Farewell to 3rd Rock Grid: A New Chapter Begins

Today marks a poignant moment in the history of OpenSim as 3rd Rock Grid, one of the oldest and most beloved grids, officially closes its doors. This grid has been a cornerstone of the OpenSim community since its inception, providing a vibrant space for creativity, social interaction, and exploration. As the digital curtains fall, we reflect on its legacy and the promising future that lies ahead for its residents.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

The announcement of 3rd Rock Grid’s closure came back in March, sending ripples of nostalgia and sadness through its community. Many residents have since migrated to other grids, with ZetaWorlds emerging as a popular new home. This transition has not only been about finding a new virtual space but also about preserving the community spirit that has flourished on 3rd Rock Grid for years.

The New Home: ZetaWorlds

For those seeking to continue their journey, the Sirocco region on ZetaWorlds is set to become the administrative hub for the 3rd Rock Grid expat community. Here, residents can find land available for rent, starting at an incredibly affordable $2.50 a month for a 10,000-prim region, reminiscent of Second Life’s offerings. This affordability is made possible by the non-profit structure of the 3rd Wind Community, which has secured dedicated servers from ZetaWorlds.

Alia Soulstar, a founder of the 3rd Wind Community, expressed the collective desire to remain united as a family. “We had a month-long series of community meetings where we invited the owners of a handful of grids to come and talk,” she shared. The decision to move to ZetaWorlds was driven by the flexibility it offers, allowing the community to design their own virtual environment.

Exploring the New Landscape

As the 3rd Wind Community begins to establish itself on ZetaWorlds, several regions are already buzzing with activity. The Sirocco region serves as a starting point for newcomers, where they can gather information about land ownership and community events.

Residents can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the Peapod region and the vibrant atmosphere of the Risa area on the Anubis region. However, the crown jewel of ZetaWorlds is undoubtedly the Infinity region, particularly the Starfleet Infinity area, which features bars, dance venues, space stations, and starships, creating an immersive experience for all who visit.

A Commitment to Preservation

For those who have yet to transfer their regions or avatar inventories, there is still time. The 3rd Rock Grid team has created OARs (OpenSim Archive files) of all regions and will hold them in cloud storage for a year, ensuring that users can reclaim their virtual homes. Tara Dockery, a board member of 3rd Rock Grid, reassured users that these OARs will be available upon request, allowing for a seamless transition to ZetaWorlds.

Community and Culture

The 3rd Wind Community is not just about land and regions; it is also about fostering a rich cultural environment. With arts and education areas, as well as public lands, the community is committed to creating a vibrant space for creativity and collaboration. Live performances are scheduled four to five times a week on the Khamsin region, ensuring that the spirit of community engagement continues to thrive.

Looking Ahead

As the 3rd Rock Grid closes its doors, it is not the end but rather a new beginning for its residents. The transition to ZetaWorlds represents an opportunity to build a new community while cherishing the memories of the past. With dedicated efforts from community leaders and the support of former residents, the future looks bright.

For more information about the 3rd Wind Community, including land prices, events, and membership details, visit the 3rd Wind Community website.

In this time of change, the legacy of 3rd Rock Grid will live on in the hearts of its residents, as they embark on this new adventure together. The virtual world may be ever-changing, but the bonds formed within it remain unbreakable.

As we bid farewell to 3rd Rock Grid, we celebrate the resilience and creativity of its community, looking forward to the exciting possibilities that await in ZetaWorlds.