It might once have seemed like something from the realms of science fiction, but the metaverse is with us, and it’s not going away anytime soon. But despite its emergence, for many people it remains a confusing and elusive concept.
So, before we get on to examining the metaverse’s potential impact on the world of gaming, it’s worth defining what it is commonly felt to represent.
In its simplest form, the metaverse is a parallel virtual world that we will all soon be able to inhabit free from the physical one that surrounds us. So we will be able to do everything from go to work and attend concerts and experience it in a physical way without actually being there.
It will also allow us to make transactions not just without cash, but with digital currencies and other assets, including with Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
A key aspect of understanding the metaverse is that it is described as being “persistent”. This means that it continues to exist in its full form even when a person is not actively engaged in it – a kind of parallel universe that we can dip in and out of as and when we need to or feel like it.
While the metaverse may not quite be living up to Mark Zuckerberg’s expectations of it, let alone looking like it will repay the billions that Facebook/Meta has invested in its future, it does offer some very interesting possibilities for the world of gaming.
Taking customising to the next level
For anyone to exist in the metaverse they need to create an avatar to represent them in the new realm. While this is by no means a new concept, it’s one that is set to be greatly enhanced.
This may be through earning game currency to fund developing a character, or simply as a reward for advancing through a game.
Virtual and augmented reality
By its very nature, the metaverse is an immersive medium. What this means is that it’s also one in which virtual reality and augmented reality are essential components.
So we can expect to see both of these technologies playing an ever-increasing role in the world of gaming. A number of VR games are now available covering a wide range of genres but this is really just the beginning.
We can be confident that all of the major games developers are hard at work devising and creating titles that will take things to the next level.
It’s also something that won’t just be confined to standard video games. A parallel industry, the online casino sector, will also undoubtedly be keen to make its presence felt in the metaverse. One obvious route will be to encourage players to experience an authentic casino experience, gathering round roulette or blackjack tables alongside other avatars.
There is also the exciting possibility of making themed games such as the Cleopatra slots that’s a big favourite at Virgin Games a fully immersive experience. So, instead of simply seeing the reels spin, the players could be transported back to the palace of the legendary empress of Egypt.
Multiple connections
Ever since online gaming first emerged there has been the ability to compete with others across the country and even the world. Again, the metaverse is set to take this to a totally new level.
It will allow for the creation of whole new gaming communities. The fact that the metaverse is “always on” will also make great strides towards eliminating the constriction of time zones for players from all around the world.
This obviously also has huge implications for e-gaming with truly global tournaments being able to take place with potentially unlimited audiences “present” in the virtual arena as the world’s best battle it out.
The role of the blockchain and NFTs
While cryptocurrencies are possibly going to play a part in gaming and the metaverse, the blockchain and NFTs are certain to.
The latter may have been hitting the headlines in the art world but they are set to make their mark in gaming too. For example, they make for the perfect in-game elements that can be traded or exchanged as well as being central to the “play to earn” model of gaming.
This may take NFTs outside of the world of pure gaming to join other virtual commodities that have real financial value for their creators and owners. But these are very early days for these unique digital assets so we’ll just have to wait and see exactly how they tie in with gaming.
So, just as the broader tech world is waiting to see what shape the metaverse really takes, the same is true for gaming. Alongside other developments like the Internet of Things it promises to be a very interesting road ahead, wherever it may eventually lead.
Also Read: Place Your Bets on VR Metaverse And Win
