It's Sunday, and I'm onstage at Soapstone Comedy Club in the metaverse. Despite Meta’s plan to cut creation features in VR, this adults-only digital comedy club continues to host events, from improv and stand-up to open-mic singing.

Miss Del Rey, a Swedish performer whose avatar sports bright red hair and gold boots, is among those deeply invested in Soapstone. 'It's been this massive production, and now it's just disappearing,' she says with shock and sadness over the shutdown.

The community here faces uncertainty as Meta pivots to mobile platforms. While some see potential benefits like larger audiences, others fear a loss of the immersive experience that VR offers. As one user puts it: 'I find I socialize more here than I do in real life.'

Soapstone has hosted over 5,000 events since its inception and has attracted partnerships with famous comedians. For many users, this space is not just a venue but a home where they can perform and connect without the constraints of physical disabilities or real-world limitations.

The future remains uncertain as avatars gather at the virtual bar, discussing their concerns over the move to mobile. While some are optimistic about potential improvements, others cling to the VR experience that has become integral to their lives.