Metaverse 101

Over the past year, the buzz surrounding the metaverse has gained massive momentum. Brands and individuals alike are curious about the next “big thing” that may shape the way we all interact in coming years.

While it’s fair to say the metaverse has something to do with wandering around in 3D virtual worlds, most people aren’t exactly sure what it means.

If your brand is looking to secure its place in the metaverse, but you’re not clear on what that means, today we’ll clarify what “the metaverse” is.

What is the Metaverse?

One way to understand the metaverse is to describe it as a 3D version of the 2D internet we’re already using. When you’re scrolling through social media today, it’s a 2D experience of reading comments, viewing images & videos, and smiling at memes.

In the metaverse, you have a 3D experience. That means there’s a 3D virtual world, which you share with others who are also connected. People represent themselves through avatars, which provides a more dynamic self-expression than a social media profile picture. Your virtual representation of yourself can move around freely, and interact with other users and with objects in believable spaces, providing deeper connections and experiences and a greater sense of freedom.

Today’s metaverse includes games like Roblox and Minecraft, as well as other virtual experiences like Meta’s Horizon Worlds. Anyone with an internet connection can come together and interact in these worlds. 

Metaverse worlds can be accessed through conventional platforms, like computers and game consoles, as well as through Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, like the Oculus. VR headsets allow immersive experiences in even more believable 3D environments. You can be surrounded by realistic cities, shopping experiences, and social media that takes place in shared virtual environments instead of media scrolling down your screen.

From Gaming to Everything Social

The metaverse is a natural evolution in the world of video games, but it’s also an extension of human interests shared by gamers and non-gamers alike. Here are new ways to satisfy age-old desires, like self-expression, human connection, competition and exploration.

People tend to care about the same things inside the metaverse as they do in their physical lives, from the virtual clothes they purchase for their avatars to cars, watches, and even real estate.

Use your avatar, the 3D character that represents you in virtual reality, to express who you are, or who you want to be. Feeling bold? Do red hair and fashion couture. Feeling emo? Layer on that eye shadow.

Oh, and did we mention that all of those virtual items and experiences are being sold by the real vendors and brands we all know? There’s nothing “virtual” about the price tag in this new, emerging virtual economy.

The huge variety of metaverse experiences attracts a diverse crowd. Intellectuals will appreciate being in the audience of live lectures from famous academics. Music buffs congregate at live concerts and rave festivals, headlined by renowned DJs. And far-flung friends can catch up over a virtual drink at a bar, regardless of how many miles separate them physically.

We’ll See You in the Metaverse

Every day, new experiences are popping up to connect, learn, share and play. And every day, another person who would “never” enter the metaverse experiences the thrill of exploration and human connection in a new way. “Everybody’s going to be there,” wherever “there” is.

We’ll see you there!