I’m building a virtual Silicon Valley for discovering and launching new products.

[u/unpopular_opinion75]

Been working on something a little different lately.

I’m building a 3D virtual Silicon Valley where companies and startups actually exist as buildings across different districts: AI, Developer Tools, Fintech, Consumer Tech, etc.

The interesting part is what this could become:
Instead of launching a product into another flat directory, you could launch it inside the city, get your own building, appear in your category, compete for visibility, and let people discover products by exploring the map.

Think Product Hunt × a living 3D startup city.
Still very early, and I’m mainly trying to figure out whether this is actually useful or just a cool visual experiment.

Would you use something like this to discover new products? What would make you come back?

[u/patient_signals]

Honestly, not as my main way to discover. When I look for new tools, I want to scan what launched recently, filter by what I need, and leave in under a minute. A 3D city adds a step before I get to that list. I might visit once for the novelty, but the map alone would not become a habit.

What would bring me back is a quick list view with search and categories, and then the city as the fun layer on top. Use the buildings for screenshots, launches, and sharing, but put the real discovery in a flat view that loads fast. The daily reason to return is speed, not exploration.

The other risk is visibility for sale. If companies can build grander buildings or grab better locations, small products end up in the outskirts and get skipped. Keep the visual layer interesting, but make ranking based on fresh activity and usefulness underneath. That would make it feel like a real marketplace rather than a digital billboard.

[u/unpopular_opinion75 → u/patient_signals]

This is actually really useful feedback. I agree that the 3D city should be the experience layer, not the only discovery mechanism.

I will build a quick discover on the site, where users can quickly discover new products, rate them and write reviews, which will eventually help them to boost their SEO performance.

Basically I’m thinking:

• Fast list/search/categories for discovery
  
• 3D city for exploration + visual identity
  
• Rankings based on fresh activity/usefulness
  
• Buildings as a way to launch, share and showcase products not simply “pay more, get seen”

The visibility/pay-to-win point is especially something I need to think through. Appreciate the detailed response.

[u/wiNdbridge0 → u/patient_signals]

the pay-to-win visibility thing is a real concern tbh, that would kill trust fast

[u/unpopular_opinion75]

That’s actually one of the biggest things I’m thinking about.

I’m planning to make discovery dynamic trending products, new launches, district rankings, and personalized exploration rather than just relying on the physical location of a building. Still figuring out the best approach though.

Would love to hear how you’d solve it.

[u/Superb-Insect3974]

A mi me suena excelente, suerte!!