The Mysterious Metaverse: Explore Virtual Worlds and Their Possibilities

Metaverse (virtual worlds): What is it?

The metaverse is a virtual world where people can meet, work, learn, or just enjoy entertainment. Imagine it as the internet of the future – a place where reality blends with the digital environment and where you can move as naturally as in the real world. In the metaverse, people can communicate, collaborate, and create in new, previously unimaginable ways.

Although this concept is still emerging and evolving, it is already being used by companies and individuals today. Some companies, for example, use virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for employee training. Others hold online conferences and meetings here that are far more interactive than traditional video calls. The gaming industry is one of the main drivers of the metaverse – new types of games and digital experiences are emerging here, connecting players from all over the world.

Why is the metaverse so revolutionary?

One of the most interesting aspects of virtual worlds is the potential for education. Imagine a school where instead of reading about ancient Rome, you can directly “enter” a digitally created Colosseum and walk among gladiators. Students could learn in an interactive way that would be much more engaging than traditional textbooks.

The metaverse also opens doors to new forms of social connection. People living in remote areas or those who, for various reasons, cannot meet physically, can attend concerts, meetings, or sporting events in the virtual world, where they will feel like part of the action.

How did the name Metaverse originate?

Although the metaverse has only recently started being talked about, the idea has existed for several decades. The term was first used by writer Neal Stephenson in his cult sci-fi novel Snow Crash from 1992. The book described a future where people spent time in virtual reality. The main character, a hacker and warrior named Hiro, moved between the real world and the metaverse, which functioned as a second life for its inhabitants.

Neal Stephenson, in his book, described the development of the internet, social networks, digital currency, and artificial intelligence and its possible impacts with chilling accuracy.

Types of metaverse by focus

Metaverses can have different focuses depending on the purpose for which they were created:

• Gaming – primarily intended for playing games, tournaments, and interaction between players (e.g., Roblox, Sandbox, Spatial).
• Social – virtual spaces for meetings, discussions, and entertainment, such as virtual clubs or bars.
• Educational and training – simulations intended for learning and training (e.g., virtual classrooms or training programs).
• Events and entertainment – virtual places for hosting concerts, festivals, and sporting events.
• Work environments – office and collaborative spaces that allow virtual meetings and project collaboration.
• Virtual tourism – digital environments that allow users to visit and explore famous places in the world in virtual form.
• Metaverses with elements of mixed reality (Mixed Reality) – connect virtual and augmented reality and allow interaction of digital content with the physical world. They are used in museums to complete history or in industry for virtual display of data from devices, etc.

Shops and services in the metaverse

The metaverse opens up new possibilities for commerce and business. Fashion brands can create virtual stores here, where they sell physical and digital products. Virtual fashion shows and presentations of new products are already commonly taking place in the metaverse.

Companies can also offer digital products and services, such as:

• Virtual clothing and accessories for avatars,
• Digital experiences and activities,
• Virtual real estate and land.

Thanks to the global nature of the metaverse, brands can reach customers from all over the world without the need for physical stores.

Who are the main players in the metaverse?

• Developers and creators, who design and build virtual worlds and their infrastructure
• Users, who spend time here and participate in the economy (fees, purchases, use of paid services).
• Companies and brands, which operate virtual stores and services here,
• Educational institutions, which use the metaverse for teaching and training,
• Investors, who finance the development and growth of the metaverse,
• Regulatory bodies, which monitor how virtual worlds affect the economy and society.

The successful development of the metaverse depends on the cooperation of all these groups.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)

VR and AR are technologies that make the metaverse an immersive experience:

• Virtual reality (VR) – creates a fully digital environment that users can immerse themselves in using a VR headset.
• Augmented reality (AR) – adds digital elements to the real world, for example, through smartphones or glasses.

Mixed reality (MR) then combines elements of VR and AR, so digital objects can interact with the real world in real-time.

How to start with the metaverse?

Talking about what the metaverse is can be very intangible and abstract for many readers. There are many metaverses, and they are very different. Some are very simple for users, while others are complex even for relatively experienced players. The best way to get to know the metaverse is to visit it. See how to best access the metaverse.

Here are the basic steps to get started:

1. Explore different kinds – Each metaverse offers different features and experiences and is intended for different types of visitors (e.g., Decentraland, Sandbox, Roblox).
2. Prepare the necessary hardware – If you want to really delve deep and experience immersive experiences, use a headset with VR technology or XR glasses. Check if the selected metaverse supports these tools and what types. This information can be found in the description of each metaverse.
3. Create an account and profile – Sign up and customize your avatar. The avatar is your alter ego in the metaverse. Usually, when signing up, you get the option to create a basic appearance for your avatar. If you want to move around and use the metaverse, you have the option to create an avatar according to your preferences or import your own in the appropriate format.
4. Start exploring – Meet other visitors, play games, work, or trade, attend educational community webinars where they will explain how best to use the metaverse for leisure or business.
5. Follow the rules of the metaverse – Each world has its own rules of conduct. Before you start doing anything in the metaverse, it’s good to study them.

Stay updated and join the metaverse adventure! 🚀

What lies ahead?

The metaverse is still in the early stages of development, and the potential is enormous. In recent years, many virtual worlds have emerged, some of which are already very successful. In the future, they may change the way we work, educate ourselves, or spend our free time. However, its development also raises questions – for example, regarding security, privacy, or the ethical aspects of virtual life.

Whether the metaverse becomes our new “digital home” or remains just one of many online spaces, one thing is certain – we will be watching its development in the coming years.