Comparing WebVR Collaboration Projects
@Brian Kim (2023)
Overview: This is a comparison of three existing projects that use A-Frame to create virtual environments which multiple users can interact in. The three projects are described and linked below.
Networked-Aframe
This is currently the recommended technology for implementing multiplayer or collaborative capabilities in WebVR using A-Frame
Currently, there is documentation and support for hosting a networked-aframe server on Glitch, Heroku, or AWS
One limitation is that the technology is designed for use with a desktop and keyboard, so changes to default Glitch code will have to be made to enable work with VR headsets
Deepstream.io
An online service that provides server space for limited web hosting, with free and paid tiers; initial account is free
Currently used as the basis for some A-Frame WebVR multiplayers projects, such as here
Major limitation is the unreliability of the servers, with the website and dashboard being down as of Spring 2023, taking multiple Glitch projects with it
Socket.io
JavaScript library that enables a machine to act as a web server
Used to build A-Frame multiplayer projects, both in this class and in the larger WebVR community
Issues with setup, requires a machine to act as a server
Currently recommended to be used with an AWS instance, but laptops and personal devices have also been used