The Metaverse - hype or game Changer - Der Blog von Westend61

The Metaverse – hype or game Changer

2023-05-04

It is difficult to say precisely when the hype about the Metaverse began. What is certain is that there have been thoughts about a virtual space in which people can exist together since the 1990s. When Mark Zuckerberg renamed his company Meta in the fall of 2022, the term became familiar to a broader audience.

Metaverse digital cyber world technology, a woman with virtual reality VR goggles playing augmented reality game, futuristic lifestyle, stock image, royalty-free, westend61

young woman operating immersive digital interface, metaverse, virtual reality, westend61 — all images ©Westend61 – u: INIMAGES – l: Eugenio Marongiu

Woman using augmented reality standing on footpath at night, stock image, royalty-free, metaverse — all images ©Westend61 – u: INIMAGES – l: Eugenio Marongiu

An idea with potential and uncertainties

The tech industry sees excellent potential in cyberspace, whose future business value in 2030 Bloomberg estimates at more than $800 billion. However, there are still many questions and uncertainties surrounding the Metaverse. Visualizations still need to be improved, as it is an unprecedented, intangible neologism. The Metaverse is described as the fusion of the amount of data on the Internet with a virtual space and its limitless creative design possibilities. However, it is only an idea, as the immense computing power required has yet to be feasible. Experts assume it will be long before the Metaverse can become (virtual) reality.

Man with beard wearing futuristic smart glasses, stock image, royalty-free, westend61, metaverse

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First offers and platforms for the Metaverse

However, initial business models and offerings already take up this idea. For example, people can meet in avatars in online games like “Fortnite” or on cycling training platforms like “Zwift.” Microsoft is also already working on a virtual working world with the possibilities of the Metaverse. The interconnection of such digital applications and platforms will be a significant step toward the Metaverse.

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Side view of African American male in modern VR goggles standing backwards a glass wall with reflection while exploring virtual reality, metaverse, stock image, royalty-free, westend61 — all images ©Westend61 – u: Cavan Images – l.l.: Pau Novell – l.r: Eugenio Marongiu

Businesswoman with virtual reality headset holding LED light on bridge in city, stock image, royalty free, metaverse — all images ©Westend61 – u: Cavan Images – l.l.: Pau Novell – l.r: Eugenio Marongiu

Moral and ecological issues

Ethical and moral aspects will also play a role in the discussion about the Metaverse, not least in the energy and climate crisis context. Many questions about legal aspects, but also safety, will also have to be clarified. It remains to be seen to what extent the Metaverse will remain merely a marketing bubble or become a real game changer for humankind.

Father and son wearing VR glasses lying down at home exploring the metaverse, stock image, westend61, royalty-free — all images ©Westend61/Kniel Synnatzschke

Woman wearing VR glasses in office, stock image, royalty-free, metaverse, westend61 — all images ©Westend61/Kniel Synnatzschke

The key is suitable devices

At the moment, Metaverse has no concrete use for the masses. This is because before people can form a picture of this digital universe, they must have access to appropriate tools in the form of virtual reality and augmented reality end devices. After all, a conventional screen will not be enough to enable us to move around in these virtual spheres of the future. That’s why such devices are the connecting element of our pinboard on the topic of Metaverse, which we would like to recommend to you here today.