We have been discussing the possibilities of metaverse development and the current use scenarios, in one of our latest articles. Seems like it’s time to expand the topic and point out the projects, where you can start your meta journey. 🗻
What is a metaverse?
The word “metaverse” has a much more generalised meaning, then just blockchain, but is currently used for mostly describing a decentralised platform, that allows you to create objects within it - a digitalised world in simple words.
There are currently dozens of options available to every user, but we will only point out the ones we find most enjoyable and amusing. Starting from the more obvious ones and slowly working our way to hidden GEMs. 💎
Sandbox
A well-known multiplayer sandbox based on Ethereum, that is often compared to Minecraft graphically. 🧱
Sandbox gives you endless possibilities of interaction - the only limit is your creativity. Why not build your own world with puzzles, tasks, plots and rules, all set by you and played by other users, who came across your territory. No one makes designing a unique game obligatory - you can simply borrow an idea from an existing one and adjust it to your taste. 🔧
Your work can be easily monetised, because all the content creators have complete ownership of their creations and make money from any actions related to them. No matter if other players are completing tasks in the in-game tasks or simply help you construct those tasks and objects involved - everything is paid. It is even possible to become a metaverse freelancer, designing for others and being paid with the SAND cryptocurrency. 🏜️
Creating a world isn’t free, however. The base resource of Sandbox is the NFT land parcels, needed to create a custom world. Plots in Sandbox were acquired by Gucci, the Dubai crypto regulator have purchased one to open their meta office as well, even the Renault Korea Motors have announced a partnership recently. 🚗
Decentraland
The Decentraland Metaverse was launched on the Ethereum blockchain by Argentine residents, Ari Meilich and Esteban Ordana. 🇦🇷
Just the browser version is available currently. There is also a demo version, which doesn’t require synchronization with the crypto wallet. However, once you connect one, an customisable avatar window will open giving you full access to your in-game character and the metaverse itself. 🤖
The possibilities of Decentraland are as huge as for Sandbox. Avatars can attend NFT trade shows, compete in races, go to parties and even grow their own dragon from an egg or hang out in a casino (how cool is that). 🎰
Just like with Sandbox, all the land plots in the system are each in the form of LAND NFT tokens (ERC-721) with over 90.000 pieces available. All the sites are grouped into districts, which differ in size, content and price. Each district represents a unique theme from gambling to fashion, and has its own rules, while being governed automatically. For every district there is one or multiple leaders, chosen by the plot owners in the area. Avatars have no restrictions in terms of access to districts and can freely move around them, interacting with each other. 👥
The LAND Estates feature allows the users to manage multiple parcels, group them together according to the theme, and then create neighborhoods or communities. Another system present is Agora, which is used for voting on innovations and events in individual areas, as well as changes to the entire project. 🗣️
The main token of Decentraland is MANA. At the time material is released, MANA keeps a rate of $0.7. With the help of MANA, you can sell and exchange your assets, invest in facilities construction and receive passive income from them afterwards. MANA holders are all able to vote on the Agora platform. 🙌
Highrise
A metaverse that looks more like a social media, rather than an open world game is based on Ethereum and operates using the Highrise Blockchain Avalanche subnet.
The key feature that differs Highrise from others is the tokenization of anything created inside the system. No matter if you build something on the metaverse land, create mini games or simply design new clothing for the avatars - everything is converted into NFTs and can be sold on the internal marketplace. 💵
Owning land in Highrise can be profitable too thanks to the ability of lending your pieces to game organisers, builders or simply charging tax for entering your property. Land tokens are available for purchase on OpenSea with a starting price of 0.165 ETH. 🏔️
Highrise has a mobile app with over 10 million downloads on Google Play, making it the most easily accessible on the list. After attaching a wallet to your personal account, you will be given a room full of customisation and item creation options. 🪚
As mentioned above, Highrise is trying to unite metaverse and social media. You will find more and more elements of the latter like posts, stories and even messengers as you explore the project. 🤳
My Neighbor Alice
Last, but not least the Animal Crossing of blockchain. My Neighbour Alice has a full story mode, where the player has to develop a city on an island by completing different task and quests, with exploring or even creating the neighbouring islands at the meantime. 🏝️
The native ALICE token is currently used for purchasing land through an auction (the only way to buy land right now). Buyer has to bid 20 ALICE tokens and wait for 14 days before the system randomly chooses the winners, who are able to buy a piece of land for themselves. That way developers want to increase the land value as well as equalise the chances of getting a piece of land for every user. 🟰
Anything else?
You could consider Axie Infinity a metaverse as well. A popular P2E game is currently much more than just a game with two characters fighting - it is a full world with its own quests, tasks and other activities.
Conclusion
The metaverse is already here and it is time to start exploring it before it is too late. Despite the popular opinions about huge investments required to start your journey, most projects can be accessed for free. Why not spend an evening or two wandering around the digital worlds then? 😉
Stay tuned 📻
