Gaming in the metaverse

Any avid gamer will have heard the word, ‘metaverse’ floating around — maybe you’ve even tried a metaverse-style game. 

This new era of the internet is an exciting time for the gaming industry to offer experiences that are more immersive than ever before.

As with anything unknown, many are concerned about digital privacy in the metaverse as a result of the new worlds it will open up. 

While these worries are understandable, the metaverse gives life to new gaming concepts that technology limitations may have previously held back.

Let’s look at what metaverse gaming is and what this might mean for the future.

What is the metaverse?

The ‘metaverse’ is a new type of virtual world that is accessed using innovative technologies to bring the world to ‘life’ with 3D elements. It’s a step up from the virtual worlds we’re more familiar with, such as Minecraft, where users create online personas and build real communities where they interact with real people.

When you play Minecraft, you’re still physically surrounded by everything else in your home and can see real life outside of the screen. The metaverse uses virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to allow you to see the virtual world as if you were in it.

Despite the name, the metaverse has no connection with Meta, the company. Meta didn’t invent it and they don’t own it — though Meta does offer products to support metaverse experiences, just to complicate things.

Technology powering metaverse games 

The metaverse isn’t one single place, but can be used to describe any virtual world powered by specific platforms and technologies. The technology used for metaverse gaming is what sets it apart from traditional online multiplayer games, and includes:

• Virtual reality (VR) - high-quality, 3D visuals are essential to creating a world that looks as lifelike as possible. Even fantasy games with imaginary creatures should look as if you’ve stepped right into a magical realm.

• Augmented reality (AR) - enhances your real, physical environment with virtual items. A non-metaverse example of this is Pokémon Go, which lets you catch Pokémon in your actual surroundings.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) - sophisticated algorithms work to improve your experience every time you play.

• Blockchain - this infrastructure allows metaverse gaming to be decentralised, meaning you can be the owner of the world you build.

• Cryptocurrency - digital money that operates using blockchain technology, enabling metaverse worlds to establish independent financial ecosystems. Blockchain acts as a digital ledger, recording all cryptocurrency transactions.

It’s likely the metaverse will continue to grow and evolve to include more technology, and possibly inspire new ones!

How to play games in the metaverse?

You’re probably already playing games that have metaverse characteristics, but how can you get the ultimate experience?

To play games with friends and people all over the world you’ll need these essentials:

Fast and reliable broadband

One must-have element that could easily be overlooked is a fast and reliable broadband connection. 

Your broadband needs to be able to cope with the quick movements required for VR and display high-quality graphics, which will make your games as realistic as possible.

Broadband networks using older copper connections may struggle to deliver the right speeds, especially as the technologies evolve. Full fibre broadband is a necessity if you want to avoid jittering and lags that could ruin your metaverse gameplay.

Community Fibre uses innovative technology with futureproofing in mind, so we are well-equipped to keep you connected to these virtual communities and worlds.

Check your postcode

A VR headset

Accessing the metaverse using virtual reality (VR) is the best way to be fully immersed in the experience and feel as if you’ve been transported into a different dimension. While you don’t have to wear VR glasses to play metaverse games, it does offer the most realistic experience.

Using a VR headset allows you to ‘see’ everything around you in a virtual world, rather than being limited to a screen. You can look side to side and even turn around to navigate new dimensions.

A common misconception about the metaverse is that it’s just another word for VR, which is an easy mistake to make. VR is used as part of the metaverse to provide the 360 visual experience, but is just one element of it.

Many existing VR games aren’t part of the metaverse because they’re standalone games with no way to connect with others. Popular games such as Resident Evil have had VR versions released to up the scares, but they’re not part of the metaverse.

The right platform

What makes a metaverse game different from a regular VR game is the community. But how can you find these online communities? 

Simply popping on your VR headset and shouting into the void won’t do the job. You need a platform that provides you with the virtual tools and infrastructures to join communities in the metaverse.

Once you’ve found one you like, you can create your avatar and start exploring.

Several virtual gaming platforms offer metaverse capabilities, either exclusively or as a new way to play existing games. Some of these platforms include:

• Decentraland - buy, sell, and build a unique world on virtual land you own.

• Minecraft - the same game everyone knows and loves, but fully immersive.

• Second Life - is exactly what it sounds like! Live a digital life, whether it’s partying, attending events, or having online meetings with real-life colleagues.

• Sandbox - build your own space, and hang out with people in a world limited only by your imagination.

• Roblox - play with people all over the world. Roblox offers a variety of games and is popular with all ages.

Cryptocurrency 

Another part of the metaverse that makes it feel extra futuristic is the way you spend money. The metaverse uses a blockchain infrastructure to allow you to buy and sell digital assets within your games. Decentraland for example, even allows you to buy land and build your own town!

Many of the platforms mentioned above require you to set up a digital wallet and transfer real money into it to create your cryptocurrency to use within games.

What will gaming look like in the future?

Traditional console and PC gaming isn’t going away anytime soon. But metaverse gaming could become more mainstream as the technology becomes more accessible. Whether you want to be an early adopter or jump in later when all the creases have been ironed out is up to you. But it definitely seems like metaverse gaming is here to stay.

Reliable and fast full fibre broadband is a necessity to enjoy the full benefits of this new virtual gaming experience.

People in London, Surrey and Sussex can benefit from Community Fibre’s fibre broadband service, which offers the fastest speeds at unbeatable prices. 

We use the UK’s best broadband technology, so there’s no need to worry about old connections letting you down mid-gameplay.

Choose your ideal broadband package today.