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The metaverse is most definitely the talk of the town right now, whether it’s online, in everyday conversation, or boardroom meetings for large organizations. Yes, the metaverse may be a fun and exciting experience, allowing users to explore a virtual world, but it also offers businesses a unique and profitable opportunity.
One of the assumed critical components of the metaverse is VR (virtual reality), which has exploded in recent years thanks to the continual evolution of modern technology. We say ‘assumed components’ because people tend to assume metaverse and VR technology go hand-in-hand. This is what this article is for. So, let’s discover whether or not the metaverse is VR.
What is the metaverse?
The term metaverse describes a combination of virtual worlds which users can access with VR headsets and web browsers. Therefore, people can socialize, enjoy entertainment, play games, conduct work meetings, and much more. While the metaverse may well become a virtually connected universe of sorts, its current state is a series of disconnected worlds which users can access via different platforms. They utilize their avatars, currency, assets, and interactions. Examples include Decentraland and Sandbox. It sounds like a video game type of experience not dissimilar to Fortnite or Roblox, no?
Not entirely, and the attention it’s currently receiving, not to mention the immense investment, is partly driven by the financial implications. In the metaverse, a user can ‘own’ virtual assets such as objects, property, land, and experiences. This is made possible by Blockchain technology, which essentially creates the foundation for a person to buy and sell virtual content. For example, businesses can now purchase virtual buildings for a store, gallery, or another purpose that suits their needs. This, combined with the ability to buy assets in real-time or use it as a gateway to eCommerce sites, offers an incredibly futuristic and novel way to engage a broader audience.
Is the metaverse VR?
A prevalent question. Is the metaverse VR? Technically the answer is both yes and no.
Users can use their VR headsets to access virtual worlds via games and experiences. This allows people to experience a virtual environment where they can interact with other avatars (users) and engage in various activities or simply coexist within the world with their friends.
But this doesn’t necessarily mean that the metaverse is VR, well, at least not strictly VR, because metaverses can be accessed through other means such as web browsers and AR (augmented reality).
With that said, many believe that VR technology is very much the future of the metaverse due to its impressive and limitless capabilities. As the metaverse becomes more popular and used by everyday people, as well as the potential to buy and sell assets, there’s a good chance they’ll want as much realism as possible. VR and the metaverse are still in their infancy, so imagine what the future will hold regarding experiences, interactivity, and sheer quality.
However, AR is unlikely to take a back seat, as it offers many benefits and combines the virtual and real-world, a concept that will appeal to some consumers more than an entirely virtual experience.
The metaverse is VR, but not exclusively. Users can access the metaverse using web browsers, VR headsets, and AR technology. This covers all bases for users and hints at a future where the metaverse will continue to serve a broad audience.
The future: metaverse, VR, or AR?
Although both are considered metaversal (is that a word yet?), the key differences between VR and AR go beyond the technology used and focus more on the experience and world they create, the metaverse is an avatar-based virtual world utilizing VR headsets to provide a computer-generated, virtual experience. Whereas the AR metaverse combines the real and virtual world to create a singular, unified ‘mixed reality.’
While it’s impossible to say which will be the real future of the metaverse, VR is undoubtedly more impressive to users, consumers, and businesses. You enter a unique and engaging virtual world, and AR compliments these experiences perfectly with the use of virtual dressing rooms and AR try-ons. It’s safe to say that VR and AR go hand in hand with making the metaverse a completely immersive experience.
Whether the metaverse’s future is VR, AR, online, or utilizing a form of technology we haven’t seen yet, the future is bright. Everyday users, customers, and brands can find their place in the metaverse and use it to suit their needs. We hope this article cleared things up. We’ll see you in the metaverse!