Prepare to enter the metaverse

As Facebook hires 10,000 people in Europe to develop the "metaverse", some are saying it’s the future of the internet. But what actually is it?

 

What is the metaverse?

The metaverse is the kind of virtual world we all imagined the internet could be. Headsets and 3D avatars will be used not just for gaming but for work, socialising, concerts and cinema trips. Big tech firms and wealthy investors are buzzing about the concept, with the sense that for the first time, the technology to create it is almost there.

 

Who’s involved?

Facebook has already invested heavily in VR through Oculus headsets, as well as the VR meetings app Workplace and social space Horizons, which both use virtual avatars. However, it’s promised not to monopolise the concept, saying the metaverse "won't be built overnight by a single company". To that end, it’s recently invested £36.3m in non-profit groups helping to "build the metaverse responsibly". 

Mr Sweeney, head of Epic Games, is another major driver of the metaverse. Epic Games is the company behind Fortnite, which recently hosted a virtual Ariana Grande concert. He recently shared his vision of a world where a carmaker with a new model to advertise is "going to drop their car into the world in real time and you'll be able to drive it around". 

Other players to watch include Unity, a 3D development platform, creating "digital twins" – virtual copies of the real world - and Nvidia, a graphics company building an "Omniverse" platform for connecting 3D virtual worlds.

 

Does the technology exist yet?

High-end VR headsets that can trick the eye into seeing in 3D are becoming more mainstream, with the Oculus Quest 2 VR gaming headset becoming a popular Christmas gift last year. The surge of interest in NFTs could be key to making a virtual economy work. And the rollout of 5G will provide the high-powered connectivity needed to support advanced digital worlds. 

However, it’s still early days. According to Facebook, the full development of the metaverse could take 10 to 15 years.

Recent Posts

Press A to Apply: Crafting Irresistible Job Offers in Gaming March 7, 2024

In the competitive gaming industry, attracting top talent can be as challenging as conquering a final-level boss. The demand for skilled professionals in game development, design, marketing, and other specialised fields has never been higher. To stand out in this crowded landscape, employers need to go beyond the ordinary and create irresistible job offers that not only entice candidates but also make them eager to press the metaphorical 'A' button and join your team.

Breaking Barriers: Diversity and Inclusion in Tech Recruitment February 28, 2024

In the fast-paced world of technology, diversity and inclusion have become imperative for fostering innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth. Breaking barriers in tech recruitment is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for companies looking to thrive in the digital age. In this article, we explore the importance of diversity in the tech industry, ways companies can enhance the recruitment process to achieve greater inclusivity, and the role of recruitment agencies in building diverse tech teams.

Crafting the Future: Trends in Tech Engineering February 21, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead of the curve is not just a choice; it's a necessity. One of the trends that has been gaining significant traction is DevOps, a set of practices that combines software development and IT operations. The importance and business value of DevOps in today's tech-driven world cannot be overstated, and its role is only set to grow in the future.