While metaverse marvels may still be at their early stages of development, experts have high hopes of how they can redefine connectivity and user experience in the near future. These interactive virtual worlds that combine multiple technologies, including augmented reality, virtual reality, and blockchain, are yet to show their potential to the world.
If you have heard about the metaverse but you don’t really know much about what its emergence implies about the future of the Internet, this article is for you. Read on to learn the definition of a metaverse, its unique features, the dominating metaverse marvels at present, and more!
What Is a Metaverse?
The metaverse is a fully immersive social platform where users can interact, play, hang out, shop, and work in a 3D real-world simulation. It encompasses many other digital platforms shared by billions of users worldwide.
The history of the metaverse dates all the way back to 1838 when Sir Charles Wheatstone sketched what he called binocular vision—a combination of two images that results in a singular 3D figure or image.
Following Sir Wheatstone’s concept came the creation of stereoscopes, which uses the illusion of depth to generate a three-dimensional image. The stereoscopes served as the basis for today’s VR headset—the very device you need to access the metaverse.
The Uniqueness Factor of Different Metaverses
The metaverses are not designed to deliver a one-size-fits-all experience for all users. However, they offer flexibility to address different market needs and user demands.
For instance, a shoe company will focus on enabling a virtual experience where customers can create their avatars and ‘try’ digital counterparts of the brand’s shoe designs.
Moreover, the gradual shift into the metaverse increases the demand for more hardware that supports augmented, virtual, and mixed reality, such as haptic gloves and VR headsets.
Virtual transactions imitating real-life purchases and trades also give rise to the use of cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized finance (DeFi).
The government can also benefit greatly from incorporating virtual reality and other metaverse features in creating projects that benefit the community. For instance, they can create 3D replications of towns and cities to plan and improve public transportation, safety, and waste management.
Exploring the Top 3 Distinct Metaverses
Here are the top three metaverses worth exploring:
#1. The Sandbox (SAND)
The Sandbox is an online gaming platform backed by a Decentralized Autonomous Structure (DAO) architecture. It lets users create, sell, and upload digital assets, play together, and build immersive virtual reality experiences.
Users also have the option to become a metaverse pioneer. This allows them to buy metaverse lands in the form of NFTs and transform them into a distinct and enjoyable space to host events and feature their creations.
All digital assets are created in VoxEdit, while games are built using The Sandbox Game Maker. Users can purchase lands within The Sandbox metaverse and edit their metadata as needed.
Before selling games and digital assets, creators must reach a mutual pricing-related agreement and manage the asset shortage in The Sandbox marketplace.
#2. Decentraland (MANA)
Decentraland is an Ethereum-based 3D digital game that enables users to play games, build virtual marketplaces, purchase and sell digital real estate, and trade collectibles.
There are three native tokens that users can utilize to create their environments in Decentraland: Estate, LAND, and its in-game currency, MANA. They can purchase MANA via Kraken, Coinbase, Binance, and other centralized crypto exchanges (CEXs).
Users must connect their Decentraland account to a secure Ethereum cryptocurrency wallet to sell or exchange digital assets. Speaking of that, Decentraland recommends Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, and other WalletConnect-supported crypto wallets.
#3. Roblox
Roblox is a platform that enables users to build different 3D virtual worlds and play different games.
In other words, the Roblox metaverse has a development tool called Roblox Studio, where users can create content and assets for games, tailor their gameplay mechanics and experiences, and develop scripts.
Also included in its impressive array of features are object-oriented programming language and a foolproof physics mechanism. To monetize creations in Roblox, users can charge others who want to access their games, use advertisements, and trade game accessories.
Navigating a Metaverse
Below are some tips on how to properly explore and engage with different metaverses and make the best of their key features:
- Be properly equipped. This means having a sufficient background in cryptocurrency trends, NFTs, blockchain technology, and decentralization. Crypto is fundamental to creating and monetizing digital assets in any metaverse.
- Consider your interests. Do you want an interactive experience with specific clothing brands, or are you more interested in gaming and creating assets? Find virtual spaces that align with your interests and preferences to maximize your experience.
- Stay updated. The current framework of today’s metaverses is bound to expand and evolve. Keep tabs on recent updates and possible predictions about the future of metaverses and the way these changes affect the community and economy.
Key Takeaways
The various metaverse realms are excellent representations of what the world will be like. From building your unique virtual world to sharing digital assets to enabling enhanced interactivity with fellow users, there is more to explore about the full potential of these virtual places.