The metaverse from A to Z: a simple explanation for laymen

The word metaverse was heard everywhere when Facebook changed its name to Meta and promised that the future is in virtual worlds. But what actually is it and does it already exist? Let us explain it simply and at the same time honestly, where the reality is and where the marketing is.

What the metaverse is

The metaverse is a vision of persistent, shared virtual 3D worlds in which people communicate, work, play and meet through their avatars. It is sometimes called “the internet you step into” instead of just looking at it.

Important right at the start: it is not one finished product or one place, but a concept and a vision.

It is not one thing

“The metaverse” hides several different platforms and worlds, which mostly are not even connected to each other. They include, for example, gaming and social worlds like Roblox, Fortnite or VRChat, but also corporate projects (for example Horizon Worlds by Meta) and blockchain worlds with virtual land (for example Decentraland).

No single unified “metaverse” into which everything would connect exists yet.

Key features

• Persistence. The world continues to exist even after you log off, like a real place.
• Shared. Many people are in it at once, you see each other and communicate.
• 3D space and avatars. You move through space as your digital character (avatar).
• An economy. You can buy and sell virtual things (avatar clothing, items, sometimes land).
• Interoperability (the ideal). The idea that you carry your avatar and items between worlds. In practice this barely works yet.

How you enter it

• Through virtual reality (VR) goggles. They pull you into the environment the most, more in the article virtual reality.
• Without VR too. Many worlds run on an ordinary computer, phone or console, on a normal screen.
• Augmented reality (AR). A complementary path, where digital elements are projected into the real world around you.

What the metaverse is used for

• Gaming and socializing. By far the most common real use today.
• Events and concerts in a virtual environment.
• Virtual meetings and collaboration at a distance.
• Education and training, for example safe drills and simulations.
• Commerce and showcases, virtual stores and showrooms.

The metaverse versus Web3, crypto and NFTs

These terms are often mentioned together, but it is important not to confuse them. The metaverse does not need a blockchain. The most popular worlds (Roblox, Fortnite) run on ordinary accounts and their own virtual currency, without cryptocurrencies. The blockchain branch (virtual land as NFTs) is just one part, and it is precisely the one that saw the biggest crash. There are articles on related terms, what Web3 is and NFTs from A to Z.

Reality and criticism: a sober view

• Huge hype, then cooling. Around 2021 and 2022 it was a huge topic, but the enthusiasm quickly faded and many projects disappointed. Speculation in virtual land collapsed.
• VR is still niche. Goggles are expensive, uncomfortable for long wear and not for everyone.
• Technical limits. Large, smooth and interconnected worlds are today more a promise than reality.
• Privacy and moderation. More data about you (including movement and gaze), the risk of harassment and addiction.
• Scams. Fake “metaverse investments” and virtual land, the same traps as with cryptocurrencies. This relates to the article fraudulent messages.

Practical for a layman

• You can try it through ordinary platforms (Roblox, Fortnite, VRChat) or VR goggles. Today it is mainly entertainment.
• Do not treat it as an investment. With “buying land in the metaverse with guaranteed appreciation” be very careful.
• There is no need to rush. The metaverse is not yet a necessity for everyday life.

Conclusion

The metaverse is a vision of persistent, shared virtual worlds in which you move as an avatar and meet others. Today it is most real in gaming and socializing, accessible through VR and without it. It does not need a blockchain, although it is often mentioned with Web3 and NFTs. It is an interesting direction, but for now surrounded by a lot of hype, technical limits and scams. It is worth understanding, but approaching soberly.

This article is part of our Software and system overview.