VR fans, get ready to revisit a piece of virtual world history! Terry Ford, the original founder and owner of 3rd Rock Grid, one of the oldest and most pioneering grids in OpenSim, is bringing it back from the dead. After shutting down in 2024, 3rd Rock Grid was left in limbo, its legacy and memories cherished by former residents who had to find new homes on other grids like ZetaWorlds. But Ford’s passion for his creation has never wavered, and he’s now working tirelessly to restore it to its former glory.
The original 3rd Rock Grid launched back in 2008, a time when OpenSim was still in its infancy. Ford’s vision and expertise helped shape the virtual world landscape, introducing features like a working permissions system and an economy that would become the standard for other grids. One of its most notable achievements was fostering a community of content creators, with Linda Kelly being one of the pioneers who shared her vast library of free, original content to help new grid owners avoid copyright issues.
Ford’s decision to revive 3rd Rock Grid is driven by his desire to preserve the grid’s history and legacy. He’s already put up three regions – Welcome, Hunter, and Our Town – which are accessible via hypergrid at grid.3rdrockgrid.com:8002. However, these regions are currently empty, awaiting new users to populate them.
The revival of 3rd Rock Grid also raises questions about its relationship with DigiWorldz, Ford’s current grid project. While the two grids will remain separate entities, they’ll share internal systems and control panels, ensuring a seamless user experience for those who switch between them. With DigiWorldz boasting over 13,000 registered users and nearly 2,000 active monthly users, it’s clear that Ford has his work cut out in rebuilding the 3rd Rock Grid community.
The prospect of returning to 3rd Rock Grid is undoubtedly exciting for its former residents, who can now look forward to reliving memories or making new ones. Region pricing information hasn’t been announced yet, but on DigiWorldz, regions start at $11 a month for a standard-size starter region. As Ford puts it, “My hope is that some of the old users will return and help to build the future 3rd Rock Grid community. Everyone will be welcome.”
The revival of 3rd Rock Grid is a testament to the enduring power of virtual worlds and their capacity to inspire and bring people together. It’s also a reminder that even when one chapter closes, another can begin anew. As Ford embarks on this new journey, VR enthusiasts can look forward to being part of something special – the rebirth of a pioneering grid that once paved the way for the very virtual world experiences we enjoy today.
This revival has significant implications for the future of OpenSim and its user community. It not only breathes new life into 3rd Rock Grid but also serves as a beacon, inspiring other grids to follow suit or explore innovative ways to engage their users. As VR continues to evolve, it’s projects like these that remind us of the importance of preserving history while forging new paths – and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for 3rd Rock Grid!
Source: Hypergrid Business — 2026-07-15