What is the “metaverse” that has been a hot topic lately? And how is it different from VR? I will explain the definition of words, what can be done in the metaverse space, and why it is attracting attention now.
In 2021, Facebook announced that it would change its company name to Meta, and “Metaverse” attracted a lot of attention. However, there are probably still few people who know exactly what the Metaverse development company is. How is it different from existing VR content, and what is the new value brought by Metaverse? In addition to why the Metaverse is attracting attention, we will explain its essential significance, advantages and disadvantages, as well as future changes.
Metaverse is a three-dimensional virtual space constructed on the Internet.
Metaverse is a three-dimensional virtual space constructed on the Internet, and is a coined word combining “meta” and “universe”. The term Metaverse comes from Neil Stephenson’s 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash. The fictitious virtual space service that appeared in the novel was named “Metaverse”.
In the Metaverse, an alter ego called an avatar enters a virtual space, communicates with others, and enjoys games and events. It is said that in the future, it will spread to the level where part of life, including work and economic activities, is performed in the Metaverse space.
Examples of existing games and services that are close to the Metaverse include:
- Collect Animal Crossing
- virtual market
- Final Fantasy XIV
- Fantasy Star Online 2
- fortnite
- VRChat
- maple story
- mecha verse
Strictly speaking, however, the definition of the Metaverse is rather ambiguous, and different experts interpret it slightly differently. Therefore, it is better to recognize the above example as “a part of the Metaverse” or “a game or service in the middle stage of the Metaverse that will spread in the future”.
How is it different from VR?
What is the difference between the Metaverse and conventional VR content and services?
VR is an abbreviation for Virtual Reality, and in Japanese it is translated as “virtual reality” or “artificial reality”. If you wear VR goggles, you can get an experience as if it were real. On the other hand, the Metaverse is a word that refers to a world where you can communicate and enjoy yourself with various people in a three-dimensional virtual space. Therefore, VR can be distinguished from immersive means and devices, and Metaverse from virtual spaces that are entered using VR technology.
Essential Significance of the Metaverse
There are already many games, training software, and services that use VR. However, when most people hear the word VR, they probably think of wearing goggles and watching videos or playing games by themselves.
An important point in the Metaverse is to interact not only with one person but with others. It is not simply “three-dimensional space = metaverse”. We exist as avatars in the digital space, and we all come up with ideas, exchange opinions, and gather information. Being able to communicate with others in the same way as in the real world is the essential significance of the Metaverse development services.
What you can do with the Metaverse
What kind of things will we be able to do in the Metaverse? Here are three specific examples.
You can experience events held in virtual space
You will be able to participate in concerts and events online without having to go to the site. As avatars, participants will be able to have fun together with others in the same virtual space and experience a sense of unity.
Can be used in business
Due to the influence of the new coronavirus infection, telework has spread at once. On the other hand, there is also the problem that “telework tends to lead to lack of communication.” If you use the Metaverse as a virtual office, you can easily share information even when teleworking, and it may be easier for employees to communicate with each other.
Space can be freely constructed
Since the Metaverse is a virtual space, you can freely construct buildings and venues. It is possible to produce a space that suits the purpose, such as a concert or business.
Why is the Metaverse so popular?
Why is the Metaverse attracting attention now? There are three reasons for this:
Due to the corona disaster, the digitization of communication methods has progressed
Due to the effects of the new coronavirus infection, events where people actually gather have been canceled or severe restrictions have been placed on holding them. In addition, telework has progressed, and the opportunities for people to go out have decreased sharply. Along with this, the digitization of communication methods has progressed. Since the pandemic, the number of people using online meeting tools and chat tools has increased dramatically, and the Metaverse is an extension of that.
With the Metaverse, it is possible to hold events without crowds and easily increase business communication.
Advances in VR technology
Early VR goggles were very heavy and did not have a high level of representation in 3D space. However, in recent years, VR technology has evolved, such as the weight reduction of goggles and wireless. In addition, it has become possible to communicate close to reality by operating avatars, such as visual experiences, gestures, and facial expressions. The improvement in the quality of content and services that use VR is another reason why the Metaverse is attracting attention.
Impact of the NFT boom
NFT is an abbreviation for Non-Fungible Token, and is called “non-fungible token” in Japanese. To put it simply, it is “digital data with an appraisal that cannot be forged or duplicated”. In 2021, the NFT market expanded rapidly.
Conventional digital data could easily be copied or tampered with. However, by using NFT, it cannot be easily tampered with and uniqueness can be proved. Therefore, it is safe to own and buy. By combining NFT and Metaverse, it is expected that large-scale economic activities will be possible even in the virtual space.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Metaverse and the Future
How will our lives change when the Metaverse permeates? Let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages.
Merit
- Eliminates transportation costs and increases work efficiency
- Make it easier to get extraordinary experiences such as music events and attractions
- Information can be delivered quickly and accurately because communication is close to reality
Demerit
- The more time you spend in the metaverse, the less you communicate in the real world
- Due to the high degree of immersion, there is a possibility of becoming an “addiction” as seen in online games
The Metaverse development solutions is still under development, and new technologies and services will likely emerge in the future. There is a possibility that the Metaverse will enrich our lives, but on the other hand, we must also consider whether we can use it correctly.
With the Metaverse, part of real life will be replaced in virtual space…?
Along with basic information about the Metaverse, I explained why it is currently attracting attention, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.
As the technologies and services of the Metaverse develop, there is a possibility that part of our real life will be replaced in the virtual space. On the other hand, when large numbers of people participate, it is expected that comprehensive rules will be required. Seeing the increasing number of companies entering the Metaverse business, some people seem to be skeptical that it may be a kind of bubble state.
