OpenSim Reaches New Heights: Record Land Area and Active Users in April 2024
This month marks a significant milestone for OpenSim, the free and open-source virtual world platform that has been steadily gaining traction among users and developers alike. As of April 2024, the total land area on OpenSim’s public grids has soared to an impressive 138,831 standard regions, setting an all-time high. This achievement not only reflects a remarkable increase of over 5,000 regions since last month but also signifies the fourth consecutive month that OpenSim has broken its previous land area records.
OSgrid Takes the Lead
The standout performer in this month’s statistics is OSgrid, which has reclaimed its position as the largest grid by land area after adding a staggering 2,655 new regions. This growth has allowed OSgrid to surpass its closest competitor, Wolf Territories Grid, which has also seen significant growth but remains in second place. The competition between these two grids highlights the dynamic nature of the OpenSim ecosystem, where grids are constantly evolving and expanding to meet user demands.
User Engagement on the Rise
In addition to the impressive growth in land area, the number of active users on OpenSim has also reached a new record, with 47,620 users engaging with the platform this month. This marks an increase of over 2,000 active users compared to the previous month. Notably, Wolf Territories Grid has maintained its leadership position in user engagement, gaining 307 new active users. This surge in user activity underscores the growing popularity of OpenSim as a vibrant virtual community where users can connect, create, and explore.
Local Registrations and New Grids
The total number of locally registered users in OpenSim has also seen a notable increase, with more than 2,000 new registrations this month. Leading the charge is AvatarLife, which has welcomed 521 new users to its grid. This influx of new users is a testament to the appeal of OpenSim as a platform that allows individuals to create their own virtual experiences without the need for extensive technical skills.
In addition to user growth, two new grids have been added to the OpenSim database this month: Nordlicht Grid and Royal Grid. These additions further enrich the diversity of the OpenSim landscape, providing users with even more options for exploration and interaction.
Tracking OpenSim’s Growth
Currently, I am tracking a total of 2,657 public grids, with 313 of them being active. Out of these, 247 grids have published their statistics this month. If you manage a grid that is not currently being tracked, I encourage you to reach out via email at [email protected] to ensure your grid is included in future reports. This visibility can significantly enhance your grid’s presence among users and search engines alike.
Monthly Updates and News
As part of my commitment to keeping the OpenSim community informed, I will no longer be sending out monthly email reminders for news and updates. Instead, I invite grid owners to submit their news items by the tenth of each month for inclusion in the monthly wrap-up. For more extensive announcements, feel free to send press releases at any time.
The Future of OpenSim
OpenSim continues to thrive as a platform that empowers users to create and explore virtual worlds. With its user-friendly interface and low-cost hosting options—starting at less than $5 per region—OpenSim remains an attractive choice for both casual users and developers looking to build immersive experiences.
For those interested in getting started with OpenSim, a list of OpenSim hosting providers is available, along with resources for downloading the recommended Firestorm viewer and finding content for your virtual world.
Stay Updated with Hypergrid Business
To stay informed about the latest developments in the OpenSim community, consider subscribing to the Hypergrid Business newsletter, which will be released on the 15th of each month, right after the statistics report. You can subscribe here to receive updates directly in your inbox.
Conclusion
As we look forward to the future of OpenSim, the record-breaking land area and user engagement statistics for April 2024 serve as a powerful reminder of the platform’s potential. With an ever-growing community of users and grids, OpenSim is poised to continue its upward trajectory, offering endless opportunities for creativity, connection, and exploration in the virtual realm. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a newcomer to the world of virtual environments, OpenSim welcomes you to join in the adventure.