metaverses
Immersive digital realms
Metaverses is the plural of metaverse—immersive virtual worlds where users interact through digital avatars.
The term combines "meta" (beyond) with "universe," suggesting a realm beyond physical reality.
Tech companies have promoted metaverses as the future of social interaction, gaming, and commerce, though the concept remains more aspirational than realized: Different metaverses compete for users' attention.
Computer-created interactive environment
- augmented realityVirtual elements on real surroundings
- mixed realityBlended physical-virtual environment
- haptic feedbackSensation from device interaction
- 3D environmentsSimulated spaces with depth
avatars · digital twins · holodeck · telepresence · motion tracking · VR headset · embodiment · presence
Internet-based social groups
- virtual worldsComputer-simulated interactive environments
- Second LifeOnline 3D social platform
- avatarsDigital or divine incarnations
- digital identityOnline representation of you
user-generated content · chatrooms · social spaces · Roblox · Fortnite · hangouts · events · concerts
Persistent multiplayer virtual worlds
- questsPurposeful extended journeys
- avatarsDigital or divine incarnations
- multiplayerInvolving multiple participants
- guildsCraftsmen's mutual aid societies
loot · raids · leveling · NPCs · open world · sandbox · esports · co-op
Commercial undertaking or initiative
- virtual officesBusiness facilities existing only online
- remote collaborationWorking together while geographically separated
- onboardingNew member integration process
- virtual conferencesGatherings held via internet
trade shows · recruitment · team building · presentations · whiteboards · workspace · productivity · telepresence
Non-fungible tokens
- cryptocurrencyEncrypted decentralized money
- tokenizationConverting input into discrete units
- marketplacesVenues for commercial exchange
- virtual real estateProperty in online worlds
play-to-earn · microtransactions · wallets · smart contracts · DeFi · trading · speculation · interoperability
virtual reality
Computer-created interactive environment
- augmented realityVirtual elements on real surroundings
- mixed realityBlended physical-virtual environment
- haptic feedbackSensation from device interaction
3D environments · avatars · digital twins · holodeck · telepresence · motion tracking · VR headset · embodiment · presence · interactivity
online communities
Internet-based social groups
- virtual worldsComputer-simulated interactive environments
- Second LifeOnline 3D social platform
- avatarsDigital or divine incarnations
digital identity · user-generated content · chatrooms · social spaces · Roblox · Fortnite · hangouts · events · concerts · socializing
MMORPGs
Persistent multiplayer virtual worlds
- questsPurposeful extended journeys
- avatarsDigital or divine incarnations
- multiplayerInvolving multiple participants
guilds · loot · raids · leveling · NPCs · open world · sandbox · esports · co-op · PvP
enterprise
Commercial undertaking or initiative
- virtual officesBusiness facilities existing only online
- remote collaborationWorking together while geographically separated
- onboardingNew member integration process
virtual conferences · trade shows · recruitment · team building · presentations · whiteboards · workspace · productivity · telepresence · business applications
NFTs
Non-fungible tokens
- cryptocurrencyEncrypted decentralized money
- tokenizationConverting input into discrete units
- marketplacesVenues for commercial exchange
virtual real estate · play-to-earn · microtransactions · wallets · smart contracts · DeFi · trading · speculation · interoperability · blockchain
metaversesphysical reality
The material universe
real world · physical world · meatspace · IRL · physical space