A brief overview of the Metaverse
The Metaverse is a virtual reality or virtual space where people interact with each other and the world around them.
But it all started when the term debuted in Neil Stevenson’s 1992 science fiction novel Avalanche. In it, people interact with their avatars in 3D virtual reality. The protagonist Hiro the Protаgоnist, works as a pizza delivery man in real life, but in the virtual world, he is a hacker and samurai who fights against the distribution of Avalanche’s substance.
The Metaverse can also be compared to the movie “The Matrix,” where the main character Neo goes to the matrix (virtual world).
And in 2021, the boom of cryptocurrencies and NFTs, as well as their mass implementation, begins. The general trend towards decentralization, Web 3.0, and cryptocurrencies are starting to take over the world.
The two most famous metaverses at the time, Decentraland and Sandbox, are gaining popularity quickly, and Travis Scott’s online concert in Fortnite is blowing up online.
More and more companies understand the promise and scope of the future metaverses, and at the end of 2021, Facebook moved into the Metaverse. Facebook was renamed Meta, after which everyone started talking about metauniverses.
From 2022 to now, the metauniverses have tightly entered our lives.
The Metaverse is a new technology that could revolutionize how we interact with the digital world. This allows users to create and use permanent online identities or avatars that can be used to interact with others in virtual spaces.
In 2024-2025, large companies will create metaverses, have a considerable budget and popularity, and graphics indistinguishable from reality. All current ways of interacting on the Internet and social networks will move into the Metaverse. This has already been said on Facebook.
The distinguishing features of the Metaverse
In general, the features and characteristics of a metaverse platform will depend on the specific goals and design of the platform. Some common features that may be included in a metaverse platform include immersive virtual environments, customizable avatars, social interactions, and virtual economies. It’s essential to consider the target audience and intended use of the platform when determining which features to include.
- A single information space for work, communication, leisure, shopping, and games, connecting you with others worldwide. Metaverse is presented as a new stage in the development of the Internet and a potential replacement for the already familiar “Web 2.0”.
- Use of VR and AR technologies. Meta puts a lot of emphasis on the need to get away from the plane of the screen and create a virtual space that feels real. Perhaps this is the main selling point and the central stick in the wheel of the Metaverse project.
- Presence in a virtual environment. In the form of an avatar, you can visit friends, attend a work meeting, and hang out at a concert of your favorite band.
- Creation of user content. This can include customizing an avatar, arranging a virtual home, or creating with the help of tools provided by the developers.
- Possibility to have virtual property. The point is closely related to the previous one. We put .jpeg with a monkey on the fact that things will not work here without NFT.
- Combining pop cultural objects from different franchises (characters, locations, etc.) into a global crossover like never before in Fortnite, Smash, or Marvel movies.
What is a metaverse app
A metaverse app is a software application that allows users to interact with and explore a virtual world, typically through a combination of graphics, audio, and other media. Metaverse apps can be accessed through various devices, including desktop computers, mobile phones, and virtual reality headsets.
Many metaverse apps range from games and social networking platforms to educational and business applications. Some typical features of metaverse apps include:
- Virtual avatars: Users can create and customize their virtual representation, known as an avatar, which they can use to interact with other users and the virtual environment.
- Virtual environments: Metaverse apps typically feature a range of virtual environments, such as cities, forests, or outer space, that users can explore and interact with.
- Social interactions: Many metaverse apps offer social features, such as chat functions, forums, or multiplayer games, that allow users to connect in the virtual world.
- Virtual economies: Some metaverse apps have virtual economies where users can buy, sell, and trade virtual goods or services using in-app currency or real-world money.
Overall, metaverse apps offer users a unique and immersive experience, allowing them to explore and interact with virtual worlds in previously impossible ways.
Must-haves for the metaverse apps
Several key features are essential for creating successful metaverse apps:
- Immersion: The Metaverse should provide a sense of presence and immersion for users, allowing them to feel like they are genuinely a part of the virtual world. This can be achieved through high-quality graphics, realistic environments, and the ability to interact with objects and other users naturally and intuitively.
- Interactivity: Metaverse apps should offer a range of interactive experiences, such as games, social interactions, and other activities that allow users to engage with each other and the virtual environment.
- Personalization: Users should be able to customize their avatars and personal spaces within the Metaverse, adding a layer of individuality and personal expression to their experience.
- Scalability: The Metaverse should be able to accommodate a large number of users simultaneously, with minimal lag or downtime.
- Security: Ensuring the security and privacy of users is crucial, especially given the sensitive personal information that may be shared within the Metaverse.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Metaverse apps should be accessible from various devices and platforms, including desktop computers, mobile devices, and virtual reality headsets.
- Monetization: Many metaverse apps rely on revenue from in-app purchases, subscriptions, or other monetization strategies. It’s important to consider how these strategies will be implemented in a fair and sustainable way for both the app developers and users.
Some popular apps that have been successful in the Metaverse
Second Life
Second Life is a virtual world platform that allows users to create and customize their avatars, explore various virtual environments, and participate in multiple activities, including socializing, gaming, and shopping. Users can communicate via text, voice, and other interactive features.
Second Life is a massive online platform with a wide range of user-generated content, including virtual homes, clothing, and other items that can be purchased using in-game currency or real-world money. The platform also supports user-generated events and activities, such as live music performances, educational lectures, and art exhibitions.
Second Life is available on desktop computers and supports virtual reality headsets for an immersive experience. It is one of the longest-running and most popular virtual world platforms, with a large and active community of users.
Roblox
Roblox is a platform for creating and playing user-generated games and virtual experiences. It features various virtual environments and activities, including role-playing games, racing games, and multiplayer adventures.
Users of Roblox can create and customize their avatars and communicate with each other through text and voice chat. The platform also has a virtual economy where users can buy, sell, and trade virtual goods using in-game currency or real-world money.
Roblox is available on desktop computers and various mobile devices and supports virtual reality headsets for an immersive experience. It is popular among children and young adults and has a large and active community of users.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a sandbox-style video game in which players can build and explore virtual worlds made up of blocks. The game has many creative tools and features that allow players to build structures, create artwork, and design their adventures.
Minecraft has two main game modes: survival mode, in which players must gather resources and craft items to survive in a hostile environment, and creative way, in which players have unlimited resources and can focus on building and creating. The game also has a multiplayer mode that allows players to join servers and play with others online.
Minecraft is available on various platforms, including desktop computers, mobile devices, and game consoles. It has a large and active community of players and has won numerous awards for its innovative gameplay and creative potential.
VR Chat
VR Chat is a social platform that allows users to meet and interact with each other in virtual reality. The platform features a range of virtual environments and activities, including games, social events, and different interactive experiences.
Users of VR Chat can create and customize their avatars and communicate with each other through text and voice chat. The platform supports virtual reality headsets for an immersive experience and has a desktop mode for users who do not have access to VR equipment.
VR Chat is popular among users interested in exploring virtual reality and meeting new people in a social setting. It has a large and active community of users and offers a unique and immersive social experience.
Rec Room
Rec Room is a virtual reality game and social platform that features a range of multiplayer games and activities. The platform has a variety of virtual environments, including sports courts, arcade games, and other interactive experiences.
Users of Rec Room can create and customize their avatars and communicate with each other through text and voice chat. The platform supports virtual reality headsets for an immersive experience and has a desktop mode for users who do not have access to VR equipment.
Rec Room is famous among users interested in virtual reality games and social interactions. It has a large and active community of users and offers a wide range of fun and engaging experiences.
Decentraland
Decentraland is one of the largest and most famous metaverses based on the Ethereum blockchain. Decentraland was founded in 2017 and had its MANA token, with which you can interact with the virtual worlds of Decentraland.
Users can buy or rent land in the game and build casinos, malls, art galleries, and music centers with their virtual property and value.
Decentraland is genuinely decentralized and does not have a central server; content on the platform is sourced from users’ computers worldwide. True Web 3.0.
Decentraland is available on desktop computers and supports virtual reality headsets for an immersive experience. It is popular among users interested in virtual reality, blockchain technology, and the creation and sharing of user-generated content.
Sandbox
The Sandbox is a tool for the professional social media community to share ideas and information to help professionals maximize their potential on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.
Professionals of all backgrounds can benefit from this app by accessing content that will help them build their brand and make themselves more attractive to potential employers.
The app provides users with various resources that they can use to improve their social media presence. These resources include tips on how to create compelling content, how to engage with followers and customers, and how to use social media to build connections effectively.
In addition, the app also provides users access to a community of like-minded professionals who can provide advice and support.
The SandBox app is essential for anyone looking to improve their social media presence and build their brand. With rich resources and a supportive community, it’s the perfect platform for exchanging ideas and information between professionals from all backgrounds.
Epic games
The Epic Games app is a popular gaming platform that allows you to play and interact with other players worldwide. The app is available across multiple platforms, including mobile devices, PCs, and consoles.
One of the most fantastic features of the Epic games app is its cross-platform play support. This means that players can compete against each other no matter their device.
For example, someone playing on their mobile phone can challenge another player playing on their PC.
The application also has several tools for integration with social networks. For example, you can link your Facebook account to the app to find friends who also play Epic games.
If you’re a big gamer, it’s worth checking out the Epic games app. This is a fun and attractive platform that allows you to play with other players worldwide and share your gaming experience on social networks.
Cryptovoxels
Cryptovoxels is a virtual world and a metaverse. Based on the Ethereum blockchain, this platform is still in its infancy and much smaller than its contemporaries.
In Cryptovoxels, users can create and customize their avatars and explore various virtual environments, including cities, parks, and other landscapes. The platform also has a virtual economy where users can buy land and build anything, shops, or art galleries, with built-in editing tools using the cryptocurrency MANA.
Cryptovoxels is available on desktop computers and supports virtual reality headsets for an immersive experience. It is popular among users interested in virtual reality, blockchain technology, and the creation and sharing of user-generated content.
Somnium
Somnium Space is a virtual reality platform that allows users to explore, create, and interact with a virtual world. The platform features various virtual environments and activities, including socializing, gaming, and other interactive experiences.
In Somnium Space, users can create and customize their avatars and explore a range of virtual environments, including cities, forests, and other landscapes. The platform also has a virtual economy where users can buy, sell, and trade virtual real estate and other assets using the cryptocurrency CUBE.
Somnium Space is available on desktop computers and supports virtual reality headsets for an immersive experience. It is popular among users interested in virtual reality and creating and sharing user-generated content.
Conclusion
Metaverse is still developing, and it’s too early to determine the best applications in a particular order or ranking. At the moment, metaverse technologies are driving new waves of digital transformation in various industries.
