At a Glance:
WorkAdventure is an open-source platform for creating customizable collaborative virtual worlds where users interact spontaneously through proximity-based video chat, with support for desktop, mobile, and tablet.
Overview:
WorkAdventure is a platform for building customizable collaborative virtual spaces, often described as a metaverse tool. It enables users to navigate shared environments with avatars and interact with others through a video-chat system that activates when avatars move close to each other. The platform is designed for immersive experiences such as recruitment events, onboarding sessions, training activities, digital workplaces, and internal or external events. It supports desktop, mobile, and tablet access. WorkAdventure is available as open-source software that can be self-hosted using Docker Compose or Kubernetes, or as a hosted SaaS version maintained by the project team.
Key Decision Points:
Self-hosting or SaaS: WorkAdventure can be self-hosted using Docker Compose or a Helm chart for Kubernetes, or used as a hosted SaaS version for easier setup.
Proximity-based video chat: Communication relies on a spatial video-chat system triggered when avatars approach each other, rather than persistent meeting rooms.
Map customization: Users can design their own virtual maps, with documentation available for building custom environments.
Development environment limitations: Local development setups do not use HTTPS certificates and are not suitable for remote server deployment.
Authentication flexibility: The platform supports OIDC mock server for local development and can be configured for anonymous access.
Core Features:
Proximity-based video chat: Video conversations start automatically when users' avatars come near each other in the virtual space.
Customizable virtual maps: Users can design and build their own maps to create tailored virtual environments.
Avatar-based interaction: Each user navigates the world with a customizable avatar.
Multi-device support: The platform works on desktop, mobile, and tablet.
Docker Compose and Kubernetes deployment: Production environments can be set up using Docker Compose or a Helm chart for Kubernetes.
OIDC authentication: The platform integrates with OIDC for user authentication, with a mock server included for development.
Use Cases:
Recruitment events: Organizations can host immersive virtual recruitment fairs where candidates interact with recruiters through proximity-based video.
Onboarding and training: New hires can explore a virtual office, approach team members spontaneously, and participate in training sessions.
Digital workplaces: Teams can create a persistent virtual office where colleagues interact casually by moving close to each other.
Internal and external events: Companies can run virtual events where attendees move freely and start conversations naturally when they approach others.
Open-Source Alternative Value:
WorkAdventure is an open-source alternative to proprietary virtual office and metaverse platforms, with its source code publicly available. Users who want to run their own instance can deploy it using Docker Compose or Kubernetes, keeping the virtual environment and all interactions on their own infrastructure. The platform is described as GDPR compliant. A hosted SaaS version is also available for those who prefer not to self-host, while the open-source option provides the ability to customize maps and control deployment without depending solely on the hosted service.
