The metaverse is believed to be the next step in the advancement of the internet thanks to Web 3.0, the third generation of web technology. For context, Web 2.0 is the preceding iteration of internet tech, facilitating the birth of features like instant-play in-browser gaming on platforms like VulkanVegas casino.
Metaverse platforms act as a bridge between the real and virtual worlds by leveraging virtual and augmented reality. Developers are now creating virtual experiences where users join the simulated worlds through avatars to explore, play, monetize tokens and interact with each other within the metaverse.
With companies such as Microsoft, Epic Games and Meta pumping money into the development of metaverse platforms, the world of virtual experiences is enjoying exponential growth. As the battle to dominate the metaverse landscape rages, here’s a look into the top 5 metaverse platforms of 2024.
1. HyperVerse
The HyperVerse, a virtual metaverse, is set in 2078 AD when humans start interstellar migration. It consists of millions of planets where users, known as voyagers, can join friends and explore the galaxy, experience various cultures and lifestyles, start a business and create tokenized assets.
Tag your loved ones along, and with the help of AI, you can define their characters and organize their routines to resemble the real world. You can also be in different places simultaneously and participate in various activities by cloning yourself.
VerseEco, the proprietary HyperVerse ecosystem, helps voyagers bridge virtual assets to the real world while supporting the governance and regulation of trading activities in the HyperVerse. VerseEco consists of three components that transform the HyperVerse into a fully-fledged, autonomous capitalistic ecosystem. These three elements are as follows:
- The Galaxy Decentralized Capital: offers lending and trading services.
- V-DAO: facilitates independent governance through voyager participation.
- Nebula: a trading platform that allows for asset conversion to the real world.
2. Decentraland
Decentraland is a 3D virtual reality world built on the Ethereum blockchain where users can buy and sell avatar wearables, LAND and estates. Additionally, you have an opportunity to explore parcels of LAND owned by other users and lose yourself in their incredible creations. There are two tokens in Decentraland:
- MANA – the currency used in the platform.
- LAND – a non-fungible token (NFT) identified using coordinates just like in the real world. After you buy a parcel of land, you can build on it, team up with other users to create districts and build structures.
In addition, the Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) allows users to participate in the decision-making process at Decentraland. It consists of the entire platform’s contracts and assets, such as estate contracts, LAND contracts, the marketplace, wearables and content servers.
3. Sandnox
Sandbox is a virtual reality platform that allows users to build, own and make some money from their gaming experience. Sandbox has three products, VoxEdit, the marketplace and Game Maker, that provide an extensive experience for user-generated content (UGC). Here’s a quick highlight:
- VoxEdit: a 3D voxel modeling and NFT creations software that allows players to create, rig and animate 3D objects like animals, humans, items and tools. After creation, the objects are transferred to the marketplace as NFT game ASSETS.
- Sandbox Marketplace: where users upload, publish and sell their NFT ASSETS made using VoxEdit.
- Sandbox Game Maker: through this tool, visual scripting tools are readily accessible to enable users to create 3D games for free without coding.
The two tokens in the Sandbox are SAND, the currency, and LAND, a virtual parcel of real estate. Once a user buys LAND, they can fill it with assets, interactive experiences and games. Additionally, the products allow the players to secure copyright ownership of the products they create through smart contracts.
4. Epic Games
Epic Games is a leading video game company behind renowned titles such as Fortnite and its famed game engine software, the Unreal Engine. In addition, the company has developed one of the most mind-blowing metaverse platforms, hinged on the video gaming world. In April 2024, Epic Games secured $2 billion worth of funding from Sony and Lego to continue developing its gaming metaverse.
Through this gaming metaverse, the company has held virtual music concerts and movie screenings, providing an avenue where advertisers and celebrities can interact with users. Some of the most popular virtual shows on Epic Game’s metaverse platform include Marshmello’s Feb 2019 live event, and Travis Scott’s Astronomical concert in April 2020, both held in the Fortnite game.
5. Nakamoto
Nakamoto Games Metaverse is a pay-to-earn virtual reality gaming platform that includes original titles from user-generated content and Nakamoto Games. Like every other metaverse platform, it has its own economy and token.
Players can buy land parcels in the form of NFTs, where they can create and publish their own games. Some of the titles launched at Nakamoto since its inception last year include Naka Strike, NAKAR Racing and Candy Shop.
Give the Metaverse Experience a Shot!
If you’ve never had a taste of what it feels like to be in an autonomous virtual world, then here’s your chance. Jump into one of the five metaverse platforms and have the time of your life in the fantastic spaces!