"We believe in making creative tools accessible to everyone, anywhere, fostering individual privacy and organizational transparency. Our commitment is to an open community without gatekeeping, where enriching experiences and deep social connections can flourish"
Today marks a big day in our journey building
Agora World as we officially launch our no-code metaverse creation tools into Public Beta! Our all-new “3Design Suite”, which our customers and partners have likened to “Canva for 3D”, - is a culmination of all that we’ve learned from our community of creators, our first-hand experiences, and the dreams I've had since stepping into the XR world five years ago. Our vision was clear: to create a tool like Canva, Wix, or Bubble, but for 3D content and immersive experiences. Today, I am thrilled to announce the release of Agora World 3Design Suite V1.0, a testament to this vision.
Why We’re Building It: Our Ethos
Agora World is driven by our dedication to democratize 3D creation. At the heart of Agora World's evolution lies our unwavering commitment to democratizing 3D creation. This means not only can anyone create but everyone should be able to access our tools no matter what device they have. With the rollout of the Agora World 3Design Suite Beta, we're not just introducing new features; we're breaking down barriers and empowering a global community of creators. Our suite of no-code tools and intuitive interfaces ensures that anyone, irrespective of their technical background, can rapidly prototype, launch, iterate, and bring their visions to life in the Metaverse. From the streamlined drag-and-drop functionalities to the seamless integration of custom content, every enhancement has been thoughtfully designed to make 3D creation more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable.
We believe that the power to create should be in everyone's hands, and our platform is a testament to this belief. By simplifying complex processes and providing robust support for creators at every step, Agora World is redefining what it means to be a creator in the digital age. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a first-time designer, our platform is a canvas for your imagination, ensuring that your creative spirit knows no bounds.
If you’d like a detailed breakdown of our Ethos and Community guidelines, please read at this link.
Our Personal Journey: From Challenges to Solutions
Our team understands this problem firsthand, as our journey into the world of virtual reality and 3D creation began with a vision in 2019 – to build a VR shopping platform. As a non-coder, I quickly encountered the harsh realities of the tech world. The process was anything but straightforward. It involved an overwhelming investment of time, money, and resources, only to realize a year later that the market wasn't ready for such an innovation. This experience was both a challenge and an eye-opener.
I remember asking myself, "Is this what every creative individual without coding skills has to endure? Why isn't there a more accessible way to bring ideas to life?" These questions kept lingering in my mind. They highlighted a glaring gap in the digital creation landscape – a lack of tools that cater to non-coders who are brimming with ideas but constrained by technical limitations.
This personal struggle ignited a spark within me. It became clear that if I was facing these challenges, surely others were too. This realization was the turning point – the moment Agora World transitioned from a mere idea to a mission. A mission to democratize the creation of virtual worlds, to build a platform where anyone, regardless of their coding expertise, could bring their visions to life.
The journey wasn't easy. It was filled with trials and errors, learning and unlearning, but every step was a step towards creating a more inclusive and empowering digital world. Today, as I look back, every hurdle seems worth it. Each obstacle faced has shaped Agora World into what it is now – a testament to the belief that creativity should not be bound by technical barriers.
What We’ve Built (Our Beta at a Glance):
| Product / Feature | So What? |
|---|---|
| New and Improved UIUX | Intuitive design akin to “Canva for 3D”. |
| Collaborative No Code 3D Creation Tools | Drag and Drop 3D Creation. Out of the box templates and plugins, Color changer tools, resizing and rotating of assets, undo redo functionality, a teleportation system and more, available for all creators. |
| Cross Platform Support | Now offering 1 click access, no download needed! Ensures accessibility across various devices and platforms. |
| Embed on Your Website | Currently, the Metaverse consists of closed-walled gardens. We aim to change that. Embed your branded experience where you interact with your customers the most - right on your website. |
| Direct-to-App Content Uploads | Easy integration of custom 2D and 3D content. |
| Consolidated Library System | To the end-user, a 3D model is a 3D model - no matter where it came from. One Library for all of your assets - whether uploaded directly to the app, via our Unity SDK, or downloaded/bought from our Marketplace. |
| No Code Digital Twin Creation Tool | Powered by Cesium and Google. No longer only accessible by developers, our tool simplifies the creation of digital twins, offering significant time and cost savings, and making complex projects more feasible. |
| Unity SDK | Offers various components for advanced creators and developers including a Custom Trigger System, Teleportation System, Spawn Position Manager, C# Code Support (for Mac and Windows initially), Sample Projects, and more. |
| Multiplayer Infrastructure as a Service | Transforming what’s typically a 6-month (minimum) and $150k (minimum) development process into weeks and a fraction of the cost. Not to mention we’ll handle all maintenance and improvements for you. |
| Increased Scalability | Up to 100 concurrent users in a room at once (and up to 50,000 concurrent users per experience). Ideal for large-scale events, Creators can now craft unlimited 3D creations up to the storage space their account supports. |
| Improved Performance and Compatibility | Support for both Universal Rendering Pipeline and Built In Rendering Pipeline, as well as Post-Processing and Custom Rendering Settings. Enables creators to add effects like Bloom to their experiences. Ensures smoother and more reliable performance across various projects and hardware specifications. |
| Performance Toolkit | Give the creator insights into the performance of their experience in real-time, empowering them to make the necessary adjustments and ensure a high quality experience for their users. |
| Data and Analytics | Gain real-time insights into how your end-users are using and interacting with your experience. |
| White Label Support | Your experience, your platform. Fully branded immersive experiences, aligning with a creator or brand’s identity and vision. |
Our Progress Since Alpha Launch in July 2022:
Since the early access launch of our 3Design Suite back in July 2022, and our core focus on Simplifying 3D Creation, we've witnessed remarkable growth and creativity.
- Over 900 creators and brands have crafted 2000+ custom 3D designs and immersive experiences (we had just 60 custom 3D designs in July 2022)
- Collaboration with top brands like Hyundai, Audi, Volkswagen and more as well as with top 3D design agencies such as Polycount.io, Voxbox, Big Rock Creative, and Blind Burners (our agency partner waitlist exceeds 200)
- Inaugural grant from Cesium and partnership with Google to Simplify Digital Twin Creation
- Partnerships with NVIDIA, Google, Unity, Ready Player Me, Blockade Labs, Unanimous AI, Intuitive Research and Technology, and more.
- Recognized by top publications like Applied Technology Review (Top 10 Most Promising Metaverse Solutions Providers 2023) and CIO Applications (top 10 no code / low code platform in 2022/2023).
- Participating in Startup Wise Guys XR Accelerator Program and pitching and speaking at events like LG Nova Innovation Festival, PACT Capital Conference, We Make Future Conference, and more.
- Taught XR Classes at UPenn and
NYU
Key Team Additions:
We’ve also brought the best and brightest to join the Agora World family:
- Cory Warfield (Chief Growth Officer) - Bringing a wealth of experience with multiple startups, a successful exit, and a strong presence as a Top 15 Voice on LinkedIn for VR, AI, and Web3, along with a following of over 500,000 on LinkedIn.
- Louis Rosenberg (Advisory Board): Created the first functional augmented reality system at the Air Force, 300+ patents AR/VR & AI. Currently, he is the Founder and CEO at Unanimous AI, developing Swarm AI® technology that amplifies human intelligence, empowering groups to optimize their collective knowledge, wisdom, and insights, as well as Chief Scientist for Responsible Metaverse Alliance and Global Technology Advisor for XR Safety Initiative.
- Richard Ward (Advisory Board): Former Global Lead for Enterprise VR at McKinsey. 30yrs in large enterprises, 10yrs+ working with leading brands and Fortune 500s to explore, create, and publish immersive experiences. Currently he operates as a Metaverse Expert at BCG.
- Michael Potts (Advisory Board): Founder and CEO of Polycount.io, the #1 Metaverse architecture and design firm on the planet, with 25yrs as an architect, and 20yrs in XR. His team has created immersive experiences for 20+ Fortune 500 brands including McDonalds, Sour Patch Kids, the Utah Jazz, and more.
Looking Ahead - The Ultimate Edutainment Platform for Brands
As we look towards the future with Agora World V2.0, our ambition is to establish ourselves as the one-stop shop for brands to create engaging immersive social experiences. Envisioning an 'Edutainment Platform for Brands,' we aim to offer a streamlined and seamless experience that aligns and is in-sync with their existing channels. Our focus is on delivering a solution that not only captivates audiences but also integrates effortlessly with a brand’s overall digital strategy, creating a cohesive and interactive brand presence. This begins with immersive experiences such as product showcasing and market research but extends further to training, retail and so much more. It all comes down to these 4 key pillars: Simplicity, Extendability, Scalability, and Collaborativity.
| Product / Feature | So What? |
|---|---|
| AI-Powered Design Studio | Text- and Image-to-Experience. AI virtual assistants for creators and brands. |
| Unified Development Suite | Build your experiences, your way. Seamlessly integrate third-party tools and services, have full control over creations through custom coding capabilities, and flexibility to self-host or export your projects. |
| Universal Platform Compatibility | Create once, deploy everywhere. Adding AR, VR, and Mobile support. |
| One-Click Website Embedding | No more copy paste, just click to add. |
| Collaborative Creation Suite | Transform solitary 3D development into a dynamic team activity with our Admin and Team Collaboration Tools. |
| Marketplace and Discovery | Discover, share, and monetize your experiences, templates and/or plugins. |
| Photorealistic Avatars | Ready Player Me serves as the default, in addition to us supporting custom and other third-party avatar solutions. |
| Open Source? | Our commitment to building a truly open immersive world. For creators, by creators. |
Help Needed
For Creators, Educators, and Brands:
- Are you ready to explore the immersive world of 3D creation? Whether you're taking your first step into this exciting realm or seeking a more efficient and affordable way to bring your ideas to life, Agora World's 3Design Suite is your gateway. Don't just imagine the possibilities – create them. Start creating today!
Need Assistance or Inspiration?
- If you're wondering where to begin or need a helping hand in your creative journey, we're here for you. Reach out to us for guidance, inspiration, and support in making your vision a reality. Let's build incredible experiences together. Contact us now!
Join Our Mission:
- Passionate about democratizing 3D creation? We are always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our vision. Whether you're a developer, designer, or visionary, your skills and enthusiasm could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Agora World. Let's make a difference together – join our team!
Investors:
- Exciting news – we've just secured our lead investor for our seed round, raising $400k. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we invite you to be a part of it. If you see the potential in Agora World and want to invest in a future where creativity knows no bounds, we want to hear from you. Invest in innovation – contact us for investment opportunities.
We invite creators, educators, brands, and investors to explore and contribute to the Agora World ecosystem. Your participation and feedback are invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate. You can also contact us at info [at] agoraworld.io if you like what we’re working on and want to become more heavily involved (both creatively and with funding support).
In addition to internal positions we are seeking to fill, we are always looking to collaborate with external creators and visionaries that are just as passionate about our mission as we are.
Let’s Democratize 3D Creation Together:
We’re extremely excited for you to try our Beta and see your creations + feedback! You can sign up for immediate access here (click “Start Building Today”).
Big thanks to everyone who's been part of this ride – you know who you are. Your ideas, feedback, and energy are what drive Agora World forward. We're just getting started, and there's so much more to come. Stay with us, keep pushing the boundaries, and let's see how far we can take this. Here's to making awesome stuff together in the Metaverse. Cheers!
Contact
info [at] agoraworld.io to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!
