Parts of the Metaverse Will Become Real

The metaverse is a term that describes a more immersive internet where we can work, play, and socialize on a persistent platform. The concept of the metaverse has been popularized by science fiction novels, such as Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, and by tech giants, such as Facebook, Microsoft, and Nvidia, who are developing metaverse platforms for various purposes. Experts predict that the metaverse will add $5 trillion to the global economy by 2030, and 2023 will be the year that defines the direction of the metaverse for the next decade. Here are some of the developments we can expect to see in 2023.

• Immersive work environments: One of the main applications of the metaverse will be to create more immersive work environments where we can collaborate with colleagues and clients across distances. In 2023, we will see more advanced virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology that will enable us to have realistic meetings, brainstorming sessions, and co-creation projects in the metaverse. For example, Microsoft’s Mesh platform allows users to share holographic experiences in mixed reality. Similarly, Nvidia’s Omniverse platform enables users to collaborate on digital projects in real time.
• Advanced avatar technology: Another aspect of the metaverse that will evolve in 2023 is the avatar technology that we use to represent ourselves in the virtual world. An avatar is the presence we project as we engage with other users in the metaverse. In 2023, we will see more sophisticated avatar technology that will allow us to create avatars that look exactly like us in the real world, or customize them according to our preferences. Moreover, motion capture technology will enable our avatars to adopt our unique body language and gestures. For example, Epic Games’ MetaHuman Creator allows users to create realistic digital humans in minutes.
• Ethical and regulatory challenges: As the metaverse becomes more real and influential in 2023, we will also face some ethical and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed. For instance, how do we protect our privacy and security in the metaverse? How do we prevent cyberbullying, harassment, and discrimination in the virtual world? How do we ensure fair access and inclusion for everyone in the metaverse? How do we balance our time and attention between the real world and the virtual world? These are some of the questions that we will need to answer as we enter the metaverse era.

The metaverse is not a single platform, but a network of interconnected platforms that will offer us new possibilities and opportunities in 2023 and beyond. As we explore and experience the metaverse, we will also need to be mindful of its risks and responsibilities, and strive to create a positive and sustainable digital future.