The Metaverse is described as the future of the Internet, an expansive and interactive video game, or just an excuse for decentralised economies to prey on unsuspecting avatars.
There is no single definition of the Metaverse; it is too new and has too many people developing it to have real coherence, but it is exciting for those who are involved in development, such as gaming companies, major software businesses like Google, and even Meta (which used to be Facebook, but rebranded to show the shifting focus to the Metaverse).
For gamers, the existence and development of the Metaverse means whole new ways of interacting with their favourite games – from Fortnite and Minecraft to blackjack at the casino or poker at the bar.
So, What Is the Metaverse?
The metaverse is virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3d reconstruction all joined together. It is a “shared, persistent digital space for meetings, games, and socializing” according to CNET – and that means it could be a decentralised space built with blockchain technology that operates through cryptocurrency and shared assets for immersive, interactive experiences.
In popular media, what we think of when we consider the Metaverse has been turned into terrifying dystopian futures – think of the Matrix and Ender’s Game, for example.
In some forms, the Metaverse already exists. Users of Roblox can visit created worlds where they can hang out with friends, become a pizza chef, or escape an obstacle course. Fortnite players are not only involved in a ‘battle royale’ style shooter game, but also able to watch live concerts.
Gaming platforms are in a unique position to be able to make the most out of the metaverse, not only because they are already building immersive experiences, but also because they have a built-in audience that are used to living a second life online, and finding more inclusive, interactive ways to get involved with their favourite games is just the next step.
The Metaverse is not just virtual or augmented reality that can be accessed with a headset. Immersive realities can be accessed from a mobile phone thanks to the rollout of 5G technology, and PCs, tablets and laptops can connect you to new, exciting experiences.
What Does This Mean for Gaming?
Simply put, gaming is going to grow, develop, and become more realistic, more of an immersive experience, where you will feel like you are there and connected with your friends and family.
Let’s tale the simple example of blackjack then. Everyone knows blackjack, or 21 – the idea is to get 21 (or closest) without going bust.
In the casino, you’d be at the table. Watching the other players, looking for tells, examining real cards, admiring the sparkly décor, and soaking up the vibes and the environment.
At home, without the Metaverse, you might play on your PC against a computer avatar or non-playable character – not overly exciting.
With the Metaverse, joining a blackjack game means entering a 3D reconstruction of a casino, with tables and other players represented as avatars. You’ll be able to look around and see the other players, chat with them and the dealer, and get a real immersive feel to the game that will make you feel like you are in Vegas without leaving your room.
Of course, the development of the Metaverse in games like Fortnite and Roblox is something on another level. In Fortnite, gamers can create teams, build worlds, and get involved in trading and bartering alongside the traditional battle royale-style game. Fortnite players can choose avatars that represent them, whether that is because they like the skin or they are someone that the player can look up to.
Let’s not forget the Fortnite concerts. Travis Scott, Marshmello, and even Ariana Grande have performed to the Fortnite Metaverse – and this is just part of the experience. Some players enter Fortnite not to game at all, but to interact with friends.
This is the same for Roblox, too. Roblox is all about user-generated content, and an immersive experience created by other people who play the game. There are actual games, copies of platform games like Rollercoaster Tycoon and even Halo and Call of Duty, but there are also role-playing games where users can work in a pizza parlour or adopt a child. In Roblox, users can visit created museums and art galleries, or just hang out in a (heavily moderated) world where chat is essential.
The Future of the Metaverse
The Metaverse might one day become a coherent, simple description of an online world, but for now it is too early in development for even a simple definition. The future of gaming seems to exist in the immersive and interactive worlds that range from Pokémon Go to Fortnite, and even simple casino games like online blackjack and roulette are getting the augmented reality makeover.
Does the future of the Metaverse include holographic projections at board meetings? Who knows? But cloud computing, blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies and faster connections are all leading somewhere – and it is all for the benefit of the gaming industry.