Since Facebook changed its name to Meta the whole world seems to be talking about Metaverse platforms only. Introduction to the Metaverse is a concept that has most enthusiasts amazed and confused at the same time. Big names like Facebook and Microsoft have introduced some of their concepts. It showcases what Metaverse might look like but there are smaller players making moves in this industry. But what exactly is all the Metaverse about and what does it mean to enter the Metaverse? There’s plenty of new stuff you need to know about so let’s jump right in.
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So what exactly is Metaverse?
For those who are new to the Metaverse, you might be confused about what exactly it is. Metaverse is just a combination of different technologies that help each other to complete a digital universe. A metaverse is a simulated digital environment where users have their own avatars and can interact with each other socially without being there physically. With the use of Augmented reality and virtual reality, it combines the aspects of the digital and physical worlds.
Now the important equipment that you need to have for entering the Metaverse is VR headsets. They allow users to dive into the realm of virtual reality and experience their own digital world. If you are someone who has bought Oculus Quest 2 or similar VR headsets then you are already close to experiencing the Metaverse. However, some of the virtual worlds aka Metaverse like Fortnite can be accessed by your PC and a VR headset is not required.
The true Metaverse is a continuous experience that integrates elements from different platforms and brings audiences into one place. So now that we have a general idea of what the Metaverse is, let’s get into what kind of platforms you can go on to experience it yourself.
Best Metaverse App
1. Decentraland
Decentraland was founded by Ari Meilich and Esteban Ordano, two friends, in Argentina in 2015. The platform has digital land which is termed as land parcels and has a starting price of $13,000. The platform is open to the public since February 2020 and the price of land parcels have been rising since then exponentially. It is one of the oldest Metaverse platforms and has collaborated with Australian open in the past with the AO Art Ball project.
The platform enables users to create, interact with and monetize their content and apps. Users can also purchase virtual pieces of the land in the Metaverse which they can travel to construct on and monetize. The supply of LAND is limited and only the community has the right to create more LAND through Decentraland DAO. Through this platform, users can simply drag and drop using builder tools. They can create their own 3D models on their land.
Decentraland offers the gaming environment which is organized into 90,601 distinct parcels of which each is represented by an NFT. Users can only use proprietary token MANA of Decentraland to make purchases. Although parcels of land can also be traded in Opensea.
2. The SandBox
Sandbox was founded by Arthur Madrid and Sebastian Borget in 2012. The company was acquired by Animoca brands in 2018 and introduced 3D and blockchain to the game. The platform entirely shifted to the Metaverse in November 2021. They have their own cryptocurrency which is called SAND. The company is working with multiple partners from different industries like real estate, entertainment, finance, gaming, and also Hong Kong film industry to create a virtual megacity.
With Sandbox the players can build on and monetize their gaming experience in the Ethereum blockchain. The Sandbox lists of high-profile landowners include Atari, Cyberkongz, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and Pranksy. All of whom will be able to build their interactive virtual environment or games for the platform. The platform has also formed IP partnerships with over 165 brands. This is done to create pixelated versions of their characters and products in the virtual world.
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3. Roblox
Roblox is another Metaverse platform where users can go to play games made by other users. What makes Roblox different from any other gaming platform is that all the games are made by its users. Currently, the platform has over 20 million games published by its users. Many of the developers can earn as much as $1 million in a single year by just monetizing their games.
The platform and games are entirely free to download. However, the games on the platform offer in-game purchases of items. Users can buy items like skins, upgrade weapons, and many other things which users have to buy. For example in one of its games Adopt Me! players can adopt and care for pets. In the game, any of the players can buy an egg that will hatch a pet.
Roblox is working to take a step close to building a Metaverse and recently they have introduced “spatial voice chat”. This can enhance the virtual conversations and can mimic real-life conversations.
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4. Epic games
Epic Games is also the entity behind the video gaming blockbuster Fortnite. The company has extended outside of its core battle royale game to group interaction like virtual music events and dance parties. Recently Travis Scott hosted its virtual event in the Fortnite Metaverse and it was a big success. While experiencing and playing the game, users pay to choose clothes for their Avatar, and many more in-game accessories.
Epic is working on a metaverse concept where players can interact with each other virtually. This is much different than interacting with fellow players using Emotes. To up the game Epic is planning to integrate virtual gaming, shopping and many more experiences in the game with digital assets in the form of NFTs.
