The metaverse, popularized by science fiction works like “Ready Player One”, is a concept that has captivated public imagination. This promise of an immersive and shared digital universe has sparked a lot of excitement, but also questions about its long-term viability. Recently, we’ve seen major tech companies like Meta focusing more on AI than on developing the metaverse. In parallel, the end of the pandemic has triggered a return to in-person work, making the metaverse less appealing to some. But does this mean the metaverse is dead? I don’t think so.

In a previous article, I shared my personal experience in the metaverse. While we’re not yet at the point where we can fully realize the vision of “Ready Player One” due to several obstacles, I remain convinced of the massive potential of the metaverse.

Cross-platform development and the need to establish standards to allow for seamless experiences across different environments is one such challenge. Furthermore, access to the metaverse remains expensive for many, largely due to the high cost of VR headsets. Improvements in comfort and ease-of-use, as with the HTC Vive XR and the future offering from Big Picture, are underway but still require more time for wider adoption.

But despite these hurdles, I am excited by the possibilities the metaverse offers, especially in areas like education. Just imagine children learning history by living it in the metaverse, exploring the Middle Ages in its authentic context. Or the chance to explore other cultures in a 3D immersive environment, an experience that could create lasting memories and enhance learning. This raises questions, such as whether our teachers or we, as parents, are ready for this. But I believe it’s a positive step forward, and surely preferable to our teenagers spending their time in games like Fortnite.

In terms of work, the return to in-person has created problems, such as traffic jams and the associated stress. Moreover, many job offers insist on physical presence in the company. The metaverse can offer an alternative, combining the benefits of remote work with those of in-person work, creating a “telepresence”.

Regarding the investments of tech companies, it’s true that some, like Meta, have refocused their attention on AI. But this does not signify the abandonment of the metaverse. On the contrary, AI could be a key element in the development of the metaverse. Also, companies like Microsoft continue to invest in the metaverse, as evidenced by the development of avatars for Microsoft Teams with Mesh.

In conclusion, although the current context and some challenges may temper the initial enthusiasm for the metaverse, I remain convinced that we’re only in the early stages. The metaverse offers too many possibilities to be ignored, and I am convinced that with time and innovation, it will play a major role in our digital future.

Links:

Ready player me: https://readyplayer.me

Microsoft Avatars for Teams: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams-blog/avatars-for-microsoft-teams-in-public-preview/ba-p/3774421

“It’s tough time for meta”: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/11/meta-artificial-intelligence-metaverse-mark-zuckerberg#:~:text=Meta%20is%20not%20pivoting%20away%20from%20its%20signature%20product%2C%20the%20metaverse.