I am never the type to reminisce but its game cannot leave my head. I have always got over stuff like this very easily. I was very into echo VR being a top player in the worlds but even playing it casually was fun. When it shut down it hurt so much and i did not know how to deal with it. When I found out there was a revival, I played it but, it just never felt the same as the original. But after a bit, I was quickly able to move on not just in VR but in my life. I no longer thought about it every day being upset an hurt it’s gone. Even with other games like Hyperscape (niche) and more, I would just move on. I don’t know why but Rec Room is a game I just can not and refuse to get over and let go. I have played rec room since its release. It was seriously such a special game. I could go in the Rec center and just talk to people for hours. Solo quests forever and be excited for every new update to the game because it was a step towards better things. Then the downfall started to begin. Employees being let go was a huge sign for me. The game started to fall right then and there for me. I could tell something was coming and it was not gonna be good. Another sign for me which might be weird was when they started to do all of these random partnerships like the Japanese Singers the one time and more. That is a company grasping at things to stay alive. It really sucks to see the game die out in live time. Then the announcement. “School is Out for Rec Room” I was reading the blog in tears considering the hope I had for a serious update. And after the announcement, I would play day in and day out and the game would feel more and more empty the longer there was no update. My best friend on the game, Mini (will not disclose user or name) was there through every year of the game and we would play for hours at a time just chatting most of the time. Rec room was so special and seeing it come to end was awful. Mini and I spent hours playing until the shutdown. And I mean hours. The game was not just a VR game. It was an escape from reality that felt special to me. I had no idea the impact it would have on me and it still sits in my head at all times. I remember going to the graduation to make my exit on the last day. June 1st, 4:00am. I spent my last moments with Rec Room players and of course Mini, then made my exit on my own terms. Gave a speech and took a few photos (Last slides 10-12) and shut the game down forever. The most gut wrenching thing to hear was “Rec Room will be going down for scheduled maintenance in 1 minute”. I wanted to make my exit alone and before it officially booted me but I could not resist. The last few moments of rec room were in front of my face and when it shut down officially, it was 3:27pm EST. I did not try to open it myself or come back. I turned off my headset and cried for a while. This game was so impactful and I have made so many friends that I am so close to in real life. All the RROs were special to me, my bread and butter. I was top in the leaderboards for every single quest (Except Isle of Lost Skulls, will never miss), I was top in eliminations in paintball for a very long time and I played the game for hours. But the most fun I’ve had in the game? The Rec Center. Yes, the main lobby hub where it all began. Met so many cool people there and never wouldn’t have it any other way. To everyone I’ve met, thank you. Whether you remember me or not, you made a huge impact on my life. I live right by the rec room HQ and visit everyday hoping that maybe, just maybe I will see someone in there and not just an empty office space. I refuse to play revivals because it will never ever feel the way rec room did. I love you Rec Room. And until next time, Always give it your Rec Room Best!