Overte is software for creating, hosting, and visiting shared virtual worlds through VR or desktop experiences. Users can explore worlds, meet others, and attend or host live VR events. Its tools support collaborative world creation and editing, and VR support includes body tracking. A single world can scale to up to 500 users. JavaScript scripting can add games, interactive elements, interface components, and custom applications; users can also import 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 Linux and Windows releases, source code, and Docker images listed for download. It can be self-hosted, including from a home server, and does not require a user account. Overte e.V., a non-profit association registered in Germany, is behind the project; membership is not required to use or develop it. Community discussion is available through Matrix and Discord, which are bridged. Documentation covers security for Interface and servers, including crash reporting and asset security.
Who it is for
Overte may suit people who want to build or visit shared VR or desktop worlds, host live events, or run a world server themselves. Its collaborative editing and scripting tools may also fit users creating interactive environments.
What is good
- Free and open source under Apache 2.0
- Collaborative world creation and editing
- VR support includes body tracking
- Worlds can scale to up to 500 users
- No user account required
What to know first
- Listed releases support Linux and Windows
- Self-hosting requires users to run a server
Verdict
Overte combines collaborative world building, scripting, and social VR or desktop experiences, with self-hosting available and no account required. Its listed platforms are Linux and Windows, and a world can scale to up to 500 users.
Get started with Overte
- Visit https://overte.org/
- Choose a Linux or Windows release, source code, or Docker image from the downloads page
- Install or deploy the software on a supported platform
- Use an account-free setup, or run a server from home if you want to self-host
- Join the project’s Matrix or Discord community for discussion
Questions about Overte
How much does Overte cost?
The Overte plan is free. The software is free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license.
Which platforms does Overte support?
The listed platforms are Linux, Windows and self-hosted. Downloads include Linux and Windows releases, source code and Docker images.
Do I need an account to use Overte?
No user account is required. Users can also run a server from home.
How many people can join a world?
A single world can scale to up to 500 users.
Who is behind Overte?
Overte e.V., a non-profit association registered in Germany, is behind the project. Association membership is not required to use or develop the software.
What does Overte’s privacy policy say it collects?
The 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.
Overte plans and pricing
All plansCompared on virtual meeting room software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Persistent rooms
- Yes
- Spatial audio
- Yes
- Room capacity
- 500 participants
- Guest access
- Yes
- Screen sharing
- Yes
- Access controls
- role_based
