Unveiling the Power Struggle: Who Controls the Metaverse?

As of now, the Metaverse is still a developing concept and there are multiple stakeholders vying for control and influence over it. Here are some of the key entities that are likely to play a role in shaping and controlling the Metaverse:

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Tech Companies:

Leading technology corporations such as Facebook (now Meta), Google, Microsoft, and Apple are making substantial investments in VR, AR, and other foundational technologies for the Metaverse. They are creating platforms, applications, and hardware devices designed to facilitate user access and interaction within the Metaverse. It is expected that these companies will exercise considerable influence over the segments of the Metaverse they develop and manage.

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Game Developers:

Numerous game developers and companies, including Epic Games (the developer behind Fortnite) and Roblox Corporation, are currently crafting virtual worlds that could integrate into the Metaverse. These entities will maintain control over the virtual spaces they generate, encompassing the governance, economy, and user interactions within these environments.

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Open-Source & Decentralized Projects:

Some envision the Metaverse as a decentralized, open-source ecosystem where individuals have the freedom to create and manage their own virtual spaces. This perspective promotes increased diversity and user autonomy within the Metaverse. Projects such as Decentraland and Cryptovoxels serve as examples of decentralized virtual worlds that could constitute parts of the Metaverse.

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Governments:

As the Metaverse evolves, governments and regulatory agencies are expected to influence its legal and regulatory framework. This could encompass matters concerning privacy, data protection, intellectual property, and virtual economies. Additionally, governments may exert control over specific aspects of the Metaverse within their jurisdictions.

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Users & Communities:

Ultimately, the users and communities within the Metaverse will significantly influence its development and direction. Similar to the Internet, the Metaverse’s shape will be determined by the collective actions and preferences of its users. Users have the autonomy to manage their avatars, create virtual content, and establish communities with common interests and objectives.

In summary, control over the Metaverse will likely be shared among various stakeholders, including technology companies, game developers, open-source initiatives, governments, and users themselves. The precise distribution of influence will hinge on how the Metaverse evolves and the decisions made by these stakeholders.

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