## What is glTF?

In the metaverse, there's a format called glTF that's used to describe 3D models and scenes. glTF 2.0 has recently been ratified as an international standard for 3D models, many describe it as "the jpeg for 3D files".


Extended answer:
Source: https://github.com/gltf-rs/gltf#reference-infographic

## What are glTF extensions?

glTF has an extensions system which act as modular add-ons to the standard glTF format, enriching 3D models with extra functionalities tailored to different needs. Working on new gltf extensions and/or improvements to existing ones is a sure way to enable greater interoperability between different apps and platforms.


Source: https://www.khronos.org/gltf/

---

## OMI Extensions

We have a 5 step process our group takes to propose, implement, and ratify an extension:

1. **Stage 1**: A draft proposal is submitted to the OMI glTF Working Group and must have at least one champion responsible for advancing the proposal. A high-level outline of the extension is published as a GitHub Pull Request in the repository, and all contributors must sign the W3C Community Contributor License Agreement.

2. **Stage 2**: The draft proposal precisely describes the extension, and there is at least one metaverse implementation of the extension in development with valid sample assets for testing. The proposal includes a valid JSON schema and a markdown document explaining the purpose, features, and properties of the extension. Edits to the extension are decided by consensus in weekly OMI glTF Working Group meetings.

3. **Stage 3**: The extension has multiple metaverse implementations, a glTF Validator implementation, and at least one tool for generating content using the extension. The implementations, sample assets, and content creation tool should all pass validation by the glTF Validator. The extension is ready for a vote for ratification, and final proposal modifications are decided by consensus in weekly OMI glTF Working Group meetings.

4. **Stage 4**: The extension has been ratified and has multiple metaverse implementations, a glTF Validator implementation, valid sample assets, and a readily available tool for generating content using the extension. Non-substantive changes to the specification can be made via a consensus vote, but breaking changes to the extension are not allowed and should be addressed through a proposal for a new extension with a different identifier.

5. **Stage 5**: The extension has been submitted and merged as an OMI vendor extension. Alternatively, if the extension is intended for use outside the scope of OMI, it can be submitted and ratified as a KHR or EXT extension. The extension must be published to the Khronos 3D Formats Working Group repository to complete stage 5.

Here are the various proposals in different stages the [OMI gltf extensions group](https://github.com/omigroup/gltf-extensions) is working on:

| [KHR Audio](https://github.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/KHR_audio) | [OMI physics shape](https://github.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_physics_shape) | [OMI link](https://github.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_link) | [OMI Pesonality](https://github.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_personality) |
| -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- |
| [](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/main/extensions/2.0/KHR_audio/poster_KHR_audio.jpg) | [](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_physics_shape/poster_OMI_physics_shape.jpg) | [](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_link/poster_OMI_link.jpg) | [](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_personality/poster_OMI_personality.jpg) |

| [OMI physics body](https://github.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_physics_body) | [OMI physics joint](https://github.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_physics_joint) |[OMI seat](https://github.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_seat) | [OMI spawn point](https://github.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_spawn_point) |
| -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- |
| [](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_physics_body/poster_OMI_physics_body.jpg) | [ ](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_physics_joint/poster_OMI_physics_joint.jpg) | [ ](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_seat/poster_OMI_seat.jpg) | [](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/madjin/gltf-extensions/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_spawn_point/poster_OMI_spawn_point.jpg) |

We have been recently discussing some of these ongoing projects:

- **VRM Animations Format/Spec**: [EXT_skin_humanoid](https://github.com/takahirox/EXT_skin_humanoid)
- A work in progress format for VRM animations.
- https://twitter.com/vrm_pr/status/1684534230553067521 recent VRM animation update
- **Interoperable Hyperlink Portal Spec**: [OMI_link](https://github.com/omigroup/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_link) - This extension allows objects to add world traversal behavior in the form of links. It leaves the implementation details up to the client builder.
- **OMI Spawn Point**: https://github.com/omigroup/gltf-extensions/tree/main/extensions/2.0/OMI_spawn_point
- allows specifying a spawn point in a glTF scene, enabling creators to mark locations where spawnable objects, such as characters, can be created
- particularly useful for VR or AR experiences where the viewer's starting position and orientation significantly impact the overall experience

### Interoperable Vehicles Research

During spring OMI gltf extensions group began to discuss the various vehicles systems being developed on different platforms, here are some contributors working on such:

- uoppoH [Twitter](https://twitter.com/uoppoh_vrc) - vrc
- Sacchan [GitHub](https://github.com/Sacchan-VRC/SaccFlightAndVehicles) - flight
- Varneon [GitHub](https://github.com/Varneon) - vrchat / unity
- Ash - [hyperfy](https://hyperfy.io/) / threejs
- [Aaron](https://github.com/aaronfranke) - Godot
- Spatial.io - Unity

For more in-depth discussions and updates, refer to [this GitHub discussion](https://github.com/omigroup/gltf-extensions/discussions/153).

## Sharing our Work

In order to showcase our work to encourage broader discussions and get more feedback, jin prototyped some ideas for dynamic virtual meeting spaces. These can be helpful to jump into during calls in order to get into group flow state more quickly whether with regulars, industry colleagues, or anybody that's new and wants to figure out what we're working on. One fun idea was via [Booth-a-palooza](https://hyperfy.io/neonstreet) where we made an OMI booth to showcase the activities of the gltf extensions meetup group.

iframe: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/omigroup-booth-gltf-extensions-group-4935fe42bf574b3dbbc5b3c4fbb47f22


During recent OMI community group call we discussed ideas for having a metaverse community float parade / street festival which would fit nicely with our physics and vehicle research. Other builder communities like Neon Buidl and M3 also brainstormed related ideas together, drawing inspiration from Burning Man mutant art vehicles.


More links:
- [OMI HQ in hyperfy](https://hyperfy.io/omigroup)
- [GitHub: OMI archive](https://github.com/omigroup/omigroup)

## Lets Collab

I'm super excited about the metaverse vehicle parade idea, we have all of the necessary tech, talent network, and experience to successfully organize. I think it would take us less than a month to build together, since that's about how long the street festival took from start to end and we can modify the booths we made for that by adding wheels and seats.

If you're excited about the open metaverse and interested in contributing then we invite you to join our next meeting! Stay tuned for updates and announcements on the [OMI Meetings and Events Calendar](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/1?cid=Y18wZHB1Z2Y5ZjgzZXE0cWVrbWI2b21xYmptZ0Bncm91cC5jYWxlbmRhci5nb29nbGUuY29t) or add yourself to the @omi-gltf-subgroup role in the `#roles` channel of the [OMI Discord](https://discord.gg/ptjxE9za) for notifications. If you're interested in other ways to support such as donations or sponsorships check out the OMI open collective page here: https://opencollective.com/omigroup

See you in the metaverse,
\- jin