Online games have been around for a couple of decades and are increasingly becoming popular. The technology being used to create online games have evolved over the years. Metaverse is one of the latest technologies being used in online gaming, which provides a more immersive experience to its users.
In this blog, we will dive deep into Metaverse gaming and explore its potential to provide an immersive experience to players.
So, let’s get started with the basics.
What is Metaverse?
The phrase Metaverse is a bit confusing as it is attached to different ideas. It does not refer to any one specific technology but a wide range of technologies being used.
Metaverse is the next stage of the internet, where users can interact in a physical space. It is a part of Web 3.0, which is emerging.
However, there is not one unified Metaverse yet, but there are many Metaverses. You can replace the word Metaverse with CyberSpace in a sentence, and the meaning will remain the same ninety percent of the time.
How is Metaverse Related to Gaming?
Many people associate online gaming with Metaverse. However, gaming is associated with the so-called “proto metaverse,” which is the Metaverse we see today. The fully realized Metaverse is not restricted to gaming.
When people talk about Metaverse, they cannot ignore enabling technologies or infrastructure required. They also relate game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine with Metaverse.
As per a survey conducted by EY, 97% of executives believe the gaming industry is vital for the development of Metaverse, and 48% of executives believe Metaverse would change business models for gaming.
Use Cases of Metaverse in Games
In order to understand better how Metaverse is used in online gaming, let’s have a look at some of the top Metaverse games. It will give you a better idea of this new concept.
Decentraland
This Metaverse game was released in the early 2020s, and in this game, players can buy land pieces in the virtual environment by making use of MANA funds. These land pieces, which are 16 digital square meters, can be rented out to restaurants, homes, theaters, casinos, etc.
Decentraland is popular due to its immersive gameplay and unique features. It has a growing community who are passionate about sharing their creations with others. One of its key drivers is user-generated content and new virtual applications.
The Sandbox
It was launched in 2012 as a smartphone game. However, at present, it is another user-generated infrastructure where players may customize their identities and make them look like blocks.
The Sandbox makes use of a 3-D modelling program called VoxEdit to design everything which includes avatars, animals, plants, tools etc. It also has a market place where players can sell their creations.
It has an outcome called Game Maker which enables users to create 3D video games, without writing any code. It is also unique as it makes use of NFTs for its virtual assets.
Minecraft
It is a very popular online game based on Metaverse, published by Mojang Studios. It was first launched in 2011 and now has an active player base of millions. It provides an immersive experience along with creativity and exploration.
One of its unique features includes open-world gameplay. Players get to explore a 3D-created virtual world consisting of mountains, forests, and deserts. It has simple but intuitive mechanics and block-based graphics. It also has educational value as it is also used to teach coding and architecture.
Minecraft emphasizes creativity as well as imagination. Its success can also be attributed to user-generated content.
Axie Infinity
It is a game that was originally launched in 2018 by a Vietnamese company. Players can raise, nurse, and trade fictitious creatures known as “Axies”. Each creature has about 500 body parts, which can be interchanged.
Axies’ children have a variety of qualities and talents based on their biological components. Players can acquire houses and property for the Axies to reside in. These simulated creatures and other items are valued in terms of Non-Fungible Tokens(NFTs).
It is well known for its innovative gameplay and the feature of earning real money by playing the game. It also has had a positive impact on its communities, especially in developing countries.
Roblox
Roblox was initially released in the year 2006, and has become popular amongst young players. At present, it is a Metaverse gaming platform offering user-generated experiences and games.
It has millions of active players and has unique features as well as engaging content. It is estimated that over half of US children who are between 9 to 12 years old play it regularly.
There are several factors that make it successful.
One of the factors is that it is very accessible, free to play, and available on several devices, including consoles, smartphones, and tablets. This means it is available anywhere and anytime. It has several customization and creativity possibilities.
Roblox focuses on user-generated content, and there is always something new for players.
Challenges of Metaverse Gaming
Although Metaverse is being used in games these days, it does present certain challenges for both creators and players. Let’s have a look at them.
Security & Privacy: Metaverse involves large sets of personal data, financial transactions; security and privacy are major concerns. These aspects are needed to build trust among players.
Technical Issues: Metaverse creation is a complex process that requires expertise in various fields like AI, Virtual Reality, coding and blockchain. This is a technically challenging task as everything is interconnected.
Compliance & Legal Risks: As Metaverse games make use of virtual currencies, other digital assets, and NFTs, creators and users need to follow rules & regulations, which are not the same everywhere.
Interoperability: One of the major challenges of Metaverse games is the interoperability of different virtual worlds and the sharing of data across them. This requires common protocols and standards across multiple platforms.
Inclusivity: As the technology being used in Metaverse is new and complex, the hardware required is not affordable to everyone. It is currently being played only by those who have good internet connectivity and monetary resources.
Wrapping Up…
Metaverse Gaming is here to stay for quite some time until some new technology replaces it. We have seen several games that make use of Metaverse and other modern technology. Increasing internet speeds across the world and access to the latest devices will make Metaverse Gaming more accessible.
However, challenges that prevent Metaverse Gaming from reaching the masses need to be addressed. To conclude, although Metaverse was not created for gaming purposes, Metaverse Gaming does have immense potential for immersive games.
For your online game development needs, get in touch with GIANTY to know more.
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