Top 6 Virtual Blockchain Worlds to Explore in 2023
Since the start of 2023, no part of the crypto world has received more attention than the Metaverse. Social media platforms are full of news and rumors about upcoming Metaverse projects and announcements. Likewise, Metaverse tokens have hit a bull run, recording positive performances last seen in early 2022.
Not to be left behind, companies and popular brands also jumped on the trend. Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook, was the first to show real intent when it changed its name to a Metaverse-inspired one. Similarly, companies such as Apple and Disney have announced plans to explore opportunities within the Metaverse. So, what’s the deal with Metaverse?
The metaverse can change how we interact and relate to each other. It is a technology that could be of great importance in the future. You may have wondered what the Metaverse is and how you can be a part of it; this article answers that for you. Just make sure you read to the end. Let’s get started!
What is Metaverse?
The Metaverse is a computer-generated virtual world that exists separately from the physical world. Users in the Metaverse exist as 3D avatars that can interact with the world and perform tasks. Advanced gadgets like VR boxes are often required to access the Metaverse and interact with the virtual world.
Contrary to popular belief, the Metaverse is not a new concept. It’s been around for years, but only recently have we found the means to make it possible. Movies like Ready Player One give ideas about what the Metaverse is. The same as virtual reality games like Minecraft and The Sims show what it feels like to exist in virtual environments.
Many believe Metaverse is the next iteration of the internet. We currently use the web2 version of the internet, which allows digital communication and interaction without reality. But with Metaverse, instead of using texts to communicate, we will interact, collaborate and trade in these virtual worlds in an immersive way.
Although the Metaverse is still in its infancy, there are already platforms that give users access to these virtual worlds. Although there are more, these are the 6 best virtual worlds to explore in 2023. Let’s dive in!
Top 6 Virtual Worlds to Explore in 2023
1. The sandbox
First on our list is The sandbox. The Sandbox is an Ethereum-based Metaverse and one of the most popular in the world. The virtual world allows users to purchase parcels of virtual land that they can own, build on, and earn money from.
Due to its popularity, celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton have built arenas in The Sandbox. Similarly, brands such as Adidas and Gucci have poured into the voxelized ecosystem.
Apart from owning parcels of land, The Sandbox is a preferred virtual world for virtual events, hosting NFT launch parties, live concerts and branded experiences so far. In addition, it has also become a destination for multiplayer game challenges through its regular “Alpha Seasons” and partner experiences.
2. Decentralized country
Decentralized country is another Ethereum-based virtual world where users can play games, exchange collectibles, and trade virtual real estate. It is one of the most used metaverses due to its immersive experience, and has held some of the largest gatherings in the virtual space. As such, Fashion Week, Art Week and the spectacular Metaverse Music Festival recorded impressive attendance figures.
Since Metaverse is user-owned, Decentraland allows users to participate in the platform’s governance. This allows users to vote on the game and the organization’s policies.
Decentraland is a top metaverse for virtual events. Through Decentraland’s map, users can track planned community events, including casino nights, fashion shows, film screenings and concerts.
3. Voxels
Voxels is one of the most popular metaverses. It rose to prominence during the NFT frenzy of 2021, a time when digital interactions doubled due to the pandemic. It has recently attracted digital artists and developers who have created many 3D buildings and arenas. The streets of Voxels are full of digital art galleries and alluring works of art.
Aside from digital art and buildings, users can also play games and host virtual events such as concerts and launches in the virtual world. Voxels also has a city called Origin City, which contains streets owned by corporations and parcels of land owned by humans. The platform can be easily accessed using web browsers, mobile devices and VR headsets.
4. Somnium Space
Somnium Space is a virtual reality world that offers a more immersive experience than most Metaverses. The platformer has a real feel due to its intricate, smooth and appealing graphics.
Somnium Space is an open source Metaverse built on the Ethereum blockchain. Users can play games, create programmable environments, buy virtual properties and trade digital assets in the game.
Users can also attend social events such as live concerts, parties and play video games. Like all other metaverses, users can access Somnium through VR, PC and the web.
5. Substrate
Substrate is a free-to-use online 3D metaverse. Users within the virtual world can build, explore and socialize with each other. The smooth Metaverse has an advanced graphics screen, which offers a different experience than other metaverses.
Users must own a parcel of land within Substrata to interact with the virtual world. Users have full control over the purchased land, which they can use for multiple uses, such as building property, renting out the land, hosting virtual events or playing games. Alternatively, they can create using a public package to develop and interact with the Metaverse.
6. Hyperphy
Hyperphy is a virtual world-building platform hosted on the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to build and create entire worlds that they can keep or trade on NFT marketplaces. Hyperfy is popular among digital artists and creators as it offers a unique experience for users. The platform also provides tools to make world building easier for users.
The metaverse has multiple worlds, including futuristic art galleries, department stores, and even Van Gogh’s bedroom.
Are virtual worlds the next big thing?
Metaverses or virtual worlds are getting all the attention in 2023, but are they the next big thing? As the world moves closer to a fully digitized society, virtual worlds will increase in popularity. Considering it’s the next iteration of the internet, it’s only a matter of time before more people adopt it. It’s no surprise that companies and brands are jumping on the bandwagon. Even famous brands like Nike and Gucci have created virtual stores to sell virtual wearables used in the Metaverse.
Although the technology is still in its infancy, it’s only a matter of time before we begin to see the full potential of the Metaverse. More so, independence and lack of centralized control may be a reason for people to take interest in Metaverse. The current web2 internet is centralized, and people have limited control over their data collection or use, but within a blockchain-powered Metaverse, users can control what data they give up and how it is used.
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*All investment/financial opinions expressed by NFT Plazas are from personal research and experience of our site moderators and are intended as educational material only. Individuals are required to research all products before making any type of investment.
A blockchain maximalist who believes that technology is necessary for the future we are heading towards. An avid researcher and author who uses his writings to inform the outlook in the blockchain space.