Virtual reality (VR) has been an attractive option for video games. Even 2D immersive games like Minecraft and Second Life included elements from the still-in-progress metaverse, such as 3D avatars and world-building. While reading about sports news, it is very likely that the topic of the metaverse will also begin to appear more frequently.
Gaming now has a home as companies such as Epic Games and Meta attempt to create a connected universe full of virtual realities. According to a survey of VR experts, 59% said gaming would be the dominant sector for VR investments in the coming years. 64% of industry experts also stated that VR has the greatest potential to benefit gaming, compared to all other uses.
What Gaming in the Metaverse Looks Like
The metaverse is a virtual world that allows users to interact with one another using advanced HCI hardware and software. This elevates VR gaming to new heights. VR games are available as standalone apps that can be installed on your computer, VR gear, and mobile phones.
The major difference is that the virtual world of In-Game appears in VR. You can now view it in 360 degrees and feel almost like you are there. This concept is further expanded by the metaverse, which was first introduced in Snow Crash 1992 science fiction novel.
That concept suggests that multiple VR games could be connected – or any VR space or application – to create an interoperable environment. They will be able to interact with players in multiple places, navigate between games, and even transfer their wins to the VR headset.
Companies Shaping the Future of Metaverse Gaming
The metaverse is still in its infancy but has already attracted substantial investments from tech giants and VCs. Decentraland, Sandbox, and Epic Games are just a few of the companies gamers should be watching.
Decentraland
Decentraland was one of the first companies to try to build a metaverse. It offers a 3D VR platform, which can be measured, as well as a cryptocurrency that is based on Ethereum and separate spaces for multiplayer gaming. Decentraland also invested in Decentral Games, a company that will help it develop its gameplay capabilities.
Sandbox
Sandbox, another metaverse-native game, allows you to create, own and manage a virtual world. Sandbox’s economy is built on NFT and crypto assets that users create. It partners with global brands to provide unique and enriching experiences. You can purchase and integrate NFTs directly from the Sandbox Marketplace.
Epic Games
Epic Games is most well-known for Fortnite, which is a VR and event destination combined into one. Fortnite has seen a rise in popularity and artists all over the globe have performed concerts using Fortnite’s metaverse-like capabilities. The company recently announced it would invest $1 billion to create its own metaverse centered on gaming.
Each offers its own benefits and its own way of approaching the metaverse. Even Facebook, now Meta, is getting involved and plans to fully target the metaverse moving forward.
Some Changes Required
VR and video games have had to deal with legal and ethical issues in general. The same applies in the metaverse.
Navigating is a matter of three main concerns. There need to be controls and services that are child-appropriate. If there is a lot of avatar customization, it can be hard to keep an eye on children and to distinguish them from their parents. To ensure that games are age-appropriate, there must be sufficient controls.
In addition, the laws governing the ownership of in-game assets remain unclear. NFTs earned within a game might not be transferable to other countries. It is important to define the ownership rights so users are clear about how they can interact, trade, or profit from NFTs.
The last issue could be infrastructure problems. It is still difficult to achieve the massive interoperability needed to create a gaming metaverse. Patent holders and tech giants will need to collaborate, as different countries have to agree on one body of metaverse laws.