Metaverse is a virtual universe technology that allows people to create their own avatars in a virtual environment using personal computers and similar traditional hardware, as well as virtual reality or augmented reality equipment, and interact with other people, play various games to earn money, and potentially do much more in the future.

What Is Metaverse?

"Metaverse" which is becoming increasingly well-known today, refers to the removal of boundaries between the virtual and real worlds. Although these boundaries have not yet been lifted, the most important theory that creates the possibility of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is that a true metaverse will form when all digital worlds come together. Even if there is no clear definition, Metaverse is generally considered to be a reflection of the real world in the virtual space. Many large institutions and organizations have been working on Metaverse for some time because they are aware of its potential. This universe, which pushes the limits of imagination, has drawn the attention of individuals, as well as large companies, since the moment it began to spread. As a result, numerous Metaverse projects are emerging in various fields to meet the interest of individuals in Metaverse and to unleash its potential. Many of these projects are also being launched using the Ethereum network infrastructure. So, what is the history of Metaverse? What are the most important Metaverse projects? Which companies are leading Metaverse race? What are the most important concepts related to Metaverse?

When Was Metaverse First Used?

The term "Metaverse" was first used in 1992 in the novel "Snow Crash" by American author Neal Stephenson. In the novel, Stephenson describes a digital space where people transition through a virtual reality headset. With the advancement of technology, the meaning of Metaverse has evolved to become much more than what was described in the novel. As a result of Facebook's increasing interest in Metaverse, other technology companies have also begun investing in it.

What Are Metaverse Terms?

There are several key concepts that need to be known about Metaverse. The most prominent of these are:

• Virtual World
• Mixed Reality
• Augmented Reality
• Virtual Economy

Virtual World

A virtual world is a term used to describe a simulated digital environment that is inhabited by numerous people. It reflects individuals' perceptual data and real-time behavior in a digital space. Virtual worlds are primarily used in the gaming industry, as well as in medical and military training.

Mixed Reality

Mixed reality is currently being used in video games, education, military training, and healthcare services. Graphics and charts presented through virtual reality headsets in educational institutions are among the most commonly encountered examples.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality combines sensory data, such as smell, with graphics and music to enhance the sense of virtual reality.

Virtual Economy

Virtual economy is used for buying and selling virtual items in online video games.

How to Access Metaverse?

With the increasing interest in Metaverse projects, numerous investments in Metaverse have naturally begun. There is currently no single Metaverse platform. Different Metaverses developed by different organizations are emerging. This is because companies are creating their own different projects. So, what needs to be done to access Metaverse?

• Create a cryptocurrency wallet
• Create an account on a Metaverse platform
• Make in-metaverse purchases
• Currency used on the platform

Create a Cryptocurrency Wallet

In order to be present on a Metaverse platform, users must first create a cryptocurrency wallet.

Create an Account on a Metaverse Platform

Users should choose the most suitable Metaverse platform for themselves and enter the necessary information to create an account.

Make In-Metaverse Purchases

To engage in in-game interactions, users must create an account in the desired game and link their cryptocurrency wallet to the same account.

Currency Used on the Platform

Users need to acquire the currency used in the platform or platform-specific tokens.

What Are the Most Well-Known Metaverse Investments, Platforms, and Games?

While there are many Metaverse platforms, some stand out more than others:

• Facebook (Horizon Worlds)
• Axie Infinity (AXS)
• Roblox
• Decentraland (MANA)
• MyNeighborAlice (ALICE)
• The Sandbox (SAND)
• Alien Worlds (TLM)
• Bloktopia (BLOK)

Facebook (Horizon Worlds)

Facebook has introduced the Horizon Worlds platform, which it has been working on since the beginning. The total investment made in the platform is known to be around 10 billion dollars. Although the avatars and miniature Eiffel Tower-like items owned by Mark Zuckerberg initially disappointed users, Facebook continues to work on this platform.

Axie Infinity (AXS)

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based Metaverse platform inspired by fictional worlds similar to Pokemon. Axie allows users to collect, develop, battle, and trade creatures in a fun environment. With the Play-to-Earn model, users can earn money while having fun. Users can convert their AXS tokens into cash on various cryptocurrency platforms. Additionally, Axie Infinity serves as a social network and job platform.

Roblox

Roblox is a gaming platform where users can create their own avatars and play various mini-games, interacting with other users to socialize. With an active user base of around 55 million, Roblox is particularly popular among young users.

Decentraland (MANA)

Decentraland is a browser-based game where no hardware requirement, such as VR glasses, is needed for users to join. Decentraland is built on the Ethereum network, allowing users to use the MANA token as the main currency to buy and sell virtual land, change location, and import other 3D models into the platform to upgrade the Metaverse experience.

MyNeighborAlice (ALICE)

MyNeighborAlice offers a structure where users can buy and sell virtual islands, create their own farms, and trade collection items with each other. Users can also have a say in the management of the platform within a predetermined system.

The Sandbox (SAND)

The Sandbox, developed by the company Pixowl, offers users the opportunity to create their own universe using the basic resources found in nature. Users can develop their own land and also rent or sell it to other users. The platform has over 2 million registered users.

Alien Worlds (TLM)

Alien Worlds allows its users to mine tokens and obtain NFT game cards, in addition to being free to play.

Bloktopia (BLOK)

Bloktopia, a blockchain-based game, is a virtual skyscraper inspired by Bitcoin's total supply limit of 21 million. Its infrastructure is provided by the Polygon blockchain network.

What Awaits Us in the Future of Metaverse?

Although Facebook-like institutions continue to invest heavily in the Metaverse, users have not yet been able to experience the promised Metaverse experience. Lack of information about Metaverse, being considered by some critics as not going beyond a game, accessibility problems in terms of necessary hardware and equipment, and many other uncertainties are emerging as obstacles to the Metaverse experience. Continuing investments of technology companies in the medium and long term, although not in the near future, could make it possible for users to have a better Metaverse experience.

Although all of this is still largely theoretical, there are many experts who predict that Metaverse, one of the exciting new generation technologies, will take its place in the future alongside blockchain, web 3.0, and similar technologies. Instead of multiple platforms in the future, there may be a single platform and a convergence of all digital universes. People may find themselves accomplishing far more than they imagined in a massive Metaverse platform where they can adapt very quickly.