Step Into The Metaverse

Put simply, the definition of a ‘metaverse’ is a network of virtual worlds that all thrive on social connection. Virtual reality has long been steeped in the fabric of humanity’s technological and social advances. For readers who don’t know already, it would be surprising to note that virtual reality was first imagined as far back as the 1800’s.

In 1838, the first stereoscope was invented, using twin mirrors to project a single image. Fast forward 101 years later and that idea was patented into the View-Master, a child-friendly photograph library that everyone had when they were a kid. Usually bright red, children would spend hours flicking through the same 10 3D images. Now, of course, our technology and virtual realities have taken drastic and monumental strides forward.

According to industry research, the VR and augmented reality markets are expected to grow to nearly $600 billion by 2025. Big names like Panasonic, Sony, Lenovo and HTC produce metaverse-alternate products almost every day in fields such as gaming, tourism, healthcare and architecture, all with the main goal to bring people closer together and connect.

Plans for the latest big ‘metaverse’ have been recently revealed by London-based Zaha Hadid Architects. Named The Liberland Metaverse, residents—using virtual reality—can buy a vacant plot and occupy this world as an avatar. Think of a city—‘multi-authored’—filled with some of the world’s best architects showcasing their brilliance.

Based on the real-life landscape of Liberland, situated at the Danube River between Serbia and Croatia, the community is set to thrive on blockchain empowered Web 3.0 developers. Featuring hyper realistic self-governing urban districts, this metaverse thrives on connection, if anything, as the visual and physical environments will sit side by side. Creatives can build anything they wish, allowing their visions to become reality in this virtual space. Thanks to the Zaha Hadid team, the project has already been given a good headstart and has built up a following of over 600,000 virtual citizens thus far. It can be accessed via the cloud-based platform, Mytaverse.