The Metaverse is the virtual counterpart of the physical world. It is the crossing of the internet, blockchains, digital identity, and 3D environments. Mixing elements of real life, shopping, gaming, social media, and many more, the Metaverse has become a central topic with massive stakes.
It’s not by coincidence that Facebook rebranded itself as Meta: the Metaverse is going to change or complement our habits as individuals and as a society. As we speak, the Metaverse is composed of a multitude of incomplete “metaverses” with different features. But it makes no doubt that we are heading toward one big Metaverse, interconnecting the internet, the financial system, the entertainment industry, etc. A virtual layer, parallel to the real world, adding a whole new dimension to human life.
The Metaverse: a world in 3D for virtual reality?
We often think of the Metaverse as a world designed in 3D, that needs a VR headset to be accessed. This idea has been reinforced with the rise of virtual reality video games. Furthermore, the Meta announcement video presenting a fully 3D designed world, as well as the rise of blockchain-based Metaverses such as The Sandbox and Decentraland, offering 3D worlds to their users, have given more strength to this idea.
However, the Metaverse won’t be limited to a 3D virtual world that can only be accessed through a VR set. As an additional layer to the real world, the Metaverse will include any form of content accessible through a screen. Even without a screen, inclusiveness is one of its goals, and shouldn’t let blind people apart.
However, it will probably make 3D and VR a more common part of our virtual lives.
How the Metaverse will change our habits
The Metaverse is already happening: big brands have invested the virtual space in order to position themselves in what is often described as “virtual real estate”. This is because the Metaverse offers new possibilities of communications, promotions and events.
Clothing brands such as Adidas or Nike are working on creating shoes for both the real and the virtual worlds. Instead of going to a shop, you can try new shoes on your avatar, or even on yourself with the help of augmented reality. This is going to be a major change in the world of shopping.
Blending 3D, social media and gaming isn’t a completely new idea. Projects such as Second Life, Minecraft or Roblox have already explored the incredible possibilities of blending aspects of social life with a 3D environment. But with the integration of more real-life elements such as money, identity or links to items such as our phones, the immersion is going to be stronger than ever.
How not to be late in the Metaverse?
The Metaverse is closely bound to the rise of Web 3.0 and blockchain: technologies that aim to connect the virtual world in a way never seen before. There is still time, but development is going fast and is only going to accelerate from now on. Learn about Web 3.0, blockchains and related topics. Try to immerse yourself in virtual worlds such as Decentraland or The Sandbox – it’s free! Try a VR set and explore a 3D world. Look into the new virtual trends in the world of fashion and how brands are making the best out of these new opportunities. It’s only the beginning.
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