Virtual world engines are software tools that can be used to create a virtual world. Most existing virtual worlds are created either with proprietary software that is unique to the product, open source software that is available to any would-be creator, or commercial software that can be purchased or licensed. This page lists the latter two categories. Note: In the interests of fairness to their publishers, the general descriptions of each virtual world engine are taken from the publishers' own descriptions of their products.

OPEN SOURCE VIRTUAL WORLD SOFTWARE

These are products that are free and available to anyone.

Croquet: CroQuet

Delta 3D: DelTa3D

Metaplace: MetaPlace

The Metaverse Project: MetaverseProject

MOO: MoO

MUSH: MuSh

Muse: MuSe

Project Darkstar: DarkStar

Squeak: SquEak

COMMERCIAL VIRTUAL WORLD SOFTWARE

These are products which must be purchased or licensed.

Activeworlds: Activeworlds

Blink 3-D: Blink3D

eXplo: ExPlo

Multiverse: MultiVerse (note: Multiverse claims to make their product available at no charge to not-for-profits)

Olive: OliveForterra

TruSpace and TruePlace? : Caligari

Uni-verse: UniVerse

Unreal Technology: UnrealTech