- The metaverse is a persistent, decentralized, online digital world where users interact, work, and play using avatars.
- A true metaverse doesn't exist in the real world. However, there are a variety of unconnected, competing metaverse platforms you can try.
- You can access the metaverse using a Windows PC or Mac. Some platforms require a virtual reality headset.
What is the Metaverse?
The metaverse is a persistent, decentralized, interconnected digital world. The metaverse is a concept that was first dreamt up in science fiction. It is a massive interconnected online universe that users interact with using avatars. Avatars are unique digital representations of each user. The metaverse can be used to socialize with other users, play games, create, purchase, make money, and work. A true metaverse like the ones portrayed in science fiction is decentralized. It is not owned by any one person or corporation. Instead, each user or company owns a piece of the metaverse that they can use to create their own digital space. Each platform is seamlessly interconnected, allowing users to use their avatars in a variety of games and experiences. Today, the term "metaverse" is often associated with Web 3.0 (web 3), which is a hypothetical third generation of the internet that is built on top of cryptocurrencies and blockchains. This would allow for a more decentralized internet in which users can make transactions with each other without the use of big tech companies or banking corporations. This would be the basis of the metaverse economy. Today, a true decentralized, interconnected metaverse only exists in the realm of science fiction. However, there are a number of small, competing metaverse platforms that are working the make the dream of a true metaverse a reality. You can join one of these platforms to experience the metaverse on a small scale.
What to do in the Metaverse?
Play games. In a lot of ways, a metaverse is similar to the online multiplayer games we play today. In a metaverse scenario, all games would be interconnected. Instead of playing a different character in each game, you would be allowed to use the same avatar in every game you play. The equipment and clothing you use in the game would be NFTs that you own. You would be able to use the same gear in a variety of games. Imagine if you could use the same loadout you use in Call of Duty in Destiny or other first-person shooters. Horizon: Worlds for the Oculus Quest has a ton of user-created games that you can join and play with other people. Axie Infinity is an NFT-based game that allows you to grow, breed, and battle unique creatures called Axie in a turned-based Pokemon-style game. Your Axies can be bought and sold on the marketplace for crypto, which can be exchanged for real money. Star Atlas is a metaverse game set in the year 2620. It allows players to explore, trade, gather resources, and battle with each other. Every property in the game is an NFT that is owned by the players. Players have agency over the game and can often out-vote the designers on decisions. GALA has a variety of social games that allow players to exchange goods and connect with one another. These include Tank Crawler, Town Celebrity, Mirandus, Fortified, and Mirrors of Empire.
Create. One of the key aspects of a metaverse is that it is decentralized. It is not owned by one person or corporation. Instead, it relies on user-generated content to provide content that other users interact with. The entire metaverse infrastructure is created by individual users. You can create your own avatar as well as clothing and accessories for your avatar. You can even design buildings and furniture for the metaverse.
Socialize. Today we already use the internet to socialize with other people using text chats as well as video and audio chats. In the metaverse, you would be able to speak with and interact with other users in a 3D environment using your avatar. With virtual reality and augmented reality technology, you can feel like you are in the same room with people who are on opposite sides of the globe.
Attend events. Many metaverse platforms have hosted various events. These can include concerts, tours, dance clubs, art galleries, eSports competitions, and more.
Make money. Another key aspect of a metaverse is that it has its own digital economy, usually based on cryptocurrency or microtransactions. You can earn money in the metaverse by working, creating, and selling NFTs and other items, or purchasing cryptocurrency.
Go shopping. Since you can make money in the metaverse, you can also spend money in the metaverse. You can purchase clothing and accessories for your avatar. You can purchase decorations and NFT artwork, you can even buy land in the metaverse.
Work. There are many jobs available for people in the metaverse. This includes content creators, game designers, coders, 3D modelers, tour guides, musicians, DJs, educators, and more.
Metaverse Platforms
Decentraland. Decentraland is a decentralized metaverse platform based on the Ethereum blockchain. Users can purchase plots of virtual land called LANDS, which are NFTs. Users can use the land that they purchase to create their own scenes, games, applications, or a virtual home. You can sign up for Decentraland at https://decentraland.org/
The Sandbox. The Sandbox is another decentralized metaverse platform that focuses on creativity and user-generated experience. It's a great platform to create, share, and experience new things. It has its own game engine, building tools, and marketplace. The Sandbox has its own native cryptocurrency called SAND. You can join The Sandbox at https://www.sandbox.game/en/.
Upland. Upland is another decentralized metaverse platform that is focused on virtual real estate. It blends the digital world with the physical world, allowing users to purchase land in real cities. It has its own native cryptocurrency called UPX. Users can purchase land, and play mini-games. It also offers ways to earn cryptocurrency in-game. You can try Upland at https://www.upland.me/.
Somnium Space. Somnium Space is a decentralized metaverse based on the Ethereum blockchain that has full VR support. Users can purchase virtual land that they can build on. They can also create custom content, such as wearables and accessories for their avatars. You can play Somnium Space at https://somniumspace.com/.
Second Life. Second Life is one of the oldest metaverse platforms. It was one of the first games that allowed users to create custom avatars, purchase virtual land, and create custom content that can be monetized or sold to other users. Unlike other metaverse platforms, Second Life does not use cryptocurrency. Instead, it uses microtransactions. Users purchase digital currency called Lindens which can be used to purchase items and land. Unlike other platforms that use microtransactions, Lindens can be traded for actual real-world money. You can download Second Life at https://secondlife.com/.
Roblox. Roblox may be one of the most popular metaverse platforms. It allows users to create their own games and experiences using Roblox Studio. It has a unique, kid-friendly art style inspired by Legos. Users buy and sell content in Roblox using the game's native currency called Robux. You can sign up for Roblox at https://www.roblox.com/.
Meta Horizon Worlds. Meta Horizon Worlds is a metaverse platform created by Meta (formerly Facebook) specifically for the Oculus Quest virtual reality headset. It allows users to create and monetize their own games and experiences using the platform's in-game creation tools. Users can explore, interact, and play games with other users in full virtual reality. You can download Meta Horizon Worlds for free from the Metal Quest Store on your Meta Quest 2 or 3.
Accessing the Metaverse
Decide on a metaverse platform. The metaverse has yet to emerge as a singular, decentralized, interconnected platform. Instead, you will need to decide on a metaverse platform you want to use. Think about what you are hoping to experience in the metaverse. Do you want to play games? Do you want to socialize with other users? Do you want to purchase virtual land? Do you want to make and sell things? Decide on a metaverse platform that caters to your desired experience.
Get a cryptocurrency wallet. Many metaverse platforms use cryptocurrencies to power their digital economies. Many of these require you to have a cryptocurrency wallet before signing up for an account. Find out what cryptocurrency your chosen platform uses and get a cryptocurrency wallet that supports that cryptocurrency. Also, check what wallets the platform supports. You'll need to download the cryptocurrency wallet and create an account. Cryptocurrency wallets include Coinbase, Trust Wallet, Metamask, Exodus, and Electrum.
Purchase the equipment needed to access the metaverse. Most metaverse platforms can be easily accessed using a Windows PC. You will likely want to get a PC that has decent hardware specs as many metaverse platforms can be resource intensive. Most metaverse platforms also work on a Mac. Some metaverse platforms allow you to interact with them using your smartphone. A few metaverse platforms require you to have a virtual reality headset, such as an Oculus Quest.
Sign up for the platform. Once you decide on a platform, go to the platform's official website and sign up for an account. You may need to connect your cryptocurrency wallet to your account.
Download and install the app. A few metaverse platforms can run inside a web browser. Most will require you to download and install an app, which can be downloaded from the official website. The app will allow you to access the metaverse.
Create an avatar. Before you can access the metaverse, you will need to create a custom avatar. This a unique representation of yourself. This is what other users will see when they interact with you in the metaverse. Most metaverse platforms have their own avatar-creation tools. You can make an avatar that looks like yourself, or you can create an original character for your avatar.
Explore. Once you create an avatar, you are ready to enter the metaverse. You can do so using the app that you downloaded for your Metaverse platform. Take the time to explore and interact with other users. Ask questions. Get to know the lay of the land. When you are ready, you can purchase land, or create new custom experiences for other users to enjoy.
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