Decentraland, the first decentralized virtual social world,
launched a powerful new desktop client today, signaling a new era for
experiencing spatial environments. This beta release enhances performance,
delivers a more immersive environment, and introduces new engaging features,
setting the stage for future innovations and expanded creator tools.

This milestone marks the shift away from a browser-based
experience, replaced by a more stable, Unity-powered desktop client and the new
Creator Hub, aligning with Decentraland’s vision for an interconnected
metaverse.

“Today marks a new chapter for Decentraland. As virtual
worlds take on a larger role in digital life, Decentraland is committed to
creating a virtual world where people, not corporations, own their digital
lives. Traditional platforms view their users as products while limiting real
ownership, but Decentraland flips this script, using decentralization to
empower its users,” said Yemel Jardi, Executive Director of the Decentraland
Foundation. “As the internet transforms into a more immersive, spatial experience,
Decentraland is leading the movement to creating a space that champions social
connection, creativity, and autonomy—transcending cultures and backgrounds.
This next chapter is about unlocking the true potential of the open metaverse,
ensuring that as the digital world grows, it remains user-driven,
community-focused, and grounded in open standards.”

Key Features of the New Desktop Client

• Performance
  Boosts & Smoother Gameplay- The new desktop client brings a highly
  anticipated performance upgrade. Users will enjoy faster load times,
  higher frame rates, and smoother multiplayer interactions, even in
  high-traffic areas.
• Immersive
  Environments- The new client brings Decentraland’s world to life like
  never before, introducing dynamic lighting with binary suns and moons, new
  beaches and ocean views, and procedurally generated environments,
  including dynamic trees, foliage, water, and sound effects. The landscape
  now loads up to 80 parcels away, offering users a more expansive and
  visually rich experience “from horizon to horizon.”
• New
  Engagement Mechanics- A long incubated component of Decentraland is
  launching as part of the beta release, Daily Quests and mini-games, with
  more to be added in the near future. Daily Quests will increase active
  participation, engaging users to explore Decentraland and complete various
  tasks in exchange for rewards, such as Wearables and Emotes. The beta
  release also includes an all-new Badges system that motivates users to
  action by tracking and showcasing their achievements on the platform.
• Simplified
  User Controls- Decentraland now offers expanded player profiles and a
  redesigned backpack where users can customize their avatars in a more
  intuitive manner. Navigation has also been streamlined with a quick-access
  bar for profile, map, and backpack features.
• Enhanced
  Avatars & Social Interactions- Avatars in Decentraland have been
  significantly upgraded, offering smoother movement, improved rendering,
  and natural interaction with the environment. New chat bubbles, name color
  differentiation, and emoji integration make communication more interactive
  and engaging.

A Future-Ready Platform

With this release, Decentraland is laying the groundwork for
its next chapter, as the new desktop client and code base offer the
capabilities needed to expand into VR and mobile experiences.The new desktop
client serves as the cornerstone for this evolution, ensuring that Decentraland
remains a top-tier platform for immersive, decentralized virtual experiences.

“This upgraded desktop client transforms how people
experience Decentraland,” said Kim Currier, Head of Partnerships and Marketing
at Decentraland. “For our community, it’s about more than just faster load
times and smoother interactions—it’s about creating a beautiful, vibrant space
where people can genuinely connect and form new friendships from across the
globe. With this release, we are also introducing the new Creator Hub, an
all-in-one platform where creators can learn and build. It also provides businesses
with opportunities to engage their audiences more effectively by using virtual
spaces to create experiences that encourage active participation. It’s a big
step forward, enriching how our community interacts and experiences
Decentraland together.”

New Desktop Client: Access and Details

The future of Decentraland and virtual social worlds starts
now. Experience a revitalized, interactive digital environment by downloading
the new desktop client available on Mac and Windows.

About Decentraland

Decentraland (https://decentraland.org) is the first
decentralized, community-driven virtual social world. It empowers users to
create, explore, and connect within an open, immersive digital landscape where
they fully own their digital assets. Whether hosting virtual events or
designing their digital identity, individuals can shape a world that
prioritizes self-expression and freedom—free from the constraints of corporate
control. Governed by its community through a decentralized autonomous
organization (DAO) and supported by a non-profit Foundation, Decentraland
operates as an open-source, traversable world that encourages creativity,
ownership, and innovation. By fostering collaboration and community,
Decentraland is shaping the future of digital interaction, where individuals
can truly own and build their digital lives.