I would like to start with an interesting fact: not so long ago many believed that the rise of AI would render the metaverse redundant, as algorithmic experiences could replace virtual ones. However, AI is now powering many metaverse key features and enabling new and innovative experiences.
In other words, AI is not a threat to the metaverse, but rather a key enabler. It is helping to make the metaverse more immersive, engaging, and accessible to everyone.
The combination of AI and the metaverse is enabling businesses to grow and innovate in new and exciting ways. Companies across all industries are exploring the potential of the metaverse, and how AI can be used to create more immersive and engaging virtual experiences.
Here are a few specific examples:
- Meta's Horizon Worlds platform uses AI to generate realistic avatars and environments, and to power features such as real-time translation and voice transcription
- Nvidia's Omniverse platform uses AI to create digital twins of real-world objects, systems, and processes. This can be used to power a variety of metaverse applications, such as virtual showrooms, product design simulations, and even virtual cities
- Microsoft's Mesh platform uses AI to create mixed-reality experiences that combine the real world with the digital world. This can be used to power a variety of metaverse applications, such as virtual meetings, collaborative workspaces, and even holographic projections
During several recent conferences, I had the privilege of speaking with industry leaders - their interest for innovation is through the roof. That’s to say, everyone I talked to has a dedication and willingness to achieve the impossible.
I’ve heard one great phrase: “Artificial Intelligence is a battery, which is powering the metaverse”, and I can definitely relate! AI is also being used to improve many other key features of the metaverse, such as:
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Machine learning (ML) is being used to personalize user experiences, recommend content, and detect and prevent fraud.
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Computer vision is being used to track user movements, recognize objects and gestures, and create augmented reality experiences.
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Natural language processing (NLP) is being used to create more conversational and engaging AI-powered assistants and chatbots. AI-powered language models are being used to generate realistic and engaging dialogue for NPCs (non-player characters) in the metaverse.
I’d like to focus on the last point - why are gamers (especially gamers in metaverse) so excited about smart AI NPCs?
In the report “The Future of NPCs: What Gamers Demand From Next-Gen Characters”, an overwhelming majority of the 1000+ US-based surveyed gamers said that NPCs were important to them.
- 84% of gamers feel NPCs make a difference to gameplay.
- 79% always or sometimes talk to NPCs
- 40% talk to as many NPCs as they can for optional story content
- 59% love learning about NPC backstories
Unsurprisingly, gamers who are more immersed in their gaming experience and having more fun while gaming are liable to spend more time – and money – on gaming. The study found that gamers would play more and pay a premium for games with advanced AI NPCs.
- 78% of gamers would spend more time playing
- 79% would be more likely to buy a game with intelligent NPCs
- 81% of gamers would be willing to pay for a game with advanced AI NPCs
Let’s move further!
Governments can also use the metaverse to provide services to citizens that are more participatory and accessible. For example, Seoul and Singapore have built metaverse platforms where people can go to events and get government services.
However, the metaverse is growing quickly, which raises concerns about privacy, security, and regulation. It is important to address the challenges posed by synthetic humans and cyberattacks, as well as the dangers of harassment and bullying in the metaverse.
Neil Trevett, Vice President of Developer Ecosystems and Chair of the Metaverse Standards Forum at NVIDIA, believes that the AI-powered metaverse can revolutionize the way we understand and interact with the world, especially in the context of sustainability and climate change. By combining digital twins and AI-driven simulations, the metaverse can allow scientists and policymakers to monitor and model the Earth's climate and forecast its future outcomes.
The demand for managers and creators who will manage neural networks is already growing. However, no one is talking about firing workers. To be more precise, they will have to choose: either learn and work with new tools or change their qualification.
This may involve learning how to use new software tools, learning new programming languages, or learning new machine learning algorithms. The good news is that there are a number of resources available to help workers learn about neural networks and other AI technologies + many companies offer training programs for their employees. There are also a number of online courses and bootcamps available.
Here are some tips for workers who want to prepare for the future of work:
- Start learning about neural networks and other AI tools
- Take advantage of training programs offered by your employer
- Consider taking online courses or bootcamps
- Network with other people who are interested in AI
To sum up, artificial intelligence is playing a key role in the growth of the metaverse. AI is being used to improve its key features, such as personalization, recommendation, fraud detection, augmented reality, natural language processing, non-player characters and much more. AI is also being used to power new metaverse applications, such as virtual showrooms, product design simulations, virtual cities, virtual meetings, collaborative workspaces, and holographic projections. Governments can also use the metaverse to provide services to citizens that are more participatory and accessible.
However, the metaverse is growing quickly, which raises concerns about privacy, security, and regulation. It is important to address the challenges posed by synthetic humans and cyberattacks, as well as the dangers of harassment and bullying in the metaverse.
The demand for managers and creators who will manage neural networks is already growing. Workers need to be prepared to learn new skills and adapt to new technologies or change their qualifications. Both are for the better - in the end, we will get higher-quality products, and specialists with almost unlimited opportunities for creativity.
