Substrata

Substrata has completed a major optimization of its animation system, achieving impressive compression results: - **Rebuilt built-in animations** with new keyframe compression - **File sizes reduced by 96%** - from 20 MB down to just 0.8 MB - **25x smaller** animation files overall This breakthrough means the metaverse platform can now add new animations without significantly impacting download sizes, improving the user experience for those exploring and creating in the virtual world.

A blog post explores the concept of embedding documentation directly into games and virtual environments, rather than keeping it separate. The approach treats documentation like gyms, zoos, or museums - spaces users can explore and learn from naturally. This idea aligns with insights from Pixels founder Luke Barwikowski, who notes that **virtual spaces need daily engagement through shared goals**. Gaming provides natural retention because it gives users something to do consistently. Meanwhile, technical improvements continue with feedback from Arseny Kapoulkine ([@zeuxcg](https://github.com/zeux/meshoptimizer/discussions/874#discussioncomment-12900922)), one of the world's leading coders, sharing optimization suggestions. The concept suggests documentation could become an explorable part of the environment itself - potentially making learning more intuitive and engaging for users in virtual worlds.

Substrata, a multi-user metaverse platform, is preparing to roll out new features including: - **New dance animations** for user avatars - **Global time of day settings** to enhance the virtual environment experience The platform allows users to chat, explore user-created content, and purchase land parcels that can be minted as Ethereum NFTs. Users can create free accounts and add objects to the shared virtual world. *Note: Substrata remains in early development stages.*

**Sales Update** The River Mouth land parcel sale is approaching completion with only **20 parcels remaining** out of the original 76 available. **Key Details:** - Current sales pace: approximately 1 parcel per day - 56 parcels have been sold to date - Auctions continue at [substrata.info/parcel_auction_list](https://substrata.info/parcel_auction_list) The steady sales rate suggests the remaining inventory could be sold within the next few weeks at the current pace.

**River Mouth district launches** with waterfront land parcels now available for auction. **Key auction details:** - 48-hour downward auctions starting at 1000 EUR - Reserve price set at 50 EUR minimum - Parcels extend into water for dock construction - Multiple weeks of ongoing auctions The **unique waterfront parcels** allow builders to construct docks directly in the water, perfect for boats and maritime builds. Developers hope to see **seaside town aesthetics** emerge, including boathouses and coastal architecture that take advantage of the water access. [View current auctions](https://substrata.info/parcel_auction_list) *Start building your waterfront dream in the new River Mouth district.*

**Substrata's River Mouth district is now live** with waterfront land parcels available for auction. **Key Details:** - Parcels extend into water for dock construction - 48-hour downward auctions starting at 1000 EUR - Reserve price set at 50 EUR - Auctions continue over several weeks **Unique Features:** - Build directly on water access points - Perfect for seaside town aesthetics - Boat-friendly infrastructure potential The new district aims to foster creative waterfront builds with boathouse and coastal community vibes. [View current auctions](https://substrata.info/parcel_auction_list)

**Substrata has deployed a major update** improving portal performance between worlds in their metaverse platform. The new build introduces a **ChangeToDifferentWorld protocol message** that significantly speeds up world transitions by eliminating the need to reconnect to servers when moving between different worlds on the same server. **Key improvements:** - Much faster portal travel between worlds - Streamlined server connections - Enhanced user experience for world exploration The update is now **live on servers** and available for download through their Discord community. This optimization addresses one of the core navigation challenges in multi-world virtual environments, making seamless exploration more accessible for users building and exploring in the Substrata metaverse.

**Portal Travel Gets Major Speed Boost** Substrata implemented a new **ChangeToDifferentWorld protocol message** that significantly improves portal performance between worlds on the same server. **Key Improvement:** - Eliminates need to reconnect to server when traveling between worlds - Makes portal transitions much faster and smoother The updated build is now **live on servers** and available for download through the project's Discord channel. This optimization enhances the user experience for exploring different worlds within the Substrata metaverse without technical delays.

The first build of TerrainGen has been released, marking a significant development for Substrata users. This new tool allows creators to: - Generate custom terrain for personal worlds in Substrata - Export terrain for use in other applications - Build more personalized virtual spaces This release follows November's major optimization update, which improved performance up to 5x on lower-end devices and web clients through enhanced draw call efficiency. *Want to start creating?* Visit substrata.info to download the native client or try the web version.

The Substrata development team has been working on resolving issues with the decal shader system, which initially produced some interesting glitch art effects during debugging. Following this, the team successfully implemented a blueprints graffiti shader, marking a significant technical milestone. The shader now includes specific minting rules to maintain appropriate content standards. - Decal shader debugging revealed unexpected artistic glitches - Graffiti shader implementation complete - New content moderation features integrated into minting process *Technical progress continues as the platform balances creative freedom with community standards.*