How Far the Metaverse Has Come and What It Takes to Go Further

Since the 1960s, people have been pondering the idea of a virtual shared place called a metaverse. This shared environment would allow users to engage with each other and digital items and experiences. However, as a result of the development of technology throughout the years, it has undergone a substantial transformation.

The multi-user dungeon (MUD), a text-based virtual world that enabled users to speak with each other and explore virtual settings, is considered one of the early instances of what is now known as a metaverse. Access to these early virtual worlds was often gained via a terminal or a command line interface. These early virtual worlds were frequently utilized for gaming or socializing.

As technology advanced, the metaverse gradually started to take on a more visually engaging and immersive shape. The virtual reality (VR) technology that we use today came into existence in 1968, bringing with it the possibility of creating virtual worlds that are more immersive and engaging. VR enabled users to experience a virtual environment as if they were physically in the setting. Users interacted with the virtual world using hand-held controllers and headgear to enjoy VR.

Because of developments in computer graphics and networking, as well as the advent of the internet in the 21st century, it has been possible to create virtual worlds that are more complex and lifelike. The metaverse may manifest itself in many different ways in the modern world, such as via virtual reality and augmented reality (AR) experiences, online multiplayer games, and social media platforms. 

Virtual and augmented reality headsets, online gaming platforms, and social media platforms that incorporate virtual elements or allow users to create and share virtual content are some technologies currently in use or being developed as part of the metaverse.

The metaverse has undergone significant change throughout its existence. It started as straightforward text-based virtual worlds but has since developed into more immersive and interactive virtual environments that can be accessed through various devices and operating systems. The metaverse will continue to develop and expand in novel and fascinating ways as technology advances.

Can the metaverse reach the masses in the near future?

Because of its potential to give users various experiences and benefits, the metaverse may penetrate the mainstream in the following years. For the metaverse to gain a wide range of users, it must present users with experiences that cannot be distinguished from reality or, at the absolute least, experiences that are similar enough to reality to be recognized as such.

The metaverse requires an infrastructure that is both stable and extensible to work correctly. In addition, the metaverse will need networks with very high transfer rates and robust servers to support the vast number of users and the tremendous quantity of data that users will transfer. 

Furthermore, the metaverse must be interoperable with various computing devices. These devices include mobile phones, tablets, and virtual and augmented reality headgear.

By continuing to build upon the current infrastructure in the metaverse, the technology can see wider adoption as time goes on. For example, Web3 platform Looking Glass Labs is working on bringing its Pocket Dimension metaverse to smartphones and traditional operating systems.

Pocket Dimension is an Unreal Engine-based digital environment where users can build their own spaces and activities using the in-built tools.

They are working with the metaverse building platform Cavrnus to build solutions for other organizations using the Pocket Dimension. Cavrnus previously launched a Metaverse Connector plugin for Unreal Engine. The connector plugin enables developers to port their projects into a metaverse environment.

These integrations should help bring more developers, brands, and organizations into the metaverse by improving accessibility and ease of use.

Non-fungible tokens also play a role in the broader metaverse as blockchain-based assets. Increasing utility beyond simple profile pictures/pictures for proof (PFPs) can help to keep current projects alive while attracting new users into the space. 

The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) has expanded on the utility of its NFTs. Previously, holders had access to Mutant Apes (MAYC) and Bore Ape Kennel Club (BAKC) NFTs via free airdrops. On top of this, they hosted meetup events and gave commercial rights to holders, enabling them to use their NFTs in commercial media.

The NFT project has created mutant versions of the Kennel Club NFTs known as Mutant Hounds. Anyone who held a BAYC during the snapshot on the 5th of December can enter the "Hound Lair" to claim a Mutant Hound Collar.

The continued nurturing of NFT communities via airdrops, meetups, and activities is another factor that can contribute to the growth of the metaverse.

Conclusion

For the metaverse to gain general adoption, it must give users a wide range of fun and valuable experiences. This process might include educational experiences, social media platforms, virtual reality games, and other options.

The metaverse could enter the mainstream in the following years; however, this depends on the continued development of technology and infrastructure and the ability to offer users various exciting experiences.