Greater than 300 legitimate responses got here in for the thirteenth Annual OpenSim Grid Survey, and Wyldwood Bayou and Littlefield, two write-in grids, obtained excellent scores from their residents. Craft World and Terra Nova, additionally write-ins, have been shut behind.
In the meantime, Alternate Metaverse deserves a point out on the prime of this story. It wasn’t the highest-rated grid, or the grid with essentially the most respondents — it was in second place after AviTron — but it surely did have essentially the most effusive feedback from its residents. Scroll to the underside of this text to learn simply a number of the reward its residents have heaped on this grid and its homeowners.
Most years, there’s a minimum of one smaller grid that does effectively on this consumer survey, as a result of small startup grids usually have close-knit and supportive communities. Plus, on smaller grids, it’s simpler for the grid homeowners to supply help. On bigger grids, help can begin lagging behind, folks can really feel misplaced within the crowd, and there is likely to be challenges scaling the expertise.
The place do OpenSimmers stay and go to?
Between them, the respondents had visited 93 totally different grids and named 40 totally different grids as their main houses.
AviTron was the grid that was dwelling to essentially the most respondents, adopted by Alternate Metaverse, Kitely, and OSgrid.
We additionally requested our readers concerning the grids that they’d visited, aside from their very own dwelling grid.
OSgrid, OpenSim’s largest and oldest grid, was essentially the most visited — 68 p.c of our readers had been to that grid, not counting the 8 p.c who make it their everlasting dwelling. The following most visited was DigiWorldz with 38 p.c, adopted by Kitely, with 37 p.c.
The numbers add as much as greater than one hundred pc as a result of most individuals have visited multiple grid. In truth, the typical OpenSim customers has been to a few different grids. Not less than, they might instantly recall the names of three different grids. A number of respondents mentioned that the variety of grids they visited was “too excessive to rely.”
Most residents mentioned they have been very pleased with their grids — 93 p.c would “completely” suggest them to others. Simply 5 p.c mentioned “perhaps” and fewer than 2 p.c mentioned they’d not suggest.
Expertise, help, group, and content material
I didn’t ask folks to match totally different grids and inform me which one is healthier. In spite of everything, no person on the market has visited all of the grids and tried all of them out. As a substitute, what I do yearly is ask folks what they give thought to the grid that they spend essentially the most time on.
Usually, folks fee their dwelling grid extremely. And that is sensible — in spite of everything, that’s the grid the place they determined to spend their time. That’s why most grids rating as 4 and 5, in each class. If folks don’t like a grid, they depart and go stay some place else.
As grids get bigger, nevertheless, additionally they get extra people who find themselves typically discontented. As well as, bigger grids could have issues sustaining their expertise or help. Because of this, smaller grids typically do very effectively in these annual surveys.
You’ll discover that the distinction between grids is usually a fraction of a p.c, so please don’t take these outcomes as pure gospel. Plus, with the comparatively small variety of customers we have now in OpenSim, the margin of error is excessive — one extremely dissatisfied resident can skew the outcomes fairly a bit.
Expertise
This yr, when our readers have been requested how they’d grade their grid’s expertise. Littlefield and Wyldwood Bayou had excellent scores, whereas Utopia Skye was shut behind.
Wyldwood Bayou was additionally the top-scoring grid in last year’s survey, with Utopia Skye in second place.
OSgrid had the bottom for expertise. OSgrid is the biggest OpenSim grid, permits folks to attach areas that they host at dwelling, without cost, on their very own computer systems, and all of its administration is by a workforce of volunteers. OSgrid can also be the testing floor for brand spanking new OpenSim options and releases. All these components mixed imply that any specific area is likely to be operating slowly on a house Web connection, or be utilizing an older model of OpenSim.
These survey outcomes additionally solely present how customers really feel concerning the expertise — not concerning the effort that the grids have put into their platform. Kitely, for instance, has completed an excessive amount of work on customized code, along with contributing code fixes again to the group. And OSgrid is the place the OpenSim builders do their testing. Neither of those contributions are essentially mirrored within the ballot numbers.
Assist
In help, three grids obtained excellent scores from their residents — Littlefield, Wyldwood Bayou, and Craft World.
OSgrid scored lowest, however, once more, the grid is all volunteer-run and areas are hosted on dwelling computer systems. And there’s solely a lot that volunteers can do to assist since everyone’s dwelling pc and networking configuration is totally different.
Group
For group, Littlefield, Wyldwood Bayou, and Terra Nova had excellent scores, adopted carefully by Utopia Skye.
Content material
In content material, Littlefield and Wyldwood Bayou obtained excellent scores, adopted carefully by Craft World and Terra Nova.
For the newest listing of all grids on the OpenSim platform — or some fork of it — take a look at our Active Grids List.
If you want to see a full listing of outcomes — minus any identifiable info — please e-mail me at [email protected].
Extra feedback from the respondents
The next are consultant feedback concerning the grids. There have been greater than 130 feedback in all, a lot greater than final yr, a few of them fairly prolonged, and if anybody desires to see them, or use them on their web sites, simply e-mail me. Once more, I received’t embrace any personally identifiable info.
Along with leaving out a number of the repetitive feedback, I’ve additionally skipped those who had destructive private assaults or that appeared libelous. And, in fact, I additionally edited out any personally figuring out info. The feedback have additionally been very evenly edited for spelling and grammar.
Alternate Metaverse
“Alternate Metaverse has the nicest folks and there appears to all the time be somebody on to speak with. They’re additionally very useful once you run into an issue. Love being there.”
“Alternate Metaverse is way and away essentially the most enjoyable, supportive, and fair-minded grid I’ve ever been part of.”
“Alternate Metaverse is essentially the most caring and useful place that anybody might come to.”
“Various Metaverse is dwelling for me.. I’m from Second Life, I’ve tried different grids, and AMV is by far essentially the most relaxed… peaceable.. enjoyable.. pleasant.. supportive grid I’ve but to expertise… will I invite others to AMV? Sure! I’ve been — I take my household and pals to the very best.”
“AMV is probably going the very best run grid I’ve been on up to now. When my Sir and I arrived right here, it was like we had discovered the place we have been meant to be. We’ve got one phrase for Alternate Metaverse — dwelling.”
“Cliff and Cat make the grid welcoming and enjoyable for everybody!”
“Wonderful grid administration, superb help and a really energetic group.”
“Nice work — preserve doing what you do, guys, you’re higher then OSgrid. They lose their belongings and attempt to repair it now for a yr. I’m pleased in AMV and it’s my most well-liked location for nearly all the pieces OpenSim.”
“I’ve moved six occasions up to now six years. AMV has been there when the others fail and crash.”
“I spend nearly all of my time right here at AMV. I used to be astounded by the best way the grid homeowners — Cat and Cliff — become involved in all of the occasions right here. I’m additionally amazed on the manner each Cat and Cliff take a honest curiosity within the well-being of their residents and on a one-to-one foundation. They sincerely present how a lot they look after every of their residents by going that additional mile to make sure their happiness, contentment, well-being and utmost security.They guarantee a no-tolerance harassment coverage and take us, residents, at face worth! Thanks each Cat and Cliff for being the very best of the very best grid homeowners round!”
“I’ve been to different grids and to be trustworthy with you, I’ve discovered nothing worthy to even examine with Alternate Metaverse’s high quality of digital life. I see this grid rising in leaps and bounds and I don’t suppose that may cease anytime quickly or in any respect.”
“I might suggest Alternate Metaverse Grid for having the very best service and no grid points and the grid proprietor is aware of his stuff from behind the scenes, additionally the workforce are pleasant and likewise its group has enjoyable and outgoing folks to hang around with. Plus — the Dinkies have arrived on the Alternate Metaverse Grid so now it’s extra enjoyable and lots of new actions for all Dinkies to take a look at and hangout and really feel protected at.”
“I attempted a few different grids they usually have been nothing in comparison with Alternate Metaverse. I’ve visited quite a bit too once I hypergrid however nothing compares to AMV. It’s the very best by far.”
“Each grid we’ve visited has one thing to suggest it, however once we landed at Alternate Metaverse Grid we knew we had struck gold.”
“The tech is on par with Second Life — and higher, generally — the residents are snug with themselves and one another and the helpfulness, consideration and camaraderie is actual, not simply one thing acknowledged by grid homeowners who hope it’s going to be that manner simply because they mentioned so.”
“It is a grid value visiting as a result of it epitomizes all the pieces good about OpenSim. Superior tech, terrific residents, nice occasions and leisure and distinctive instructional alternatives.”
“The homeowners, Clifford Hanger and Cataplexia Numbers, have completed a first- fee job right here and the grid displays who they’re and the care they take with it. To say ‘we’re pleased right here’ is such an understatement. To say ‘we’re lastly dwelling’ sums it up so a lot better.”
“The most effective elements about AMV is that the homeowners of the grid stay right here with us. They’re a part of the leisure, the constructing, the occasion coordination, all the pieces. The pleasant group provides to its attraction, there are folks right here able to take part in each sort of exercise you’ll be able to think about! Clan’s Band makes our dwelling right here, and we have now been — nearly — all over the place within the metaverse!”
“The grid homeowners and the group itself actually cares about one another on AMV. No higher place to be.”
“They’ve some good studying alternatives at Koryphon Academy.”
“Alternate Metaverse and Wyldwood Bayou are by far the 2 best grids in OpenSim. Aesthetically, technically, group, leisure.”
“Alternate Metaverse Grid is technical 10/10. For builders and scripters. Leisure for everyone, superb areas to go to and superb employees and residents.”
“Completely superior grid, I find it irresistible!”
AviTron
“Avitron, the very best don’t miss it..”
“Avitron el mejor lugar.” [Google translate: “Avitron is the best place.”]
“Eu vim do Second Life e graças a um amigo conheci o AviTron, nunca estive tão feliz, em um mundo sem a ganância do dinheiro, sobra tempo para a fantasia a amizade desfrutando de lugares lindos com festas maravilhosas. Problemas tem uma vez ou outra, mas vale a pena por cada alegria de estar no Avitron. Fica meu agradecimento. Patricia Maia.” [Google translate: “I came from Second Life and thanks to a friend I found AviTron. I’ve never been so happy. In a world without the greed of money, there’s time left for fantasy, friendship, enjoying beautiful places with wonderful parties. Problems have one time or another , but it’s worth it for every joy of being at Avitron. I would like to thank you.”]
“I like AviTron.”
“I’m slowly leaving AviTron, as a result of proprietor’s greed and mistreatment.”
“Todas las cuadriculas son buenas, cada una tiene su fantasía y su encanto, gracias a todas está personas que nos hacen una segunda vida mejor, son excelentes.” [Google translate: “All the grids are good, each one has its fantasy and its charm, thanks to all these people who give us a better second life, they are excellent.”]
AviWorlds
“AviWorlds will not be solely managed by a terrific workforce but additionally has a superior customized web site.”
“Assist and expertise on AviWorlds is prime notch! positively the very best!”
Barefoot Dreamers
“Very attentive homeowners. Hugabug is up to the mark. I really feel protected right here, no drama — a pleasant group.”
Craft World
“Bellissimo.” [Google translate: “Very beautiful.”]
“I’m very pleased to stay on my favourite grid, Craft World.”
“I like my group in Craft World!”
DigiWorldz
“I discovered that scripts are disabled when the gadgets is taken off DigiWorldz until they’re full perm. That killed my enterprise. Inhabitants on simply DigiWorldz is simply too small to make any cash. No potential to create OAR information like on Discovery Grid and Kitely. Very poor interface for land homeowners. This grid appears fairly stagnant. No conferences with proprietor to debate wants and the grid path like on Discovery and Kitely. No obvious development in expertise not like Discovery and Kitely. I’m most likely going to go away.”
Discovery Grid
“Discovery Grid is certainly one of solely a choose handful of grids I belief the grid proprietor and that may deal with my high-end fireworks shows – help has all the time been prime notch and really quick, extraordinarily pro-active within the struggle in opposition to the infestation of botted content material, and I additionally contemplate grid proprietor, Balpien Hammerer, a buddy.”
“Discovery is an up and coming grid that basically goes all out to make their residents really feel at dwelling.”
“I actually like Discovery Grid, I really feel actually welcomed there. Additionally they’re all the time bettering issues there to make the expertise there much more satisfying!”
“Small group, however very pleasant and useful. Good communication from the proprietor.”
Edge of Reality
“I like The Edge, it’s a peaceable grid with superior folks.”
GBG World
“GBG World is the quickest grid with solely 2 second sim restarts and 0 lag.”
“I like residing on GBG World. Nice and quick service. GBG is the very best.”
Genesis
“Genesis is a brand new grid established 03/30/2022 by Metallic Tango and Lavia Lavine, Tango’s mom in actual life. Although it was meant to be primarily a job play grid, it has lately accepted a bunch of refugees from a grid that shut down, led by Thundergod Thor who secured them areas on Genesis.
“I’m constructing or I ought to say, rebuilding, Land of Xzar on a big variable-sized area, which is a visible of a novel I’m writing and when accomplished, guests will be capable to have an journey, whereas studying the story. An enormous buying middle is being constructed with unique creations from grid members in addition to high quality stuff picked up from all over the place meant to be shared. From Viking villages to Starfleet Command Posts, the newly arrived builders are hammering away and we intend on making this unique grid — membership is strictly vetted — among the finest houses for folks to spend time in, because it isn’t only a grid of random folks. On this grid, we’re household. In addition to being distinctive in that there are two factions of individuals inhabiting this grid, some have turn out to be pals with the newcomers, and we shall be having common conferences to incorporate each teams so we all know who’s who and belongs. We could also be a small grid, however to us, we’re a rising star, and I’m so very grateful, I used to be invited to hitch.”
HiddenDreams
“There are some superb creations, enjoyable locations, respectful folks, and a few actually stunning environments. HiddenDreams — rising slowly — has a pleasant stability of all these traits seen in glances because it develops. I’m pleased and excited to be at Hidden Desires grid.”
Kinky Haven
“I like Kinky Haven as a result of I do know the content material is legit, the homeowners are actual and customer support is main.”
Kitely
“I like Kitely, not solely due to it’s superb and sort group but additionally as a result of the grid homeowners are so concerned and useful. I additionally like that it has a market as a result of I’m a creator and a service provider. I like to recommend Kitely to everybody.”
“I like Kitely for {the marketplace} and the pleasant, welcoming residents, admins, and proprietor. The one cause I solely gave it 4 out of 5 for “Concurrency, stability, & characteristic set” is as a result of you’ll be able to’t have a single 256×256 area and put it subsequent to a different 256×256 area, and when you do get the marketed single, two-week-trial area, it’s $15 per 30 days for 15,000 prims, whereas for $5 extra, you get 60,000 prims however have to simply accept a 2×2. A 1×1 is sufficient to terraform — I don’t like coping with variable-sized areas, not with the ability to put particular person OARs on it suddenly, and the best way you’ll be able to solely texture the bottom within the southwest nook. Not less than, that’s been my destructive expertise with VAR areas. However I’m renting from another person who offers with all that stuff for me at a really reasonably priced value.”
“I’ve been represented by the identical avatar in OpenSim since 2008. I selected Kitely early on for a similar causes I returned to Kitely this previous yr after taking an extended trip from Second Life or OpenSim. Whereas I used to be gone I used Unity and UnReal platforms and I hung out utterly off the grids relearning watercolor, acrylics, textiles and the comb. Whereas different grids in OpenSim provided this or that, my foremost cause for selecting Kitely — after experimenting with different OpenSim grids — is comfort, consistency, service and value.”
“Ilan Tochner went above and past serving to me get established and welcomed locally. It’s due to his help I’ve a personal world in Kitely.”
“From being gifted Fluttering Wings by Shandon Loring and advised the place I can can purchase fifties memorabilia, Koshari Mahana and the potential of having a micro avatar constructed, Veritas McMaster.”
“I owe Kitely and those that stay there my loyalties and help….thanks, thanks! I by no means thought at fifty one, this outdated lady could possibly be taught new methods however due to Blender’s Buddies, Mike Lorrey, Kayaker Magic, Unique Ruth, Webby Merlin and Clan, I’m in class and studying one thing new. Its thoughts blowing simply how large the grid actually is.”
“Kitely is run with distinctive professionalism.”
“Kitely is the very best by far for its ethical local weather and security given to households with kids. I take pleasure in not being handled like a chunk of meat, however fairly handled with respect . I wont commerce this group for another. Now so far as content material , its good however all the time room for enhancements. Smiles over all Kitely is the very best.”
“Love Kitely nice folks lotz of enjoyable.”
“Most dependable to date.”
“Tremendous good to check constructions, help can’t be higher, most necessary if copied stuff is discovered, that is dealt with in a extraordinarily brief time frame.”
Littlefield
“Nice pleasant place to hang around with pals nice music.”
“Littlefield has the very best infrastructure of any grid. The admins are attentive, supportive {and professional}. They guarantee that the group is the very best. Littlefield Grid rocks!”
“Littlefield is the very best for group and is amazingly effectively run.”
“No different grid has the BDSM content material and group that Littlefield has. The admin employees is excellent and it’s the very best operating grid on the market. No lag, nice content material, nice help, and a terrific group!”
“The folks listed below are completely the very best! I can get assist instantly once I ask for it, and they’re all the time there once I want them! Nice group of people who find themselves all the time having enjoyable and actually care about their communtity!”
“This grid has the very best group and help! They bend over backward to help their customers and now that they’ve upgraded to 9.2 the pace of the grid is unbelievable! I couldn’t be happier to name Littlefield my dwelling!”
“Walter has completed a terrific job with Littlefield.”
Mobius Grid
“I just like the aesthetic and likewise take pleasure in serving to create numerous audio content material for Mobius Grid. It’d be nice if extra folks tried the place out.”
“Mobius Grid is the very best grid for content material, with it’s trendy Sonic-styled areas and free cartoon avatars, and the group is pleasant, however I feel OpenSim usually wants a content material overhaul.”
My private grid
“I selected to start out my very own grid and now I’ve my server, I can construct as a lot as I need and I nonetheless lower your expenses. I’ve by no means been happier. Now that’s true freedom on the grid for creativity.”
“This grid is a interest. I’m thrilled when folks cease by and go searching.”
OSgrid
“Completely different grids have totally different settings, they arrive and go so it’s onerous to outline which you spend most time on. I run my very own mini grid too, but it surely will get taken down simply as simply. The hypergrid would profit from landmarks working like in Second Life and with the ability to hop from one grid to a different it doesn’t matter what.”
“It is a good grid however there are loads of nasty individuals who unfold lies and rumors as a result of they don’t have any lives and nothing higher to do with their time. Apart from this, the grid is sweet.”
Terra Nova
“Amo estar no Terra Nova Grid.” [Google translate: “I love being on Terra Nova Grid.”]
“Experiencia, amigos.” [Google translate: “Experience, friends.”]
“Gosto mais a opensim da terra nova grid porque tenho boas pessoas para fazer amizades e conversar brincar e fazer outra coisa de diversao.” [Google translate: “I like opensim from terra nova grid better because I have good people to make friends and talk to play and do something else for fun.”]
“I Go to many different locations however the Terra Nova Grid is the very best of the very best for me. Very pleased place and folks.
“I like Terra Nova grid and I additionally love OSgrid, the place I’ve an island.”
“It has sorts of issues for enjoyable and many events.”
“Me sinto tremendous bem em terra nova todos são bem amigos prontos a ajudar um ao outro todos empenhados e ajudar.” [Google translate: “I feel really good in Terra Nova. Everyone is very friendly ready to help each other, everyone committed and helping.”]
“Terra Nova e exelente lugar muito bom ,pessoal la sao maravilhosa começando pelos donos da grid sao 10, gosto muito de Terra nova eles estao de parabens.” [Google translate: “Terra Nova is an excellent place, very good, the people there are wonderful, starting with the owners of the grid are a 10. I really like Terra Nova, they are to be congratulated.”]
“The grid works 24 hours a day, day by day of the week, with frequent backups to take care of the complete integrity of the islands and residents.”
“Terra Nova Grid the very best for the time being.”
“Terra Nova Grid, o melhor em recepção, o melhor native de paz.” [Google translate: “Terra Nova Grid, the best in welcoming, the best place of peace.”]
“The actions we have now, the events, fight occasions amongst others… and the reception.”
Trianon World
“Trianon World is a brand new grid, however with Essensual McMahon on the helm, it certainly shall be nice for leisure and distinctive customized clothes.”
Utopia Skye
“Utopia Skye Grid is certainly one of solely a choose handful of grids I belief the grid proprietor and that may deal with my high-end fireworks shows – help could be very immediate {and professional}, the grid is extraordinarily pro-active within the struggle in opposition to the infestation of botted content material, and I additionally contemplate grid homeowners, Mike Chase and Calliope Andel, pals.”
“Anybody who was on InWorldz ought to take a look at Utopia Skye. Constructing an actual group right here.”
“At Utopia Skye, I discovered a house and pals. I discovered a spot the place i might let my creativity unfastened.”
“Actually love their philosophy and moral values.”
“The homeowners, Calli and Mike, have gone above and past to supply me friendship and a honest sense of kindness. It appears clear that they care for his or her residents past the ‘Oh I like you trigger I need my grid to develop.’ It’s a really comforting feeling when you recognize your grid homeowners usually are not there to make use of you. I really feel at dwelling.”
“Utopia Skye Grid is run by people who care concerning the group and its residents — full cease. On the expertise helm is Mike Chase, chief of the NGC undertaking which focuses on safety and stability within the digital world’s area which creates a trusted setting. Many grids now run the software program he has fastened, or added enhancements to, which stems from the OpenSim core codebase. With the adjustments he’s made, Utopia Skye grid — and another grid operating this software program — enjoys extra safety and elevated performance in addition to a secure working base. On prime of that, as we’ve grown through the years, we’ve created a welcoming setting, elevated the holistic choices that we’ve had since inception and labored with particular wants teams to create protected areas. One of many largest tenets of Utopia Skye Grid is the respect for content material and the retailers who create it. And so far as our clients go, we’re all the time out there to them in a number of methods. We offer sources, compassion, expertise and the result’s group. I might not be anyplace else.”
Wyldwood Bayou
“Nice folks, nice group, nice help. They are saying once you’re right here you’re household they usually imply it.”
“Great group of individuals, nice position gamers.”
“Wyldwood Bayou is a tremendous grid with fantastic folks, high quality unique builds, nice position play, stellar help, and a number of the finest leisure on the hypergrid.”
“Wyldwood Bayou Grid is a small group of pals devoted to offering glorious music venues, roleplay venues, exploration and enjoyable on a non-commercial grid. It’s a unbelievable, welcoming place filled with actually good people and a terrific vacation spot if you’re in search of hospitality and leisure. They’ve a calendar of their occasions on their web site so that you don’t miss something!”
“Wyldwood Bayou has an in depth knit and heat group, nice music occasions and two energetic roleplay teams. There may be tons to discover and nice folks to hang around with.”
“Wyldwood Bayou is a pleasant place with nice music, an journey park, and enjoyable roleplay.”
ZetaWorlds
“OpenSim is healthier than Second Life!”
