While VR may have existed before, it was primarily used as a commercial product by large corporations. Facebook’s Oculus Go is an example of a VR device used for business purposes. Metaverse is different because it is designed to be used by individuals who want to immerse themselves in VR games and experiences.
What is Metaverse?
Metaverse (pronounced “meh-tah-vers”) aims to create a fully immersive virtual reality environment where users can interact with each other and virtual objects. Metaverse is not a company but a non-profit organization. It was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Metaverse is the process of using software to create an immersive virtual reality environment. To create a VR environment, you would need a head-mounted display (HMD) such as the Oculus Go or an HTC Vive, a computer, and some input devices (mice, trackballs, or wands).
These input devices allow the user to interact with the virtual world. When you put on the HMD and enter the world, you will see a 3D rendition of your computer screen. This virtual reality experience differs from a standard 2D screen because everything in this environment is interactive. For example, clicking on an object in the virtual world will often cause other objects to change appearance or behavior. Additionally, you can interact with the environment using movement, and you will see the effects of your actions in real-time.
Why Virtual Reality For Gaming?
Since the early 2000s, the video game industry has been expanding incredibly. In 2018, it was estimated that there were 300 million daily active users of some video games. That’s 300 million potential consumers for games.
This is a large audience for video games, but the industry is still relatively small. It is estimated that only about 1% of the population has tried VR gaming.
VR gaming is a popular and fast-growing industry because it provides a new way to play. It is also a much more engaging experience for the user. When playing a video game, you use your hands (or a controller) to make the action happen on screen. In VR, everything is interactive, which makes a difference in how much fun you might have while playing.
How Does Metaverse Gaming Work?
You put the HMD on with these devices and then use the input devices to play. When you use the trackpad or touchscreen of your computer to move around in the virtual environment, a signal is sent to your HMD, which then moves your head in the same direction that you are physically turning your head. The result is that you are constantly “looking” forward, never feeling nauseous or sick. This is because, for the most part, VR devices use motion tracking to place the user into the environment.
Each time you move your head in the direction your device is tracking, your brain gets a new “picture” of where you are in three-dimensional space. This creates a much more lifelike experience than a 2D screen can offer. When playing a game in VR, it is often said that you are “in the zone.” This is because the sense of presence you get from being in a VR environment is extraordinary.
What Are The Main Benefits Of Metaverse Gaming?
From a gamer’s perspective, Metaverse’s main attraction is that it provides a new way to play. One of the major complaints about traditional video games is that they can be very repetitive, especially if you play the same game repeatedly. This is partly because there is usually only one or two ways to complete a level.
However, in VR gaming, the possibilities are endless. If you have a headset with a microphone, you can even chat with other players through text chat while playing. This ability to communicate and interact with other users provides companionship that is impossible with traditional games.
Additionally, since everything in a VR environment is interactive, there is always something new to do. Even if you have played the same game for a long time and know exactly how it works, there will always be another way to play it. This is something that makes VR gaming so appealing. It is also worth noting that while traditional gaming often requires a high level of concentration, VR gaming focuses on the user instead. This is often described as “immersive” gaming because it feels more like you are “immersed” in the game.
This level of immersion can be both good and bad. Sometimes, you will want to take a break from the game and return later. However, if you want to keep your attention focused during gameplay, blocking out some of the surrounding environment can be helpful. While it is important to feel like you are “in the zone” during gameplay, you also don’t want to be so involved in the game that you don’t notice something happening around you. Hence, some users prefer to play in full VR, while others play with some hidden parts. Both options have pros and cons, but overall, VR gaming lets you play in a way that feels right for you.
Who Is The Main Audience For Metaverse Gaming?
Based on the previous point, it is easy to see that a VR game would be a great way to play for anyone. The major audience for metaverse games is described as “early adopters” and “those who can’t play video games anymore due to arthritis or other physical disabilities.” This is because motion tracking in a VR environment requires high accuracy from the user. It can be difficult to play if you have problems keeping your head still when you move it around in the direction your device is tracking. Also, some of the games in the Metaverse store are quite demanding in terms of processing power. These kinds of games that early adopters would enjoy since they require a lot of horsepower to run smoothly.
What Is The Short-Lived Trend Behind Metaverse Gaming?
Since the early 2000s, the video game industry has been expanding incredibly. However, during that same period, technology has been advancing at such a rate that it is making this expansion less attractive. The major issue is that the devices used to play video games have become increasingly expensive, and there are now cheaper alternatives available. This makes the industry smaller and more consolidated. It has become harder to stand out among the competition.
VR gaming is different in that it is constantly evolving and changing. As previously stated, today’s games were impossible just a few years ago. This is thanks to the work of dedicated developers who are always looking for ways to make their games better.
While the industry seems to be heading in the right direction, the cost of entry-level VR devices has increased considerably. This means that it might not be the best choice for everyone. That being said, as time goes on, it will become increasingly easy to find the right VR device for the right price.
Will Metaverse Gaming Be Around In The Future?
It is easy to see how VR gaming will still be around. The question is: Will it still be called “VR gaming”? The answer is yes, but it will be something different. It will be part of the ongoing evolution of gaming, just as 3D gaming was once considered “flat” gaming and 2D gaming was once considered “basic” gaming.
VR gaming has been around for a short time because it is considered “experimental.” It was once looked down upon as a fad since it requires specialized equipment that often costs money. As this equipment has become more affordable and the potential for VR use has become more apparent, the stigma attached to it has decreased. This is evidenced by the growing number of people choosing to adopt it as a format for gaming.
The Benefits Of Metaverse Gaming For Businesses
Metaverse provides a functional environment for businesses to conduct their affairs. However, several additional benefits can be gained from entering the gaming industry through Metaverse.
Increasing Brand Awareness
One benefit that comes with creating a game on Metaverse is increasing brand awareness. When someone chooses to play your game, they’re possibly also aware of your brand. This is a great way to gain exposure to an audience that might be more receptive to your product or service.
Additionally, once you have a base of players on your server, you can offer special deals and discounts to gain market traction. For example, suppose you’re a clothing company and have an association with fashion designer John Galliano. In that case, you might give away some limited edition T-shirts with a caricature of Galliano on them.
Get Feedback On Your Product
Feedback in the form of ratings and reviews is extremely valuable in today’s world, especially given the prevalence of social media. If a business or an individual chooses to leave feedback about your product or service, it could positively impact your bottom line.
This is especially true when the feedback is positive, as it might encourage more of your customers to leave feedback, creating a virtuous product improvement cycle. If customers have suggestions or complaints about your product, it’s worth collecting this feedback and acting on it promptly. This will create an excellent impression of a company that cares about its customers.
