What is Metaverse?
What is Metaverse? The concept of metaverse has been among us for a long time. From nightmare-inducing Black Mirror episodes to the news of Facebook actually changing its name to ‘Meta’ in 2021, you might have come across the name every so often. It took the internet by storm, everywhere people were talking about it. But what is it? There is always that one person going, “You know, it's like a simulation.” Well okay? I guess, but what is Metaverse exactly? Today, we are attempting to explain what Metaverse is, how you can access it and what a future with it will look like.
Understanding Metaverse
The term ‘Metaverse’ was first coined by Neil Stevenson in his novel Snow Crash. This 1992 novel has everything our future will hold. Electric cars, virtual reality, augmented reality and also metaverse. As it is no longer the ‘future’, Metaverse now has major tech companies competing over it to commercialize.
It can be called the 3D version of the internet and it will change the way you shop, play games and how you live your life in general. So, it is a place which will run parallel to the real world, a world of endless possibilities which can mirror the real world. But it is so much more than just that. Just like the internet cannot be described in simple terms, the metaverse can also not be described in simple terms.
But if we do attempt an explanation in layman’s terms, Metaverse is a simulated digital environment where you can play, learn and socialize with people’s digital avatars. Metaverse allows anyone to create their own digital avatars, such that they can travel to different countries or even visit strange alien planets just from their seat. Metaverse uses augmented reality, and virtual reality and creates a simulated digital environment which would resemble the real world. A world that has no limitations, you can resume any digital identity and present yourself however you want. Now it would just resemble the real world, it does not mean that it is real. It would not exactly be real itself because it is like a network of 3D worlds joined together to make one world where you can do anything and everything. And it is not a video game. Although it has been most adapted in that industry, Metaverse is not a game, as in you are not bound by the rules of a video game, it is a closed system. Whereas Metaverse cannot be controlled by anybody, it is not a closed system like a game. So even though games like Fortnite and Pokemon Go use components of Metaverse, the entire world cannot be limited to just that. The assets that you earn in that game can be used in that game only whereas in Metaverse you can jump from world to world, it is not just limited to one world. It is a reality where you can spend money, buy stuff, meet with people and interact with them as well. Maybe in the future of Metaverse, you will be able to feel as well, but for now, it is based on a 3D dimension which is not exactly real. So again, virtual reality.
Why did Metaverse suddenly blow up?
There were many reasons behind the sudden and rapid popularity of Metaverse. One of them is that we got a rude awakening during the pandemic that we were technologically behind. It is not just speculation that the pandemic would have been easier if we had better technology. Imagine the classes happening over zoom, where you could do some practical work by seeing the material in front of you and not just on your screen. Experts argue that the best use for Metaverse would be for educational purposes. 3D based education is much better than learning on a 2D screen. Another important thing is that Metaverse simply is the future because the developments are not stopping, it is not just a concept that blew up for a fleeting moment. It is there to stay. But education is not the only need. There are many others like buying or selling real estate and communicating with different people with an immersive experience which is better than just texting because you will be able to see the person.
Metaverse is the future of the internet, a step further into the madness of technology. If we quote Mark Zukerberg here, “The next platform will be even more immersive — anembodied internet where you’re in the experience, not just looking at it. We call this the metaverse, and it will touch every product we build. The defining quality of the metaverse will be a feeling of presence — like you are right there with another person or in another place. Feeling truly present with another person is the ultimate dream of social technology. This is not about spending more time on screens; it is about making the time we already spend better.” This is what Zuckerberg said in a founder’s letter when the news of Facebook changing its name to Meta came out in 2021. In addition, market research has indicated that the market value of metaverse will grow higher than 1000 billion dollars in the year 2029.
Where can you access it?
Right now there is no commonplace from where Metaverse can be accessed. Some people also argue that the truest form of Metaverse does not exist yet, it is something which is at the ‘making’ stage. If people do not get a single location they can come to it cannot exactly be called real until then. It will soon become a reality or virtual reality of the world. Until that happens, it can be approached from different gateways by using several different tools. Many tech giants are entering the game to offer people a variety of experiences in either virtual reality or gaming, etc. A few of the top Metaverse
platforms are mentioned below:
1. Decentraland
Decentraland is the world's first feasible proof of concept for a content virtual environment. People may create, discover, and earn from their content and apps in Decentraland. They can even purchase and sell land. This platform allows you to monetise your material.
2. Sandbox
Generally, people compare Sandbox and Decentraland because of how similar both of these platforms are. Players in Sandbox can buy or rent virtual homes in this effort. This feature emphasizes the decentralized character of the system.
3. HyperVerse
The HyperVerse is a massive virtual metaverse with millions of planets. In HyperVerse players are known as voyagers. Voyagers get to interact with one another which will help them learn about diverse cultures and lifestyles. It also allows the voyagers to create tokenized things, start companies, and explore the world in the HyperVerse.
Metaverse is the way of the future. It will be a new method for humans to engage with one another, and it will completely alter how we view everything. It will increase output. As technology advances, it will become more adaptable. As flexibility improves, new applications for the Metaverse will emerge. As a result, the participants' experience will continue to improve. To put it another way, it will never be dull. This just goes to show that the Metaverse is the time ahead.
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