What is a Metaverse?
And How Will It Evolve?
What is a Metaverse?
In the past couple of weeks, the term “metaverse” has been tossed around quite lightly due to an anti-social android that goes by the name of Mark Zuckerberg. This loaded and abstract word is being given out as if Oprah herself were gifting them to her spectators; “You get a metaverse, you get a metaverse, you all get a metaverse”.
Created by: Cyril Lancelin and Benny Or
But what actually is a metaverse? Does somebody own it? Will we all be digitally replicated in such a digital vortex? Well, the simple answer is that it is a universe of interconnected virtual worlds which allow people to interact with one another in the digital sphere. Whether it be work offices, concerts, art galleries, shopping centers, or unique living spaces, online digital environments consisting of an infinitely growing number of interactions will make up the metaverse.
Now the metaverse isn't one singular organization, like Facebook, or Amazon, or Google. It’s more of a generalized term which describes how different forms of technology will intertwine with our physical world, including but not limited to augmented and virtual reality, giving users the freedom to interact with one another without the limitations of our physical plane.
Limitations? What kind of limitations? The real world is the best place to be, you might say…Why would I want to interact with people on my computer when I can do it face to face? I want to wrap my cold hands around my grandmother's homemade cozy quilt…I want to fall down after my Terrier jumps onto my chest to lick my face… I want to kiss the person I’ve had a crush on for months. I get it. This “metaverse” might seem like it’s taking away the joys we get from our tactile world. But it’s not replacing anything in this world, it's just adding to it. We can still feel the steam of the hot tea grazing against our face, while simultaneously navigating your avatar through an M.C Escher inspired surrealist NFT Gallery. We’ll still be able to plunge into the freezing rock pools in Yosemite, preceding a virtual meeting consisting of employees located around the globe.
It’s not so black and white; you have the decision to choose whichever shade of grey suits your wants and needs most. When mobile devices and apps added a new dimension to the way we can interact with the internet, we didn't pour battery acid on desktops and smash them to bits with a Louisville slugger; we use different forms of tech when our uniquely different purposes require it. So this new additional use of the internet will not take over the old ways, it will just add to what we already have, and one can decide accordingly if they’d like to utilize it or not.
Created by: Boris Raw
Here are some new metaverse advancements people are coming up with to pioneer this new paradigm. And pardon my French, but these things are just straight up BADASS!
Stage 11: This company is completely flipping the way we interact with music. From motion-capturing Snoop Dogs movements, to building immersive cinematic worlds, Stage11 creates interactive experiences for viewers to experience music holistically.
Oculus: A VR company that produces immersive realities. i.e. fitness games that allow you to Bike on the Tour De France, designing workplaces and creatively collaborative environments, and first person adventure narratives.
Boson Portal: A new protocol that allows buyers and sellers to mesh together without the need of a centralized entity. “Built for creators, communities and merchants, Boson Protocol enables the seamless exchange of digital assets for physical products, services and experiences.”
Decentraland and Sandbox: Worlds created by and for its users, where one can buy and sell collectible assets, build artworks and architecture, and create games for others to participate in. (Quick side note: In Decentraland, the players are able to Vote on certain things to change the game, however the more Tokens you own, the more voting power you hold… sounds like an unfair advantage to those who have the most cash in their wallets).
Roblox: A program that allows users to program their own as well as participate in other games crafted by users. This is one of the most popular versions of a Metaverse. (and Kids are obsessed with it…is that good or bad
Fortnite: A multiplayer video game platform that allows people to communicate and strategize together, while also serving as a place for people to hang out, watch concerts and movies. Currently it’s main focus is on the Video Game itself, but I can only imagine they will start evolving into something much greater as their CEO Tim Sweeney is a large influencer in the Metaverse conversation.
Stay tuned for next week as we dive into how NFTs are revolutionizing education.
Stay Curious!
~NFT Art Source
Article by: Nate Galper