Buzz
Discover what the metaverse entails, its functionalities, and how to access it
Interested in accessing the metaverse? The metaverse signifies a shift in our interaction with technology and society. It envisions a hypothetical concept where individuals engage with one another through avatars in a persistent, interconnected digital realm. Users can utilize the metaverse for creation, entertainment, socializing, and even employment. Although a fully realized metaverse akin to those depicted in science fiction remains elusive, there exist various smaller metaverse platforms for exploration, offering a glimpse into the future. This Mytour guide elucidates the essence of the metaverse, its capabilities, and the process of gaining access.
Essential Insights
- The metaverse embodies a persistent, decentralized online digital environment where users engage, collaborate, and entertain themselves using avatars.
- A true, fully realized metaverse is yet to materialize in reality. However, several disparate and competing metaverse platforms are available for exploration.
- To access the metaverse, a Windows PC or Mac suffices, though certain platforms necessitate the use of a virtual reality headset.
Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Metaverse
The metaverse represents a persistent, decentralized, and interconnected digital realm. Initially envisioned in science fiction, it comprises a vast online universe where users engage through avatars. These avatars serve as unique digital representations for each user, facilitating various activities including socializing, gaming, creation, commerce, and work.
- A true metaverse, as depicted in science fiction, operates in a decentralized manner, devoid of singular ownership. Instead, each user or entity possesses a segment of the metaverse, enabling the creation of individual digital spaces. These platforms seamlessly integrate, allowing users to employ their avatars across a myriad of games and experiences.
- In contemporary discourse, the term 'metaverse' often pertains to Web 3.0 (web 3), envisaging a hypothetical third generation of the internet built atop cryptocurrencies and blockchains. This would foster a more decentralized internet ecosystem, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions without reliance on major tech corporations or financial institutions, thus laying the groundwork for the metaverse economy.
- Presently, a fully decentralized and interconnected metaverse remains confined to the realm of science fiction. However, numerous small, competing metaverse platforms endeavor to transform the dream of a genuine metaverse into reality. Users can partake in these platforms to experience the metaverse on a smaller scale.
Activities in the Metaverse
Engage in Gaming. The metaverse parallels contemporary online multiplayer games, albeit with interconnected gameplay. Players can utilize the same avatar across multiple games, with equipment and attire represented as NFTs. Envision employing identical gear across various gaming experiences.
- Horizon: Worlds on the Oculus Quest offers an array of user-created games for collaborative play.
- Axie Infinity introduces an NFT-based gaming experience, enabling players to breed, train, and battle unique creatures known as Axies, exchangeable for cryptocurrency.
- Star Atlas immerses players in a futuristic setting, facilitating exploration, trading, resource gathering, and player-driven governance through NFT-based ownership.
- GALA hosts a variety of social games facilitating virtual goods exchange and social interaction, including Tank Crawler, Town Celebrity, Mirandus, Fortified, and Mirrors of Empire.
Participate in Creation. Central to the metaverse concept is decentralization, empowering users to contribute user-generated content. Individuals can design avatars, clothing, accessories, as well as architectural structures and furnishings for the metaverse.
Engage socially. Today, the internet serves as a platform for social interaction through text, video, and audio chats. In the metaverse, users can engage in conversations and interactions within a 3D environment using personalized avatars. With the integration of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, individuals can immerse themselves in lifelike virtual gatherings transcending geographical barriers.
Participate in virtual gatherings. Metaverse platforms host a myriad of events including concerts, tours, dance clubs, art exhibitions, eSports tournaments, and more.
Monetize. A fundamental aspect of the metaverse is its digital economy often based on cryptocurrency or microtransactions. Users can generate income through various means such as employment, crafting, and trading NFTs and other digital assets, or investing in cryptocurrency.
Indulge in virtual commerce. With earning opportunities within the metaverse, users can also indulge in virtual shopping. From avatar attire to virtual decor and exclusive NFT artwork, users can explore a diverse range of virtual commodities, and even invest in virtual real estate.
Explore professional opportunities. The metaverse offers a plethora of career options including content creation, game development, programming, 3D modeling, virtual tourism, music production, DJing, education, and more.
Platforms in the Metaverse
Decentraland: Built on the Ethereum blockchain, Decentraland offers a decentralized metaverse where users can acquire virtual land known as LANDS, which are NFTs. This land serves as a canvas for users to create their own virtual environments, games, applications, or residences.
The Sandbox: Focused on fostering creativity and user-generated experiences, The Sandbox provides a robust platform equipped with a game engine, building tools, and a marketplace. It operates with its native cryptocurrency, SAND, and encourages users to explore, create, and share diverse content.
Upland: Upland merges the digital and physical worlds by enabling users to purchase virtual real estate in real cities. With its native cryptocurrency UPX, users can buy land, engage in mini-games, and earn cryptocurrency within the platform. It offers a unique blend of virtual property ownership and interactive gameplay.
Somnium Space: Operating on the Ethereum blockchain with full VR support, Somnium Space allows users to acquire virtual land for construction and customization. Users have the freedom to design and personalize their virtual environments, including avatars and accessories, contributing to a dynamic and immersive metaverse experience.
Second Life: Among the pioneering metaverse platforms, Second Life enables users to craft custom avatars, acquire virtual real estate, and generate revenue by creating and trading custom content. Distinguished by its utilization of microtransactions instead of cryptocurrency, users transact using Lindens, which can be converted to real-world currency.
Roblox: Renowned as one of the premier metaverse platforms, Roblox empowers users to design and share their own games and experiences through Roblox Studio. With its distinctive, child-friendly aesthetic reminiscent of Legos, users engage in commerce using the platform's native currency, Robux.
Meta Horizon Worlds: Meta Horizon Worlds, developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), is tailored for the Oculus Quest VR headset. Users can create and monetize games and experiences using the platform's intuitive in-game tools, fostering immersive interactions within virtual reality environments.
Entering the Metaverse
Select a metaverse platform: As the metaverse continues to evolve, there isn't a singular, unified platform. Thus, users must deliberate on their preferences and objectives. Whether seeking gaming, socializing, land ownership, or entrepreneurship opportunities, choosing a platform aligned with desired experiences is crucial.
Set up a cryptocurrency wallet: Numerous metaverse platforms operate on cryptocurrencies for their digital economies, necessitating users to acquire compatible wallets. Ensure your chosen platform's cryptocurrency compatibility and obtain a suitable wallet, considering platform-supported options such as Coinbase, Trust Wallet, Metamask, Exodus, and Electrum.
Equip yourself for metaverse access: Accessing most metaverse platforms typically requires a Windows PC with adequate hardware specifications due to their resource-intensive nature. Alternatively, Mac systems are compatible with most platforms, and some platforms offer smartphone interaction. Certain platforms mandate a virtual reality headset like Oculus Quest.
Register for the platform: Upon selecting a platform, navigate to its official website to create an account. Optionally, integrate your cryptocurrency wallet with your account during registration.
Download and install the application: While a few metaverse platforms operate within web browsers, the majority necessitate downloading and installing dedicated applications available on the official website. These applications facilitate access to the metaverse.
Fashion your avatar: Before immersing yourself in the metaverse, craft a personalized avatar—a digital representation of yourself. Avatars serve as your virtual identity, visible to other users during interactions. Most platforms offer built-in avatar creation tools, allowing users to recreate themselves authentically or unleash their creativity with original designs.
Embark on an adventure: With your avatar ready, step into the metaverse through the downloaded app of your chosen platform. Take the opportunity to explore, engage with fellow users, and familiarize yourself with the environment. Pose questions, grasp the terrain's layout, and when prepared, delve into land acquisition or craft new experiences for communal enjoyment.
