Five major tech companies, including Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Nvidia, and Pixar, have joined forces to create the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) to advance 3D graphics standards in the metaverse. Their ambition extends beyond the founding members as they aim to involve a diverse range of industry participants in shaping the future of 3D graphics and promoting its standardisation.

OpenUSD, also known as Universal Scene Description, is a framework that originated from Pixar, and serves as an open data format for sharing information about 3D objects and environments in both virtual reality and augmented reality projects.

Why does it matter?The main objective is to establish OpenUSD as the industry's standard open data format for 3D content, encouraging its widespread adoption. This, in turn, will foster improved interoperability and seamless collaboration in creating and sharing 3D graphics within the metaverse. While specific details and initiatives of AOUSD remain undisclosed at this stage, their collective efforts signify the increasing recognition of the metaverse's significance and the urgent need for standardised tools and formats across different platforms and applications. With the support of major tech industry players, AOUSD aspires to enhance collaboration among engineers and artists, enabling the creation of virtual worlds for industrial and entertainment purposes.