Science fiction novelist Neal Stephenson first coined the term metaverse in 1992. But it wasn’t until Facebook rebranded itself to Meta Platforms (also known as Meta) in October last year that it truly entered the mainstream. Mark Zuckerberg’s company adopted the new name to try and ensure its products play a prominent role in “the next chapter of the internet”. 

Although the painful-to-watch video released by Meta explained the concept of what the metaverse is, this industry’s potential is still relatively unknown. However, this hasn’t stopped Zuckerburg from investing big to mature the new market. Meta is raiding other tech giants for its talent to help it get an edge. Nearly 100 employees from Microsoft’s HoloLens augmented reality team have already joined Zuckerberg and co. Because this Microsoft venture was one of the first movers in this space, these pioneering professionals are valuable assets. But the company isn’t stopping there – it recently announced that it would hire around 10,000 engineers in Europe to stay ahead of the pack. 

Other Virtual World Investors

Meta isn’t the only company investing in this new industry. Chipmaker Nvidia has waded into the mix and named with their Omniverse platform. With Omniverse Enterprise, Nvidia has launched a subscription service that lets creators, designers, and others interact and collaborate using its online simulation platform. BMW has already started using its services to optimize its manufacturing operations. As microchips power the virtual worlds’ graphics, Nvidia plans to recruit over 600 employees to build its platform in its Israel office. 

Microsoft is investing $69 billion in acquiring World of Warcraft and Candy Crush maker Activision Blizzard. The tech behemoth hopes these bestseller games will win over metaverse skeptics. Recently, British gambling firm Entain released a statement saying it will spend $134 million on a new innovation center based in London. 

“As media, entertainment and gaming converge, customers expect richer experiences, with greater variety of content, immersive experiences, personalization, and social interaction,” Entain said in a press release on January 30. 

“We want to … pioneer innovations in sport, gaming and interactive entertainment for the metaverse,” Entain Chief Executive Officer Jette Nygaard-Andersen added. 

How the Metaverse Could Change Our Lives

With the eye-watering amounts of money companies are investing in the metaverse, many think it will soon change our working lives forever. 

For instance, Nvidia’s Omniverse Enterprise, Meta’s Horizon Workrooms, and Microsoft’s Mesh aim to empower workers in a virtual world. These VR platforms will help accommodate remote collaboration via mixed reality applications. Instead of Zoom calls, meetings will be held on the metaverse – according to Bill Gates, this will become the norm within three years. 

School, social life, and how we spend our free time could also change dramatically. Online gaming platform Roblox plans to bring educational video games to classrooms. And platforms such as AltspaceVR wants to launch more community-based experiences in the metaverse, allowing people to gather for different live virtual events such as concerts or comedy nights. Established online service providers know that a similar approach would help them win over people who still prefer to frequent brick-and-mortar venues. 

Gambling companies and U.S sportsbooks like BetMGM have been quick to announce that they are investing in metaverse products that will make watching and wagering on sporting events a more immersive experience. 

Traditional retailers are also looking to stay ahead of the curve. Luxury labels, such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Luis Vuitton, have already begun to sell e-clothing, and Nike has filed trademarks for virtual garments. But if you don’t feel like splashing out on your Avatar’s outfit, why not buy a $650,000 virtual yacht or NFT artwork for your virtual apartment? 

Yes, if this is the near future, it sounds pretty ridiculous. Therefore, tech companies have got their work cut out to win over skeptics. But as leading figures firmly believe this industry will be worth above $800 billion in two years, 2022 could be the year metaverse takes off.