Since the start of 2023, no part of the crypto world has garnered more attention than the Metaverse. Social media platforms are awash with news and rumors of upcoming Metaverse projects and announcements. Similarly, Metaverse tokens have hit a bull run, recording positive performances last seen in early 2022.
Not to be left behind, companies and popular brands jumped on the trend too. Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook, was the first to show real intent when it changed its name to a Metaverse-inspired one. Likewise, companies like Apple and Disney have announced plans to explore opportunities within the Metaverse. So, what is the deal about the Metaverse?
The metaverse can change how we interact and relate to each other. It is a technology that might be of great importance in the future. You may have wondered what the Metaverse is and how you can be a part of it; this article answers that for you. Just make sure you read to the end. Let’s get started!
What is the Metaverse?
The Metaverse is a computer-generated virtual world that exists separately from the physical world. Users in the Metaverse exist as 3D avatars that can interact with the world and carry out tasks. Advanced gadgets such as VR boxes are often needed to access the Metaverse and interact with the virtual world.
Contrary to what many think, the Metaverse is not a new concept. It has existed for years, but it is only recently that we found the means to make it possible. Movies like Ready Player One give ideas as to what the Metaverse is. The same as virtual reality games such as Minecraft and The Sims show what it feels like to exist in virtual environments.
Many believe the Metaverse is the next iteration of the internet. We currently use the web2 version of the internet, allowing digital communication and interaction without any realness. But with the Metaverse, rather than using texts to communicate, we will interact, collaborate and transact in these virtual worlds in an immersive way.
Even though the Metaverse is still in its infancy, there are already platforms that give users access to these virtual worlds. While several exist, these are the top 6 virtual worlds to explore in 2023. Let’s dive in!
Top 6 virtual worlds to explore in 2023
1. The Sandbox
First on our list is The Sandbox. The Sandbox is an Ethereum-based Metaverse and one of the most popular in the world. The virtual world allows users to buy parcels of virtual land they can own, build on, and monetize.
Due to its popularity, celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton have build venues within The Sandbox. Similarly, brands like Adidas and Gucci have flocked into its voxelated ecosystem.
Asides from owning parcels of land, The Sandbox is a preferred virtual world for virtual events, so far hosting NFT launch parties, live concerts, and brand experiences. In addition, it has also become a destination for multiplayer gaming challenges through its regular ‘Alpha Seasons’ and partnered experiences.
2. Decentraland
Decentraland is another Ethereum-based virtual world where users can play games, exchange collectibles and deal in virtual real estate. It is one of the most widely used metaverses due to its immersive experience, and has held some of the biggest gatherings in the virtual space. As such, its Fashion Week, Art Week and the spectacular Metaverse Music Festival all recorded impressive attendance figures.
Since its Metaverse is user-owned, Decentraland lets users participate in the platform’s governance. This allows the users to vote on the game and the organization’s policies.
Decentraland is a top metaverse for virtual events. Through Decentraland’s map, users can track scheduled community events, including casino nights, fashion shows, movie screenings, and concerts.
3. Voxels
Voxels is one of the most popular metaverses. It rose in prominance during the 2021 NFT frenzy, a time at which digital interactions doubled because of the pandemic. It has recently attracted digital artists and developers who have created many 3D buildings and venues. The streets of Voxels are lined with digital art galleries and alluring artworks.
Asides from digital arts and buildings, users can also play games and host virtual events such as concerts and launches within the virtual world. Voxels also has a city named Origin City, which contains streets owned by corporations and parcels of land owned by people. The platform can easily be accessed using browsers, mobile devices, and VR headsets.
4. Somnium Space
Somnium Space is a virtual reality world offering a more immersive experience than most Metaverses. The platform has a realness feel due to its intricate, slick, and appealing graphics.
Somnium Space is an open-source Metaverse built on the Ethereum blockchain. Users can play games, create programmable environments, purchase virtual properties, and trade in-game digital assets.
Users can also attend social events such as live concerts, parties, and playing video games. Like all other metaverses, users can access Somnium through VR, PC, and the web.
5. Substrata
Substrata is a free-to-use online 3D metaverse. Users within the virtual world can build, explore and socialize with each other. Its slick Metaverse has a high-end graphics display, which offers a different experience than other metaverses.
Users need to own a parcel of land within Substrata to interact with the virtual world. Users have complete control over the purchased land, which they can put to several uses, such as building real estate, leasing the land, hosting virtual events, or playing games. Alternatively, they can create using a public parcel to develop and interact with the Metaverse.
6. Hyperfy
Hyperfy is a virtual world-building platform hosted on the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to build and create entire worlds which they can keep or trade on NFT marketplaces. Hyperfy is popular amongst digital artists and creators as it offers a unique experience to users. The platform also provides tools to make world-building easier for its users.
The metaverse has several worlds, including futuristic art galleries, warehouses, and even Van Gogh’s bedroom.
Are virtual worlds the next big thing?
Metaverses or virtual worlds are getting all the attention in 2023, but are they the next big thing? As the world moves closer to a fully digitalized society, virtual worlds will increase in popularity. Considering that it is the next iteration of the internet, it is only a matter of time before more people adopt it. It is no surprise that companies and brands are jumping on the bandwagon. Even famous brands like Nike and Gucci have created virtual stores to sell virtual wearables used within the Metaverse.
Although the technology is still in its infancy, it is only a matter of time before we start seeing the full potential of the Metaverse. More so, the independence and lack of centralized control could be a reason for people to take an interest in the Metaverse. The current web2 internet is centralized, and people have limited control over their data collection or use, but within a blockchain-powered Metaverse, users can control what data they give up and how it is used.
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