In a surprising move on 28 October 2021, Facebook announced its corporate rebranding to "Meta," signaling a significant shift in focus towards the development of the metaverse. This announcement was accompanied by the intention to hire 10,000 people in Europe for this ambitious endeavor. But what exactly is the metaverse, and why is it generating so much attention? At first glance, it might appear as an advanced iteration of virtual reality (VR) technology, which has been in existence for several years. However, some visionaries believe that the metaverse has the potential to be the future of the internet, analogous to how smartphones revolutionized the way we live in the aftermath of the first mobile phones.

The metaverse promises to enable users to don VR glasses and step into a virtual world that connects various digital communities. In this virtual world, users are expected to embody 3D avatars, reminiscent of the future depicted in Ernest Cline's "Ready Player One." Unlike current VR products primarily used for gaming, the metaverse is designed to be a versatile platform that can serve numerous purposes, including work, entertainment, concerts, movies, shopping, fitness, workouts, socializing, and more. The possibilities for utilizing metaverse game development technology are seemingly endless. This article delves into the metaverse with a focus on its applications in the realm of mobile gaming.

Metaverse Trends And Predictions

Facebook's commitment to invest $10 billion in metaverse development is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the next few years, the world is expected to witness a growing trend toward virtual reality, with a particular surge in metaverse applications. In 2022, the market will likely see numerous new products and solutions for monetizing these applications, with in-app advertising strategies playing a pivotal role. The metaverse is set to promote cross-platform gaming and encourage publishers to release mobile and augmented reality (AR) products. Currently, the metaverse concept is somewhat amorphous, consisting of a web of 3D gaming platforms, VR worlds, and AR apps. Nonetheless, global brands such as Nike, Gucci, Disney, and others have already expressed their commitment to building their own metaverses, and as a result, hiring related to the metaverse has surged by 400% in 2021. Bloomberg's predictions paint a promising picture, estimating that the metaverse market will reach a staggering $800 billion by 2024.

The year 2022 is poised to be a whirlwind of activity, with a primary focus on mobile apps in the realm of mobile marketing. Brands will increasingly turn to AR and VR technologies to engage with consumers. As the number of smartphone users continues to soar, creating a diverse ecosystem and staying up to date with rapidly evolving technology will be crucial for companies looking to capitalize on the metaverse trend. This will involve optimizing communication channels and managing costs effectively.

What Constitutes A Metaverse Mobile Game?

Given that there are billions of smartphone users worldwide, including millions of avid mobile gamers, it is only natural that the metaverse will extend its reach into the mobile gaming sector. But what are the key elements that need to evolve in the world of mobile games for the metaverse to be fully realized?

Immersive Experience

While the exact level of immersion in the metaverse remains uncertain, it is expected to rely on a combination of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Currently, mobile devices and VR are not seamlessly compatible, but AR technology is dominant on mobile platforms. Apple's highly anticipated "Apple Glasses," an augmented reality headset, was initially expected to launch in 2022 but has since been postponed to 2023. This indicates that the metaverse's immersive experiences will likely center around AR technology on mobile.

Social Features

Modern mobile games have been actively integrating social features, a trend that has gained momentum, especially during the pandemic. These features extend beyond in-game chats and activity feeds to encompass more metaverse-like functionalities. Games like Roblox, Axie Infinity, Decentraland, and The Sandbox have already made strides in this direction. For instance, Roblox serves as an online multiplayer platform where users can play games created by others, essentially forming a vast metaverse. Games like Axie Infinity adopt a "play to earn" approach, allowing players to collect and trade in-game assets as NFTs. Decentraland is a decentralized virtual reality platform where users can create, interact with, and monetize content. The Sandbox, meanwhile, lets users play in 3D worlds and trade products as NFTs, forging partnerships with prominent brands and creators.

High-Speed Internet And Mobile Streaming

Achieving a seamless user experience in metaverse mobile games demands the reliance on streaming technology and mobile internet. Players should have the option to engage with these experiences outside the confines of Wi-Fi networks. Microsoft has already taken steps in this direction with the launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming, designed to be mobile-friendly, bringing the vision of seamless streaming experiences on mobile devices one step closer to reality.

Open Standards

A true metaverse is characterized by open standards, meaning that it operates without a central owner. However, the current business models of Apple and Google tend to limit openness by retaining tight control over billing and imposing stringent publishing restrictions. This has previously led to the removal of Fortnite's mobile version from the App Store in 2020. The openness of the metaverse concept will remain a point of contention as it evolves.

The Road Ahead

Virtual reality has been a tantalizing concept for years, but its full potential has yet to be realized. However, the metaverse appears to be different; it has captured the keen interest of investors and tech companies that are eager to be at the forefront of this transformative movement. While the metaverse in the context of mobile games is still uncharted territory, recent predictions indicate that it is on an upward trajectory. As it continues to grow and evolve, players can look forward to immersive social experiences that blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds. The metaverse is an exciting journey that has only just begun, promising to reshape the landscape of mobile gaming in the years to come.