Multiverse vs Metaverse: embracing immersive features
James Crooke
The Metaverse landscape has progressed significantly.
With advancements in augmented and virtual reality enabling more immersive experiences, and blockchain technology allowing for decentralised ownership of virtual assets.
Examples of companies embracing Metaverse features include Roblox, Minecraft, Decentraland, Facebook, and Fortnite. These platforms exhibit features of a Metaverse, such as shared virtual spaces, immersive experiences, and real-time user engagement, but differ in the extent of their integration and interconnectedness.
Multiverse vs Metaverse
Metaverse and the Multiverse are related concepts, but they are not exactly the same thing. Here's a brief overview of the two:
- The Metaverse refers to a single shared virtual space that is accessible to users from anywhere in the world. This virtual space is usually immersive and interactive, allowing users to engage with each other and with digital content in real-time.
- The Multiverse, on the other hand, refers to a collection of interconnected virtual worlds or environments. Each world within the Multiverse may have its own rules, physics, and content, and users may need to navigate between them using portals or other means.
In other words, the Metaverse is a single virtual world that exists independently of any individual user or platform, while the Multiverse is a collection of interconnected virtual worlds that may be hosted on different platforms and accessed by different user communities.
It's worth noting that some people use the terms "Metaverse" and "Multiverse" interchangeably, or use one term to refer to a specific implementation of the other concept. However, in general, the two terms do have slightly different meanings and implications.
How has the Metaverse landscape progressed?
Since the most recent wave of metaverse hype began, the landscape has progressed significantly. Several enviable works have emerged, such as Decentraland, a blockchain-based virtual world that enables users to own and develop virtual real estate. Other notable projects include Roblox, Fornite, and Minecraft, which have all seen massive user growth in recent years.
In terms of new technology, advancements in augmented and virtual reality have enabled more immersive experiences, while blockchain technology has allowed for decentralised ownership of virtual assets. Surprising use cases have also emerged, such as virtual fashion shows, concerts, and conferences, which have been embraced by large audiences.
Deep Dive Into Companies Embracing Metaverse Features
Roblox
Roblox is a virtual world considered by many to be a Metaverse, users can create their own 3D environments using Lua programming language and can interact with others through chat, friends lists, and group activities. The virtual currency, Robux, allows players to purchase and sell virtual items and incentivises them to create high-quality experiences and content. Roblox’s accessibility across multiple platforms allows for a broad and diverse user base to participate in the virtual world.
Why Roblox isn't a fully-fledged Metaverse
- Users must navigate between different games and experiences, which limits the sense of a single, unified world.
- There are limitations on how much they can customise their avatars and interact with the environment.
- Roblox is owned and controlled by a single company, limiting the potential for true decentralisation and user control often associated with a metaverse.
The future of Roblox
- The company plans to expand the capabilities of the existing platform by adding features such as persistent game worlds, cross-game communication, and shared economies.
- They have also introduced a developer marketplace called the "Creator Fund" to provide funding and support to developers building experiences for the Roblox Metaverse.
- Additionally, Roblox Corporation has been investing in new technologies such as virtual and augmented reality to make the platform more immersive.
Minecraft
Minecraft is often considered a precursor to the Metaverse, rather than a full-fledged Metaverse itself. However, it does share some similarities and characteristics with the concept of the Metaverse.
Features of a metaverse
- Minecraft has a vast and immersive virtual world, which can be explored and customised by players in a variety of ways.
- Minecraft allows players to create and share their own custom content, such as buildings, skins, and mods, with others in the community. This fosters a sense of shared ownership and creativity among players, which is a core concept of the Metaverse.
- Minecraft also has a strong social component, with players able to interact with each other through various game modes, such as survival, creative, and multiplayer servers. This aspect of the game encourages collaboration and socialisation among players, which is another key element of the Metaverse.
However...
It is important to note that Minecraft does not have all of the characteristics of a true Metaverse, such as a unified virtual world that spans multiple platforms and devices, a persistent economy, and advanced artificial intelligence. Nonetheless, it remains a beloved and influential game that has paved the way for other virtual worlds and the Metaverse as a whole.
Facebook is actively working on building a metaverse, which it describes as "a virtual environment where people can be present with each other in a more immersive way." The company has not yet released a fully functional metaverse, but it has taken several steps towards building one.
Facebook’s Metaverse: Virtual workspaces, Oculus division and virtual events
- Horizon Workrooms Platform- One of Facebook's most notable efforts in the metaverse space is its Horizon Workrooms platform, a virtual workspace that allows people to collaborate remotely in a virtual environment. .
- Oculus Division- Facebook has also been investing heavily in virtual and augmented reality technology through its Oculus division. The company's latest VR headset, the Oculus Quest 2, has been well-received and has sold millions of units since its launch in 2020.
- Virtual Events- Facebook has also been experimenting with virtual events and experiences. For example, it recently hosted a virtual reality concert featuring singer-songwriter Jon Batiste, which was attended by users in VR headsets.
Decentraland
Decentraland is a virtual reality platform built on blockchain technology that allows users to create, experience, and monetise their own 3D content and applications. It is often referred to as a Metaverse project because it aims to create a shared virtual world where users can interact with each other in a variety of ways.
Features of a Metaverse
- Users can create their own virtual spaces, or “land”, using a simple interface and customise them with 3D models and interactive elements.
- Users can visit other players’ virtual spaces, interact with the content, and even purchase items or services using the platform's cryptocurrency, called MANA.
Criticisms of Decentraland
- There are concerns about the environmental impact Decentraland will have as a result of the significant amounts of energy required for it to operate.
- The content within Decentraland is geared towards gambling and other forms of speculative investment, rather than creative or educational pursuits.
- There is potential for fraud and other illegal activities, given the anonymity and decentralisation of the platform.
- There are concerns surrounding the lack of regulation and oversight meaning it is easier for scammers to exploit users.
Fortnite
Fortnite is often referred to as a metaverse because it has some features that are similar to those found in a metaverse. Specifically, Fortnite is a multiplayer online video game that allows players to enter a shared virtual world where they can interact with each other and explore a variety of user-generated content.
Features of a Metaverse
- One of the key features of Fortnite is its user-generated content. Players are able to create and share their own custom game modes, maps, and skins, which can be played by other players. This allows for a constantly evolving universe of user-generated content, which is similar to the way a metaverse might function.
- In addition, Fortnite has been used to host large-scale virtual events, such as concerts, movie screenings, and other interactive experiences. These events have drawn millions of players and spectators from around the world, creating a shared virtual experience that is similar to the way a metaverse might function.
Fortnite virtual events and other interactive experiences
- In-game events: Fortnite has hosted several in-game events that have attracted millions of players.
- Virtual worlds: Fortnite's creative mode allows players to build their own virtual worlds, complete with buildings, landscapes, and interactive elements.
- Virtual goods and assets: In-game store offers a wide variety of virtual goods and assets, including skins, emotes, and weapons. These virtual goods can be purchased using real money, creating a virtual economy that mirrors the concept of the metaverse.
- Cross-platform play: Fortnite allows players to connect and play with others across multiple platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
- Collaboration and partnerships: Fortnite has partnered with brands and franchises to create unique virtual experiences within the game, such as a recent collaboration with the NBA to create an in-game basketball arena.
The Takeaway
Roblox, Minecraft, Decentraland, Facebook, and Fortnite are all examples of platforms that exhibit features of a Metaverse, such as shared virtual spaces, immersive experiences, and real-time user engagement. However, they also differ in the extent of their integration and interconnectedness. Some of them may function as a single virtual world, while others may be part of a larger Multiverse, consisting of interconnected virtual worlds.
