Grid had reported 5,178 standard region equivalents, and its absence in this month’s statistics has significantly impacted the overall numbers. Furthermore, several other grids, including Kater and Friends, ProxyNet, Caribou Grid, and Resurgence, also failed to report their statistics. Each of these grids had previously reported hundreds of active users, indicating a potential loss of engagement or operational issues.
The Impact of Grid Closures
While the numerical losses are concerning, they are not directly attributed to the recent closure of 3rd Rock Grid, which officially shut down yesterday. This grid had continued to show as active for the past four weeks and had reported its statistics up until its closure. The impact of 3rd Rock Grid’s closure will likely be reflected in next month’s report, further complicating the landscape of OpenSim.
Notable Gains Amidst Declines
Despite the overall decline in land area, some grids have managed to thrive. OSgrid emerged as the biggest gainer, adding 1,160 new standard region equivalents, solidifying its position as the largest public grid in OpenSim. Following closely behind were ZetaWorlds, which gained 1,024 new regions, and Wolf Territories Grid, which added 384 new regions. These gains highlight that while some grids are struggling, others are finding ways to attract new users and expand their virtual territories.
Tracking the Landscape of OpenSim
Currently, there are 2,661 OpenSim grids tracked, with 307 being active and 249 publishing their statistics this month. This data underscores the dynamic nature of the OpenSim ecosystem, where new grids are continually emerging, and existing ones are evolving. Notably, five new grids were added to the database this month, including 3World, BachmansWorld One, Bridger, CyberDataStorm, and Dark Heaven.
For grid owners looking to enhance their visibility, it’s crucial to report statistics regularly. The absence of data from certain grids can lead to a skewed understanding of the overall health of the OpenSim community. Grid owners are encouraged to reach out if they have updates or news to share, ensuring their grids are represented in future reports.
The Future of OpenSim
OpenSim remains a free, open-source virtual world platform that allows users to create and explore virtual environments. While the current statistics may indicate a downturn, the platform’s flexibility and accessibility continue to attract new users. Those with technical skills can run their own OpenSim worlds using various distributions, while commercial hosting options remain affordable.
As the community looks ahead, it’s essential to foster engagement and innovation within the platform. The upcoming Hypergrid Business newsletter, launching on the 15th of each month, will provide updates on OpenSim news and developments, helping to keep the community informed and connected.
Conclusion
The recent decline in OpenSim’s land area and user engagement serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by virtual worlds. However, the resilience of certain grids and the continuous emergence of new ones offer hope for the future. By maintaining open lines of communication and encouraging regular reporting, the OpenSim community can work together to navigate these changes and foster a vibrant virtual environment for all users.
For more detailed statistics and insights, users can refer to the raw data available on Hypergrid Business, which tracks the evolving landscape of OpenSim and its many grids.