Recently, the term “Metaverse,” a fictional universe, has become increasingly prevalent. These virtual realms, set to become a significant aspect of our lives in the near future, are closer than one might think.
While the concept of achieving immortality by transferring our consciousness to a virtual world and residing there indefinitely is on the horizon, it appears that we may have to wait a bit longer for such a future to materialize.
In the interim, let’s focus on the near future – the upcoming years when the era of virtual reality will dawn, and the transformative changes that games will undergo. In this imminent future, games will evolve to the point where they relegate the real world to the background, with individuals spending a substantial portion of their time in these virtual realms, collectively referred to as the “Metaverse.” Now, let’s delve into the details of this transformative shift.
We are at the beginning of it all: the first age of virtual reality
Before embarking on a journey into the years ahead, let’s rewind the clock 15 years to 2007. Back then, cell phones were just gaining popularity in our country, and a battered computer was considered a precious possession. Looking back, those devices that might seem antiquated now held significant value at the time, didn’t they? Our lives underwent substantial simplification as technological devices gradually gained popularity and found their place in markets worldwide.
Comparing a device released 10 years ago with one released this year highlights the staggering advancements in technology. In the past, we could only play basic games like Snake and Tetris on button cell phones. Contrasting that with what we can accomplish today, the progress is undeniably impressive, especially considering this transformation occurred within the last 20 years.
Having taken this brief journey into the past, let’s now project ourselves into the near future with today’s technology. Examining the current state of the gaming world reveals that the industry is thriving, experiencing a golden age with an unprecedented market share. When we mention virtual reality today, we envision not only significant titles but also the immersive experience of playing virtual reality games and the intrigue of being part of a virtual world.
The success of platforms like PlayStation VR and Oculus VR is noteworthy. Even today, we can don a virtual reality headset, plunge into a world overrun by zombies, engage in battles, and explore distant planets. If this is the current landscape, one can only imagine what the next 20 years might hold. We are presently witnessing the initial phase of virtual reality, and the future promises even more remarkable developments than we might anticipate.
Subscription systems, cloud technology and virtual universes: The future of gaming
When contemplating the future of the gaming world, it’s evident that subscription systems, cloud technology, and virtual universes are inevitable. The rise of subscription systems has already begun, with the Xbox Game Pass system from Microsoft’s Xbox gaining increasing popularity in the gaming community. PlayStation has also ventured into this path with PlayStation Plus, which underwent significant changes in recent months.
Examining the giants of the gaming industry, namely Tencent, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, it’s clear that the steps taken by major brands like PlayStation and Xbox are gradually shaping the future of gaming. In the coming years, subscription systems will likely evolve to the extent that the traditional practice of purchasing games may become a thing of the past.
Cloud technology is expected to become so pervasive that players can instantly access and play any game from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. It’s important to note that a robust internet infrastructure will be a prerequisite for this advancement. In conjunction with subscription systems and cloud technology, virtual reality is poised to undergo significant development.
Virtual reality will reach a point where players immerse themselves so deeply in their virtual worlds that they momentarily forget their real lives, essentially leading a second life within a game. This experience is particularly common in massive multiplayer online games, or “MMOs,” even if they aren’t explicitly virtual reality games. A notable example today is Second Life.
One of the early examples of Metaverse: Second Life
Second Life, a video game developed by Linden Research and operating freely since 2003, is a massive multiplayer online virtual world. In this internet-based virtual realm, characterized by a role-playing structure and virtually limitless possibilities, users can immerse themselves in the life of their dreams through their computer screens.
It’s important to note that Second Life is not a virtual reality game, meaning players experience these interactions while observing their computer screens and feeling like they are part of a virtual world. While the developers are working on a virtual reality version of the game, they already provide users with a virtual life experience.
The journey begins with creating a dream character and customizing your avatar to your liking. Subsequently, users are free to explore new places, socialize in bars, engage in various activities, or pursue money-making endeavors. This open-ended virtual world, where the range of possibilities is limited only by one’s imagination, is both fascinating and, for some, potentially daunting.
As technology advances, virtual reality games are expected to evolve to a point where they can engage all five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. In the near future, playing a virtual reality game could provide an immersive experience that feels incredibly real, blurring the lines between virtual and actual existence. Consequently, the concept of crime may persist in the virtual world, raising ethical and legal considerations in this evolving landscape.
A different experience: Why do people play these types of games?
Games like Second Life, MovieStarPlanet, and Virtualika manage to deliver an almost lifelike virtual experience despite their simple appearances. The common thread among these games is their emphasis on socializing. The primary reason people engage with such games is the opportunity for constant interaction with others.
Players meet, socialize, and form new friendships within these virtual environments. It may sound unusual, but some individuals have even found their life partners through online games, including instances reported in games like League of Legends. The preference for multiplayer games over single-player ones is often driven by a desire not to feel alone in the expansive world of gaming.
Here is the most curious question: Can we exist permanently in a virtual world?
While scientists currently deem the scenario of leaving our physical bodies for a perpetual existence in a virtual world unlikely in the near future, they acknowledge the inevitable progression of technology to such a level. The prospect of humanity reaching a point where individuals can inhabit their own virtual realms with their loved ones indefinitely raises thought-provoking questions, and the notion of “What if we are simulations?” can indeed be disconcerting.
Looking ahead, the potential applications of virtual reality glasses are vast. Envision standing before a colossal wall alongside your own avatar, commanding an army of around 100 knights, where each knight represents a real person. The strategic intelligence and combat skills you bring to the scenario determine the fate of each member of your army. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into a true medieval setting. Now extrapolate this example across various themes and topics, and it becomes evident that virtual reality is poised to become an indispensable component of our near future.
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