The metaverse is the buzziest topic in the NFT world these days, especially since Facebook’s announcement that it would rebrand to Meta and become a metaverse company. With a variety of options out there, it can be hard to choose a metaverse platform to start with. That’s why we’ve written this article, where we’ll look at some of the different metaverse platforms you can join right now!
What exactly is the metaverse?
The metaverse is a virtual universe, made up of various virtual world platforms running on blockchain. Users on metaverse platforms are able to interact with each other and carry out various activities. While current virtual world platforms are separate, enclosed systems, the eventual goal is to bridge them to create one seamless virtual universe – The Metaverse.
What is The Metaverse Used For?
Metaverse platforms have virtual spaces that are used as art galleries, concert halls, event spaces, and games, among others. Users are also able to buy virtual plots of land where they can build their own virtual environments, and create the customized virtual spaces for personal use or business.
What do I need for the metaverse?
All you need to access the metaverse now is a computer. Your laptop will do, but some metaverse games may require more processing power to run smoothly. If you want to buy or sell items in the metaverse, you will also need a crypto wallet such as MetaMask, because digital assets in the metaverse are represented by NFTs.
1. Roblox
What is Roblox?
Roblox is a Lego-style metaverse platform where users can play games made by other users. According to their official website, Roblox users have published over 20 million games on the platform. Roblox is a popular metaverse platform for kids and adults alike, and they have avatars and accessories from real world brands including the luxury fashion brand, Burberry.
How do I join the Roblox metaverse?
The platform and the games on it are free to download. Visit the official website to sign up for an account and start playing!
2. Decentraland
What is Decentraland?
Decentraland is a 3D virtual reality world powered by the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to create virtual buildings such as homes, art galleries, concert halls and theme parks, and charge other players to visit them. Every virtual element in Decentraland is owned autonomously by its players, which can be bought with a cryptocurrency called MANA.
To date, Decentraland has hosted a variety of events, including a virtual music festival with Deadmau5 and Paris Hilton.
How do I join the Decentraland metaverse?
Decentraland is very easy to join – you don’t even need a crypto wallet! Just go to the Decentaland website, sign up for an account, and you’ll be able to create your avatar and start exploring.
3. The Sandbox
What is The Sandbox?
The Sandbox is a virtual metaverse where players can build, own, and monetize their gaming experiences in the Ethereum blockchain using NFTs and $SAND, the platform’s utility token. The platform uses voxelized characters and has a blocky, minecraft-esque visual environment.
Since they announced their partnership with Meta, the Sandbox has surged in popularity.
Among the high-profile LAND owners in The Sandbox are Atari, Bored Ape Yacht Club, CyberKongz, and Pranksy, all of whom would be able to build interactive virtual environments or games for the platform.
The Sandbox has also formed IP partnerships with over 165 brands to create voxelised versions of their characters and products in the virtual world. These include The Walking Dead, Deadmau5, Shaun The Sheep, Care Bears, Richie Hawtin and Snoop Dogg.
How do I join The Sandbox metaverse?
The Sandbox is not yet publicly available, but the Alpha is open till 20 December. You can access the Alpha HUB and 3 unique experiences to explore and interact with The Sandbox community. Visit The Sandbox website for more information on how to join.
4. Stageverse
What is Stageverse?
Stageverse is a new social VR platform featuring virtual venues, digital content, and interactive experiences. The platform debuted with a two-hour immersive capture of the Muse: Simulation Theory concert. Stageverse allows multiple viewers to experience concerts together through 360° 3D footage captured from multiple angles around the venue.
In addition to the 360-degree footage, the experience also features other immersive elements, including AR and 3D special effects. Users are able to chat and interact with each other, as well as with elements in the environment.
How do I join Stageverse?
Stageverse is available on Oculus Quest, iOS and Android devices. Just visit your app store to download the Stageverse app!
5. Spatial
What is Spatial?
Spatial is an augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) collaboration platform that turns any room into a 3D workspace. Users can use a VR headset, mobile, or desktop device to walk around and interact in Spatial’s virtual rooms, and collaborate or view content with others.
How do I join Spatial?
Go to the Spatial website and sign in with your email to start collaborating!
6. VyWorlds
What is VyWorlds?
Vy Worlds is a web3 gaming platform, where players can play and build their own game worlds. The gaming platform features playable characters as NFTs, called the Vy – digital vinyls that love to play, build, and connect with friends.
Vy Worlds was created by Knock Knock Games, whose mission is to make it possible for anyone to make their own game on the blockchain as NFT, and work with the Creator Community to build a universe of games and experiences with the playable Vy NFT. Community game creators are also able to earn Play Tokens, giving them a share of the profits they help generate.
How Do I Join VyWorlds?
Go to https://www.vyworlds.com/ to launch the game in your web browser. You can play for free as a guest, but for permanent access, you’ll need a Vy NFT which you can buy from their marketplace or from their store on Mintable.
7. Upland
What is Upland?
Upland is a digital property metaverse where anyone around the world can buy, sell and trade virtual properties in over twenty cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and more. Each property in the Upland metaverse is mapped to real-world addresses and is represented as a non-fungible token (NFT) on the EOS blockchain, ensuring true ownership to the player.
To take action on blockchain sustainability, Upland has recently partnered with EOS Authority and ClimateCare to offset a year’s worth of carbon emissions for the entire EOS Mainnet.
How Do I Join Upland?
Go to https://www.upland.me/ to enter Upland. You’ll be prompted to create an account, after which you can explore the map, visit other players, or buy a piece of land in a city of your choosing!
