The term “Metaverse” has become significantly popular these days because of the popularisation of concepts such as immersive virtual experiences in various sectors.
However, the metaverse is much more than gaming, but according to most of the analysts, gaming has played the most important role in its creation.
According to many sources, the market value of metaverse technology will skyrocket to $103.6 billion in 2025, and the market share of the video game industry will also be expected to rise rapidly.
But have you ever questioned yourself about what the metaverse is and how it works? What are the benefits and challenges of this technology? Stay with us and let’s find out the answer.
What is Metaverse and how does it work?
The metaverse is a virtual space in which users can interact with an artificially generated environment and other fellow users.
You may find a significant portion of gamification in almost every aspect of a metaverse, which could be either immersive, interconnected, or interactive networks.
However, the metaverse has a lot of uses, but gaming has earned the maximum popularity among them.
The gaming section of the metaverse has many interesting functions through which users can interact in a competitive environment and overcome the feeling of loneliness.
Hence, the metaverse gaming expanded more rapidly over the years compared to other sections of the metaverse.
According to many professional gamers and publishers, alongside cloud gaming, the metaverse gaming could be the future of the gaming industry, with its 360-degree view and ability to immerse you into the game.
Some metaverse games are absolutely free, as you can create your own metaverse using your social multiverse apps.
However, some metaverse games can charge a hefty amount of money to provide you with the buy-in app items.
Hence, it is advised to always choose your metaverse game wisely, especially after considering your budget.
How does it feel to play metaverse games?
Metaverse games allow you to immerse yourself in an alternative reality that is closer to your dreams.
Every user in the 3-D world gets an AI avatar, which is obviously similar to your appearance and characteristics (most times), and you use it while interacting with others.
One of the most interesting facts about metaverse gaming is that you can meet and greet other users beyond the screen, which is probably impossible in traditional gaming.
Metaverse creates a community of individuals who can compete together in an online game in an amicable manner.
However, if you want to play solo games, it is also possible. Even if you don’t have a partner, you can play with artificial intelligence and enjoy your time in metaverse gaming.
While playing those games, users can connect with their friends to invite, socialise, and share their experience.
Types of Metaverse Gaming:
Based on its architecture, metaverse gaming can be classified into three different groups. However, in recent days, every game creates its own metaverse that you can access easily on the internet, and its look and operations are entirely dependent on the creator.
Traditional centralised metaverse:
Such metaverse games operate within a centralised framework, rather than integrating blockchain technologies into it.
Organisers maintain these virtual worlds by storing the user data and activities. Popular games such as Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox are some of the examples.
Centralised blockchain metaverse:
In this metaverse system, users can utilise non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other digital assets to create a unique identity and an economy within the community.
Meta is trying to develop Earth2 and the virtual world as a part of a centralised blockchain metaverse.
Decentralised blockchain metaverse:
These platforms aim to create a community dynamic with an equal power balance. Unlike the centralised blockchain metaverse, this metaverse operates by “play-to-earn” philosophies.
Thus, users can experience full governing power and economic power in such metaverse games. Axie Infinity and Decentraland are two prime examples of decentralised blockchain metaverse games.
Key Characteristics:
Metaverse gaming can transform various aspects of activities in a virtual environment. Here are some key characteristics of metaverse gaming that you must know as a user:
Social Gaming:
Social gaming is a growing industry within the online gaming industry, which includes several categories such as multiplayer games, community games that users can play against each other and communicate.
Such games encourage you to immerse yourself in a dream world of virtual reality where you can communicate with others through computers, mobile devices, and game consoles.
Play To Earn:
Play-to-earn games are another fastest-growing gaming category that allows players to earn in-game items and digital assets that have some real-world value.
You may earn these in-game items or assets by completing the in-game tasks, beating the opponent, or finishing the missions.
You can withdraw these tokens directly to your bank account or your crypto wallet easily.
Portable Game Asset:
The interoperable feature of metaverse gaming will allow for asset portability. Weapons and avatar enhancements acquired in one game could be portable to a different game, environment, and the NFT rule would govern persistent ownership.
Mixed Reality Experience:
Mixed reality experience of the metaverse allows you to interact with physical as well as virtual items and environments using advanced technologies (AR/VR), sensors, camera, and virtual reality interfaces to bring a real-world experience.
Apart from the gaming industries, other industries, such as healthcare, tourism, and entertainment, use similar technologies.
Technologies that empower Metaverse Gaming:
With the advancement of the latest technologies, the gaming industry has received huge benefits from them. Metaverse gaming is one of the examples of how the gaming industry is trying to mould itself by breaking traditional barriers.
Artificial Intelligence:
AI is one of the most critical and significant technologies in the development of metaverse gaming. It helps to create interactive interfaces, monitor servers, and support smart responses.
AR & VR Technologies:
In recent days, AR & VR technologies have been heavily used in the gaming industry. These technologies play an essential part in building immersive metaverse gaming platforms and applications.
Blockchain Technologies:
Decentralised metaverse games heavily rely on blockchain and cryptocurrency. These technologies allow you to make payments and create an autonomous economy within the virtual world, and also withdraw money or digital assets that you have earned from the game.
Internet of Things:
The IoTs primarily allow connecting the physical world with the virtual world using technologies, such as sensors, thermostats, and other voice-activated devices.
IoT is essential to collect data from the real world and use it in metaverse gaming to create your own unique virtual environment.
3D Reconstruction:
3D reconstruction technologies are used in many industries apart from gaming, such as real estate, tourism, and others.
3D construction technique allows you to create virtual environments that look and feel similar to the real world for optimal user experience.
Also Read: Brain Computer Interface: Playing Games With Our Mind Is Now A Reality
Also Read: How Do Mixed Reality Gaming & Holographic Displays Change The Future Of The Gaming Industry?
Ryo Fernandez is a professional gamer, content creator, and writer with over 10 years of experience in the gaming and animation industry. Known for his in-depth knowledge and passion, Ryo covers the latest video game news, anime updates, reviews, and industry trends. His mission is to keep gamers, anime lovers, and pop culture fans informed with accurate, timely, and engaging content.