There are more concepts of virtual worlds, but in recent years, the metaverse has been the focus of many people’s attention. The main goal of the metaverse is to enable the existence and communication of digital platforms, companies, and users in a virtual world with the help of VR headsets.
What was part of science fiction books and movies until a decade ago is slowly becoming a reality. Today, it finds application in many industries, including the gaming industry. This concept can potentially transform gaming and is already doing so in more ways than one.
We dedicate this article to the possibilities offered by the metaverse in gaming and the challenges it faces. Let’s begin!
Virtual Worlds and Social Interactions
Undoubtedly, interaction can take your gaming experience to a higher level. The metaverse gives players the chance to interact with each other in a unique way. For instance, the virtual world improves not only the social elements of gaming but also the way other players connect, as everything takes place in real-time – whether it’s adding new friends, chatting with others, or exchanging in-game tokens.
Even if you are not a fan of open-world games, you’ll certainly like that this virtual world allows you to explore vast digital spaces. Whether you want to explore a futuristic megalopolis, or a medieval fantasy kingdom is up to you.
Players are left to move through these worlds, discover new areas, and interact with the environment. They also reveal hidden features this way.
On the other hand, we have mutual interaction between players. Sure, it’s interesting to communicate through your gaming headsets, but communicating through the bodies of your avatars while moving through unfamiliar terrain is entirely different. Quite simply, the metaverse has enormous potential to initiate the formation of large online communities.
Additionally, we should also mention the participation in various activities and experiences unavailable in regular games or this way. Creating quests and shaping buildings looks different and more exciting in the virtual world.
In terms of challenges, there is a fear that this way of playing could further cause antisocial behavior in the real world. Therefore, the metaverse may remind users occasionally that they need rest and outdoor activities.
Crypto/Blockchain Gaming and NFTs
Cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and NFTs are already integrated into the gaming industry, at least to some extent.
First, let’s mention that in regular video games, players can buy in-game items or skins, but they don’t own them. These are licensed assets that you can use in the game. On the other hand, in the metaverse, players can own these assets and use them in any way they want, even outside the game.
Furthermore, cryptocurrencies are used as regular money in the virtual world – one would utilize cryptocurrencies to buy land, clothes, artwork, games, etc. What’s interesting is that there are also tokens that are specifically designed for use in the metaverse.
According to experts, this virtual world can learn a lot from the application of cryptocurrencies in online casinos. Although video games and casino games are not the same, they still have some standard features, and users certainly confirm this.
At many top online casinos, such as Bovada casino, players can deposit funds using several different cryptocurrencies and withdraw winnings. The advantage for casino players, and thus, metaverse users, is that transactions are fast and typically involve significantly lower fees than traditional payment methods. Additionally, due to the reduced costs associated with using them, casino platforms encourage players to use crypto by giving special crypto bonuses.
A decentralized economy and its value are other things that make cryptocurrencies and NFTs attractive. However, one should be careful because these assets are more volatile than standard currencies.
Cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and NFTs are already integrated with the gaming industry, at least to some extent.
Yet, first, let’s mention that in regular video games, players can buy in-game items or skins, but they don’t actually own them. These are licensed assets that you can use in the game. On the other hand, in the metaverse, players can own these assets and use them in any way they want, even outside the game.
Interoperability between games
After many game developers and publishers noticed that the existence of different consoles and operating systems made online gaming difficult, they started working on cross-platform gaming. This process is ongoing, and the number of games with this feature is limited.
On the other hand, there is a similar issue regarding the digital assets you have in games. The metaverse is probably the first concept that allows the transfer of digital assets between different games and platforms.
The same applies to avatars. Why create new characters in every new game you try when you can play with the same avatar? What’s more, it would be great to use skills, weapons and/or items in different games if that’s possible.
Through the ability to move these things through different games, a seamless gaming experience is possible. In some cases, you won’t be starting from scratch but will be able to progress faster.
With this interoperability, the metaverse in gaming creates a sense of realism and continuity in games. Additionally, the value of digital assets also increases. If you develop them enough or increase their number, there is also room for financial gain by selling them. Of course, users can also exchange assets if they want to.