"Why the Metaverse is Still a Far-Off Reality: Challenges and Limitations to Overcome in 2023"

Dirk Lueth: The Metaverse is the next version of the web. It’s important to note, however, that looking at it through the glasses of technology is wrong. Technology is just an enabler. The metaverse is an evolution of social and economic digital interactions: It is the medium where people will spend their time over the next few years, gradually eating away at other channels like social media and TV.

Photo by UK Black Tech on Unsplash

I remember the first time I was introduced to the metaverse. It was a warm summer evening, and I was feeling a bit bored and restless. I decided to fire up my computer and see if there were any new games I could try.

As I was browsing through the Steam store, I came across a game called "Second Life." It was a strange and intriguing game that promised to allow players to create and explore their own virtual worlds. I was intrigued and decided to give it a try.

As soon as I started playing, I was hooked. The game was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I was able to create my own avatar, design my own clothing and accessories, and interact with other players from all over the world. It was a truly immersive and exciting experience.

As I played, I began to realize that I was actually exploring a virtual world, or what is known as the metaverse. I had heard of the concept before, but I had never really given it much thought. It was only as I was experiencing it firsthand that I truly understood the power and potential of the metaverse.

Looking back, I can’t help but laugh at how I stumbled upon the metaverse by accident. But I’m grateful for that chance encounter, as it opened up a whole new world of possibilities and adventures for me.

At this point ,its almost a surety that the metaverse will become our daily companion -like the smartphone today- but on a different level. It will be where people open their businesses, where they interact with both friends and virtual communities, and where people go for entertainment.

What really is the metaverse?

The metaverse is a virtual shared space that is created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space. It is made up of several layers, each of which contributes to the overall virtual experience.

• The physical layer refers to the physical devices and technologies that are used to access and interact with the metaverse. These can include virtual reality headsets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and augmented reality devices. These devices allow users to fully immerse themselves in virtual environments and interact with them in real time.
• The network layer refers to the infrastructure and technologies that are used to connect users and devices to the metaverse. This includes internet servers and protocols that facilitate communication and data transfer between users and the virtual world.
• The content layer refers to the virtual objects, environments, and experiences that make up the metaverse. This includes 3D models, audio, and other media that are used to create immersive and interactive virtual spaces.
• The social layer refers to the social interactions and communities that form within the metaverse. This includes communication between users, online communities, and virtual events that bring people together in the virtual world.
• The identity layer refers to the representation of users within the metaverse. This includes avatars and other virtual identities that allow users to express themselves and interact with others in the virtual world.
• The governance layer refers to the rules, regulations, and policies that govern the use and management of the metaverse. This includes guidelines for acceptable behavior and policies for handling disputes and violations.
• The economic layer refers to the virtual economy and marketplace that exists within the metaverse. This includes the exchange of virtual goods and services, as well as the use of virtual currencies to facilitate transactions.

Together, these layers create a complex and dynamic virtual environment that allows users to interact with each other and with virtual objects and environments in real time.

What is the tech behind metaverse?

“Step into a world beyond reality: the metaverse, where virtual and augmented realities merge to create endless possibilities for exploration and interaction.”

There are several protocols and technologies that are being developed to support the creation of metaverse environments. Some of the most notable include:

• Open Metaverse Protocol (OMP): OMP is an open source protocol that is designed to enable interoperability between different virtual worlds and metaverse platforms. It allows users to move between different virtual environments and take their avatars and other virtual assets with them.
• Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML): VRML is a 3D graphics standard that is used to create and display 3D models and environments on the web. It has been used in the creation of a number of virtual worlds and metaverse environments.
• Extensible 3D (X3D): X3D is a 3D graphics standard that is similar to VRML, but has been updated and extended to support newer technologies and features. It is also used to create and display 3D models and environments on the web.
• Virtual Reality Peripheral Network (VRPN): VRPN is a protocol that is used to connect virtual reality devices, such as head-mounted displays and motion controllers, to software applications. It allows users to interact with virtual environments in a more immersive and realistic way.

Metaverse environments can be run on a variety of platforms, including desktop computers, mobile devices, and dedicated virtual reality headsets. Some popular platforms for creating and accessing metaverse environments include:

• Virtual reality headsets: These devices, such as the Oculus Rift, allow users to fully immerse themselves in virtual environments. They typically require a powerful computer to run and can be expensive.
• Desktop computers: Metaverse environments can be accessed and used on desktop computers through web browsers or dedicated software applications.
• Mobile devices: Some metaverse environments can be accessed and used on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, through dedicated apps or through web browsers.
• Augmented reality devices: Some metaverse environments are designed to be accessed and used through augmented reality devices, such as the Microsoft HoloLens, which overlay virtual objects and environments onto the real world.

“Regardless of all these 'realities' ,metaverse is still a far-off reality.”

There are several limitations and challenges that are currently facing the implementation of the metaverse. Some of the most significant include:

1.Technical limitations

The metaverse relies on a wide range of complex technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D graphics and modeling, networking and communication, and artificial intelligence. These technologies are still in their early stages of development and are subject to various limitations and technical issues.

Another technical limitation of the metaverse is the complexity and limitations of the software technologies that are used to create and operate it. The metaverse relies on a wide range of software technologies, including 3D graphics and modeling software, networking and communication protocols, and artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. These technologies are still in their early stages of development and are subject to various limitations and technical issues. For example, 3D graphics and modeling software may not be able to create highly detailed and realistic virtual environments, or artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms may not be able to respond to user input and behavior in a natural and realistic way.

A third technical limitation of the metaverse is the requirement for high-bandwidth internet connectivity. The metaverse requires a significant amount of data to be transmitted between users and devices in real time in order to create a seamless and immersive experience. This can be a challenge in areas with limited or unreliable internet connectivity, as it can impact the quality and stability of the metaverse experience.

Another technical limitation of the metaverse is the potential for compatibility issues between different hardware and software devices and technologies. The metaverse involves the use of a wide range of hardware and software devices and technologies that may not be compatible with each other, which can make it challenging for users to access and use metaverse environments on different devices and platforms.

Finally, the metaverse can be subject to performance issues that can impact the quality of the user experience. The metaverse requires a significant amount of computing power and resources to run effectively, and if a device is not capable of handling the demands of the metaverse, it can result in latency, frame rate drops, and other issues that can impact the quality of the experience.

2. cost

• Infrastructure: Building and maintaining the infrastructure for a metaverse can be a significant cost. This includes the servers and other hardware needed to host the virtual world, as well as the bandwidth required to support a large number of users. The size and complexity of the metaverse will impact the infrastructure requirements and, therefore, the cost. For example, a small, simple metaverse may only require a few servers, while a larger, more complex metaverse may require a more extensive infrastructure setup with many servers and other hardware.
• Content creation: Creating and maintaining high-quality content for the metaverse can also be a significant cost. This includes creating 3D models, animations, and other assets, as well as hiring developers to build and maintain the virtual world. The cost of content creation will depend on the size and complexity of the metaverse, as well as the quality of the content desired. For example, a small, simple metaverse with low-quality content will likely be less expensive to create and maintain than a large, complex metaverse with high-quality content.
• Licensing: Using certain technologies or content in the metaverse may require licensing fees, which can add to the overall cost of the project. These fees may be required for the use of specific software or tools, or for the inclusion of certain content in the metaverse. It is important to carefully review any licensing requirements and costs before building a metaverse to ensure that the project remains within budget.
• User acquisition and retention: Attracting and retaining users in the metaverse can be a challenge, and may require significant marketing and community-building efforts. These efforts can include advertising, social media campaigns, and other marketing efforts to attract new users, as well as ongoing community-building efforts to keep users engaged and coming back to the metaverse. The cost of user acquisition and retention will depend on the size and scope of the marketing and community-building efforts, as well as the resources available.

Overall, the cost of implementing a metaverse will depend on the size and scope of the project, as well as the resources and budget available. It is important to carefully consider all of the costs associated with building and maintaining a metaverse to ensure that the project is viable and sustainable.

3.interoperability

The metaverse is made up of many different virtual worlds and environments that may use different technologies and protocols. This can make it challenging for users to move between different virtual environments and take their avatars and other virtual assets with them.

4 .Privacy and data issues

The metaverse involves the collection and sharing of a large amount of personal data and information. This raises concerns about privacy and security, as well as the potential for misuse of this data by third parties.

• Data privacy: The metaverse generates a large amount of data, including personal information about users. This data may be collected, stored, and shared by the operators of the metaverse and third parties. It is important to have clear and transparent policies in place to ensure that users’ personal data is protected and used in accordance with their wishes.
• Intellectual property: The metaverse may contain a wide range of intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents. It is important to ensure that all intellectual property is used in accordance with the law and the rights of the owners. This may involve obtaining licenses or permissions for the use of certain intellectual property.
• User conduct: The metaverse is a virtual space where people interact with one another. It is important to have policies in place to ensure that users behave responsibly and respect the rights of others. This may include rules against harassment, bullying, and other forms of misconduct.
• Liability: The metaverse may expose operators and users to a variety of legal liabilities. For example, operators may be liable for injuries or damages that occur within the metaverse, while users may be liable for their actions within the virtual world. It is important to carefully consider the potential legal liabilities of operating or participating in.

5.Legal and regulatory issues:

Imagine you’re visiting a virtual world called the “Metaverse.” While you’re there, you buy some virtual goods using real money. But when you try to use those goods, you realize they don’t work as advertised. This could be a problem with jurisdiction — it’s not clear which laws apply to this virtual world and which court has the power to settle any disputes that may arise.

Or let’s say you create an avatar in the Metaverse that looks just like you in real life. You’re excited to show it off to your friends, but when you log in the next day, you notice that your avatar has been banned. This could be an issue of user conduct — the Metaverse has rules in place to ensure that everyone behaves responsibly and respects the rights of others. If you break those rules, you could be banned from the virtual world.

Or maybe you’re having a great time in the Metaverse, but suddenly you trip and fall, hurting yourself in the process. This could be an issue of liability — the Metaverse operators could be held responsible for injuries that occur within the virtual world.

As you can see, the Metaverse can raise a variety of legal and regulatory issues that need to be carefully considered. It’s important to have clear policies and practices in place to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience in this virtual world.

6.Social and psychological effects:

The use of the metaverse may have unintended social and psychological effects, such as addiction, social isolation, and negative impacts on mental health. These issues need to be carefully considered and addressed in the design and use of metaverse environments.

• Identity: In the metaverse, you can be whoever you want to be. But what happens when your avatar’s actions don’t align with your own values or beliefs? For example, imagine you create an avatar that’s outgoing and adventurous, but in real life, you’re shy and introverted. This could lead to conflicts or confusion as you try to navigate the metaverse as both your real self and your virtual self.
• Social isolation: The metaverse can be a great place to meet new people and make friends. But what if you start relying on virtual social interactions more than face-to-face ones? You might find yourself feeling more isolated and disconnected from your real-world social networks. Imagine you have a virtual group of friends that you hang out with every day in the metaverse, but in real life, you haven’t seen any of them in months. This could be a sign that you’re relying too heavily on the metaverse for social interaction.
• Addiction: The metaverse can be an addictive place, especially if you find it hard to tear yourself away from all the fun and excitement. But what if your addiction starts to impact your real-life responsibilities and relationships? Imagine you’re so busy exploring the metaverse that you stop going to work or spend less time with your family. This could be a sign that you’re developing an unhealthy addiction to the virtual world.
• Escapism: Sometimes, the metaverse can be a great escape from the stresses of the real world. But what if you start using it as a way to avoid dealing with your problems or challenges? Imagine you’re struggling with anxiety in real life, and you start spending all your time in the metaverse to avoid dealing with it. This could be a sign that you’re using the metaverse as a way to escape from your real-world problems.

7.UI/UX :

It’s 2023,and John Doe heard his favorite fashion brand has just moved into the metaverse.

As John Doe logged into the metaverse for the first time, he was overwhelmed by the complexity of the virtual world. There were so many different features and functions, and he wasn’t sure where to start. As he tried to navigate the interface, he found it confusing and cluttered, and he struggled to figure out how to do even simple tasks.

On top of that, the metaverse had a steep learning curve. John wasn’t used to learning new things, and he found the tutorials and documentation difficult to understand. As he tried to figure out how to use the different tools and features, he became frustrated and began to lose interest in the metaverse.

Finally, John had to deal with the inaccessibility of the metaverse. He had a visual impairment, and the metaverse was not designed with accessibility in mind. As a result, he had difficulty seeing and interacting with the virtual world. Despite his best efforts, John just couldn’t seem to get the hang of the metaverse.

In the end, John gave up on the metaverse and logged out. The complexity, learning curve, and inaccessibility were just too much for him to handle. He left the virtual world feeling disappointed and frustrated.

Noteworthy,the current User Interface (UI) is also challenging for anyone without a gaming or tech background who is already used to the convenience of the Web 2 interface.

In Conclusion:

The metaverse has garnered a lot of attention as the next big thing in technology. While it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact and engage with digital spaces, we are still in the early stages of its development and adoption. There are many challenges and unknowns that need to be addressed before the metaverse can reach its full potential, including issues around privacy, security, and scalability. However, the progress made so far is promising, and with continued research and development, the metaverse has the potential to become a transformative force in the near future.

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