Posted by 
A few years ago, AltspaceVR warned users that a Microsoft Account (MSA) would be required soon to log into the popular social VR platform. Yesterday, Microsoft announced that after May 31st, the legacy logins would no longer work and the Microsoft Account login would be required.
For those that signed up for AltspaceVR within the last two years, you likely did so with a Microsoft account, so most will not be impacted. Long-time users may have already linked their AltspaceVR account with their Microsoft account. If you have not, here is what you need to know.
You do not need to add a separate Microsoft account to log into AltspaceVR. If you are using Windows, Microsoft Office (365), you likely already have one. If you wish to use a separate Microsoft account, you may create one or use the email alias feature for business Microsoft accounts and personal accounts.
Log into your AltspaceVR account on your computer. On the login screen, select the link Microsoft account option. The normal account verification process will initiate. Once set, you would be good to go.
We are making an inquiry to AltspaceVR as to the status of Microsoft Education accounts. Currently, they are not supported. If you do not have an education account and have a Microsoft business or enterprise account, check with your IT department to ensure access.
For more information, see the announcement from AltspaceVR.
In addition to improving the security of your account, as well as access to Microsoft features such as holoportation, whiteboards, and other much needed features, we are expecting updates and new features in AltspaceVR focused on event hosting and new features, and this is a step in that direction.
Thanks for the details, Lorelle. I am sad to see this. I have no Microsoft account and have no intent of being forced to get one, so have to bid a sad sad farewell to AltSpaceVR and the friends I have made there, including you! This is so sad!!
Sorry about your decision. As frustrating as this is, we are closer than ever to integrating Microsoft Mesh and mixed reality into AltspaceVR, and that requires the Microsoft login as it will likely allow a fairly seamless transition from Microsoft Teams to AltspaceVR. This should also help with the expansion of AltspaceVR back into mobile devices like iOS and Android.
All the other gaming and interactive platforms have similar account requirements. Facebook has backed off from requiring a Facebook account for Oculus, but they are creating separate logins for Horizon and Oculus and Facebook, complicating this dream of moving seamlessly between apps in the metaverse.
At some point, if that dream is to ever be realized, we will need some form of OpenID or single web-based login as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and others have tried to ensure that easy transition. This is just one of many painful steps in the evolution.