What Is The Metaverse? Here’s The Short Answer

In 1992, science fiction author Neal Stephenson used the term metaverse in his cyberpunk novel Snow Crash. While the idea of a metaverse is not new, the future is here. As Facebook rebrands as Meta and Microsoft announce its intention to launch into this new space, we will embark on innovative worlds that allow us to engage in new ways. Whether socially, economically, or professionally, the metaverse promises to expand horizons and push the boundaries of technology as it speeds headlong into the great unknown. 

As with any new future vision, many people wonder what they can expect from the metaverse and if they will engage in the space at all. If the metaverse is an idea new to you, you are not alone. It may help you to understand some primary properties that are to be expected from the metaverse as you determine how, when, and if you leap into its new worlds. 

Metaverse Is A Virtual World

An essential characteristic of a metaverse is that it is a virtual world. With your computer, mobile device, gaming console, wearable technology, and any other device, you can explore the metaverse immersed in 3D graphics and high-quality sound. This immersion makes you feel present in the virtual world, which enhances your experience whether you’re watching a professional digital baseball game or simply exploring. 

Metaverse And Virtual Reality

To enter the metaverse, you must be equipped with a virtual reality headset. This equipment brings the virtual world to life, even if you are still standing in your living room at home. Virtual reality tricks your senses into believing what you are doing and seeing in the metaverse is real, creating the same feelings and responses you would otherwise experience in similar situations in the real world.

Metaverse As A Social Experiment

The metaverse is billed as a social platform for people to engage with others without the boundaries and limitations of the real world. As a person in the metaverse, you are an avatar who can make friends and have adventures with other people. This social aspect of the metaverse is central to Meta’s (Facebook) platform of networking, connecting, and eventually interfacing with the internet. Microsoft is pursuing the metaverse as a better way to connect for professional reasons, upgrading virtual meetings and business-related experiences through virtual reality.

Metaverse Is An Escape

Metaverse allows users to build and visit a virtual world while sitting in the comfort of their homes. New virtual buildings can be constructed and remain in place the next time the user visits. You can even own a virtual property in the metaverse, maybe living next to your favorite movie star. The user’s digital creations and generated content build the metaverse much as it does on other social media platforms.

Final Thoughts

Using the metaverse to socialize with others and create new spaces is appealing in this post-pandemic society. Professionally, appearing as a hologram at your board meeting instead of financing the travel to get there may be the next best business tool we have. If, when, and how you plan to engage with others in the metaverse is, for now, strictly up to you. 

3 Mistakes Sports Teams Need To Avoid When Venturing Into the Metaverse

Since its inception, the metaverse has been used as a platform for gaming enthusiasts. In recent years, more businesses have started to make their way into this digital universe. Sports teams looking to improve fan engagement have found that the metaverse holds an unlimited number of possibilities. 

On average, over 400 million people use the metaverse every month. If you are starting to develop a metaverse strategy for your sports team, then you need to be mindful of mistakes to avoid. Below are just some of the mistakes sports teams should avoid when venturing into the metaverse. 

1. Don’t Leave the Fans Out of Your Metaverse Strategy

Some sports teams view the metaverse as an avenue where they can make additional revenue. While making money is important, you want to make sure the fans are provided with valuable content in the metaverse. Focusing solely on making money can make fans feel alienated as your sports team ventures into this digital universe. 

If you want to get fans excited about your journey into the metaverse, then you need to provide them with things like exclusive experiences and rewards. Many sports teams have found that using NFTs is a great way to keep fans engaged. These one-of-a-kind digital tokens can be used to provide loyal fans with limited-edition merchandise or unique experiences. 

Creating jersey NFTs that people can equip their metaverse avatars with is also a good idea. Getting your sponsors involved in the NFT creation process is crucial when trying to provide metaverse fans with more value. 

2. Avoid Run-of-the-Mill Streaming Events

Overusing streaming events in the metaverse can lead to fans becoming alienated. If you are unable to convey what makes these streaming events unique, then the majority of your fanbase will ignore them. This is why you need to focus on originality and uniqueness when creating these metaverse streaming events. 

Creating NFTs for these events is a great way to give fans a permanent reminder of when they will occur. You can also use the NFT as a way to provide event attendees with collectibles or other perks that provide value. Many teams have used these event NFTs as a way to provide a few lucky fans with personalized virtual meet-and-greets. Offering these one-of-a-kind experiences can help to make your metaverse streaming events more popular. 

3. Stagnant Stadium Recreations are a Bad Idea

Simply recreating your stadium in the metaverse isn’t enough to get fans excited. Rather than providing these stagnant stadium recreations, you need to work on creating an immersive and rewarding experience for fans. Allowing fans to play virtual games in the stadium is a great idea. You can also use your digital sports stadium to host virtual eCommerce options. With a virtual club store in your digital stadium, you can provide unique items to tech-savvy fans. 

By avoiding the mistakes mentioned above, you can have success when taking your sports team into the metaverse.