Many have been asking, “What is the difference between metaverse and multiverse?” To better understand these concepts, let us take a closer look at each.
Multiverse is composed of multiple virtual worlds that exist independently from one another; on the other hand, metaverse offers a single ecosystem where users can create assets, play games, and watch movies with friends.
Metaverse is a single virtual world
Metaverse is a virtual world that allows users to communicate and engage with others in real time. It works similarly to the internet, except people don’t need to log in or sign up. They can take part in many activities such as playing video games, shopping for groceries, working or even developing their own businesses.
Though still in its early stages, technology like this has many potential uses. For instance, educators can improve their teaching methods and students get more support from educators and peers in real time. Furthermore, it helps learners acquire new skills and knowledge across various subjects such as mathematics, science, and engineering.
It will also enable people to interact in more creative and collaborative ways. For instance, they could work together on a virtual fashion show or even create a live concert within the metaverse.
However, there can be some drawbacks to using virtual reality technology. Connecting with people who live far away can be challenging and wearing a virtual reality headset for extended periods of time can be uncomfortable.
To address these problems, companies are creating technology that will enable people to interact in real time while still feeling present in the physical world. This concept of augmented reality (AR) can be achieved by using smartphones to digitally enhance what people see in the real world in real-time.
In the future, the metaverse could evolve into a single virtual world that integrates elements of VR and AR. This would provide users with more lifelike experiences in virtual spaces while providing them with opportunities to connect with friends and family online.
Multiverse is a collection of virtual worlds
Technology-wise, the term Multiverse is taken from massively multiplayer online games that provide multiple instances of virtual worlds to a limited number of players. While similar to Metaverse in concept, there are key distinctions between them.
A multiverse is a collection of distinct virtual worlds that exist independently and are not connected to one another. Each world has its own distinct traits and features, making them distinct from one another.
The multiverse is an array of digital spaces with distinct traits and characteristics, providing users with opportunities to play, communicate, learn and more in isolated ecosystems. Social media platforms, online gaming sites and other virtual spaces are examples of digital spaces within the multiverse.
This multiverse is composed of various virtual worlds that form an imaginary pool of individual ecosystems that are highly connected in a specific order. However, the flow of information within this multiverse is highly random.
This exhibition highlights various entities with distinct capabilities, such as humans, AI, VR and digital avatars. Each has a distinct role to play within the digital realm.
Metaverses are virtual worlds connected by a shared and connected infrastructure that enables users to work, play, shop and socialize with others. Each world has its own specific structure for information flow within it.
In this network, a single universe is shared by many users simultaneously and allows them to engage and connect with different platforms across the multiverse. Users own their digital properties, experiences, and data within that universe but cannot access it outside of that particular realm.
Metaverse is interconnected
Metaverses are virtual world networks where users can freely connect without logging in. It is an evolved version of the internet that incorporates technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
Neal Stephenson’s science fiction novel Snow Crash first proposed the idea of a metaverse, an alternate universe where people could escape mundane reality. Nowadays, researchers and technologists envision it as a network of three-dimensional platforms that enable users to create and share digital content in more immersive and interconnected ways than ever before.
Tech companies and consumers are already experimenting with metaverse-like experiences in a variety of applications, from gaming to live entertainment to work. While the idea of an universal metaverse remains hypothetical, tech giants such as Facebook, Google and Roblox have launched initiatives to create virtual worlds that resemble a future where logging in is no longer required.
As technology develops and more people embrace VR and AR, the potential for a true metaverse is growing. Examples include Hyundai’s experience on Roblox’ gaming platform, which allows gamers’ avatars to explore Hyundai’s future mobility projects as well as current products; and Warner Bros. Pictures’ virtual party on Roblox to promote In the Heights movie.
However, true metaverse can only exist when all elements are interoperable and synchronous. To accomplish this, new standards and protocols need to be created that guarantee different experiences on platforms are compatible and work together seamlessly – just as they do today on the current internet.
With careful planning, strategic collaboration and a shared vision of creating an accessible world for all, virtual reality can be created that enhances real lives. However, it must be governed with human welfare in mind, with certain risks managed before wider acceptance by society.
Metaverse is decentralized
The metaverse is a virtual world that offers various experiences such as gaming, social interaction and real estate. It’s built upon blockchain technology and evolving into a decentralized ecosystem.
Metaverses are virtual environments that can be explored by multiple users simultaneously through an avatar. They’re most common in massive multiplayer online games (MMOGs), where players construct and traverse spaces within the game world.
This type of experience can be very immersive, as users are able to feel and perceive things around them. However, some people express concerns about the privacy implications of such an environment. These worries could stem from the fact that these environments will likely collect data on users’ movements and other details of their lives.
Due to this potential vulnerability, digital privacy experts are concerned about the risks that come from such environments.
The ideal way to protect user privacy and prevent surveillance in a metaverse is through decentralized platforms. This explains why so many projects are utilizing blockchain technology to create user-owned metaverses.
Another major distinction between centralized and decentralized metaverses is how information is collected and stored. A centralized platform would store all user data centrally, while a decentralized one ensures no one’s private data is collected without their explicit permission.
In addition to these advantages, a decentralized metaverse is also immune to censorship and interoperable with other systems. This is possible since the blockchain system guarantees all data is open, distributed, and owned collectively by its contributors.
Metaverse is a collection of elements
A metaverse is a collection of elements that can be used to construct an immersive virtual world. This may include virtual spaces, customized avatars and digital assets stored on blockchain.
In 1992, sci-fi author Neal Stephenson coined the term “metaverse.” While it may sound like science fiction, several companies are already creating experiences similar to this virtual reality.
Tech companies are creating services that enable people to connect with others, play games and shop without ever needing a social media account. For instance, Nike and Roblox joined forces on “Nikeland,” a virtual world where users can play games and dress their avatars in virtual apparel.
Metaverses have been around for some time, but their popularity has recently surged. Metaverses incorporate elements of the internet (like online gaming) with virtual and augmented reality to create an entirely new realm.
It also incorporates elements of the real world, like social interaction and currency. This combination makes the concept more captivating than other virtual worlds which may only be accessible through desktop or mobile device access.
Metaverse participants use non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which are digital assets built upon blockchain technology that can be exchanged for goods, services or digital real estate. For instance, you can buy a Louis Vuitton NFT bag in an online version of their shop and wear it in real life.
Though the concept is still evolving, it could one day help spur growth in the digital economy. Furthermore, brands can use it as an effective means to engage customers and boost brand loyalty.
Recommended readings:
- What is Metaverse?
- What is Meta?
- Trending Technologies in 2022
- What If Marvel Explored a Multiverse of Infinite Possibilities?
