The End of an Era: 3rd Rock Grid to Shut Down
In a bittersweet announcement that has sent ripples through the OpenSim community, 3rd Rock Grid, the second-oldest grid in OpenSim, is set to shut down soon. Founded in February 2008, 3rd Rock Grid has been a cornerstone of the virtual world landscape, known for its vibrant community and innovative features. However, due to a series of unfortunate events and technical challenges, the grid’s board members have made the difficult decision to close its doors.
A Legacy of Innovation
3rd Rock Grid has a storied history, being the first grid to implement a working permissions system and a functioning economy. It has hosted numerous events and fundraisers, including initiatives for Doctors Without Borders, showcasing the community’s commitment to social causes. The grid has also been home to a diverse range of users, with 13,615 registered accounts, making it the fifth-largest grid by user base.
Despite its achievements, the grid has faced significant challenges in recent years. The sudden departure of a key technical staff member, coupled with the passing of another vital team member, Kira Tiponi, left the grid without essential resources. Florin Spanachi, a board member known in-world as Eldovar Lamilton, explained, “We have to shut down the grid due to a few circumstances that have technical consequences, making it impossible to further manage the grid.”
The Community Reacts
The news of 3rd Rock Grid’s impending closure has been met with sadness and dismay from its residents and the broader OpenSim community. Marianna Montenes, an in-world jewelry designer, expressed her sorrow, stating, “The 3rd Rock Grid holds such special memories for me. I visited as often as possible, and I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of its key techs.”
Other grid owners, including Andrew Simpson of AnSky Grid and Ansjela Amat of Ansjelagrid, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the emotional impact of losing a grid that has been a home for many. Myron Curtis, owner of A Dimension Beyond, offered resources for hosting, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the OpenSim community.
Offers of Assistance
In the wake of the announcement, many grid owners have stepped forward to offer assistance to 3rd Rock Grid residents. Terry Ford, the original founder of 3rd Rock Grid and current operator of DigiWorldz, has pledged his support, stating, “I would not like to see 3rd Rock Grid gone as it is a very important part of the OpenSim history.”
Several grid owners have proposed solutions to help residents transition smoothly. For instance, Mike Cataldo, owner of CatGrid, has offered temporary land for those who can extract their OAR (OpenSim Archive) files. Similarly, Sushant KC, CEO of AvatarLife, has extended an invitation for 3rd Rock residents to relocate their lands free of charge.
The Technical Challenges
Despite the goodwill and offers of help, the technical challenges facing 3rd Rock Grid are significant. Tara Dockery, another board member known as Thoria Millgrove, noted that saving the grid would require a complete rebuild due to a decade of technical debt and an inaccessible server. “There are people investigating ways to move forward and salvage as much as possible, but no firm decisions have been made,” she said.
The complexities of maintaining a grid over many years cannot be understated. Ilan Tochner, co-founder of Kitely, emphasized that the longer a grid operates, the more technical expertise is needed to address the accumulating issues. “It’s tragic when grids close and their residents lose their home and all the content they’ve collected in their inventories,” he lamented.
A Community United
As the closure date approaches, the OpenSim community has come together to support one another. Offers of free land, technical assistance, and emotional support have poured in from various grid owners, demonstrating the resilience and camaraderie that define this virtual world.
While the future of 3rd Rock Grid remains uncertain, the legacy it leaves behind will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the OpenSim landscape. As residents prepare to say goodbye, they carry with them the memories, friendships, and experiences that have made 3rd Rock Grid a cherished home for so many.
In conclusion, the impending closure of 3rd Rock Grid marks the end of an era in the OpenSim community. As residents navigate this transition, they are reminded of the importance of community, collaboration, and the shared history that binds them together. The spirit of 3rd Rock Grid will live on in the hearts of its residents and the broader OpenSim ecosystem, serving as a testament to the enduring power of virtual worlds.