Summary

The term "metaverse" describes the collective virtual space where the physical and digital worlds intersect. For many years, this concept has attracted the attention of science fiction fans. But with the advancement of technology and the popularization of the Internet, the "metaverse" has recently shown signs of becoming a reality. Blockchain technology is also playing an increasingly important role in the metaverse, providing the infrastructure for creating a decentralized and secure platform.

Introduction

The term "metaverse" first appeared in science fiction in the early 1990s. In the years since then, the continuous innovation of blockchain technology has changed the concept of the metaverse. As a potential digital platform for social and economic activities, the metaverse has also gained increasing attention.

The rise of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency has also played an important role in the development of the Metaverse. Metaverse projects have sprung up like mushrooms, using blockchain technology and cryptocurrency to create decentralized immersive virtual worlds. This article will introduce a brief history of the Metaverse and explore the role of cryptocurrency in its evolution.

Definition of the Metaverse

The definition of the metaverse is still not fully determined. But it is generally believed that the metaverse is a virtual space that connects the digital world and real life. Some people also call the metaverse an evolution of the Internet, allowing users to interact and enjoy an immersive online experience.

The reason why it is difficult to define the Metaverse is that it encompasses much more than a single product, service, or project. Instead, the Metaverse is a fusion of different technologies, such as the Internet, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), 3D reconstruction, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

In the science fiction where the term "metaverse" originated, the metaverse is portrayed as a highly immersive and interactive virtual world. Today, blockchain technology and cryptocurrency are taking actionable steps to make this concept a reality.

The emergence of Web3 shows that the metaverse is not just limited to the world of science fiction, but may also be something that already exists. The Web3 ecosystem encourages developers to build decentralized applications (DApps) similar to the metaverse, such as play-to-earn (P2E) games. Games such as Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and Decentraland have introduced the concept of the metaverse, connecting players' real lives with the online world.

A brief history of the Metaverse

Changes in thinking and advances in technology have brought us closer to the concept of the Metaverse as we understand it today. From the concept of vision to the creation of Bitcoin and Ethereum to Facebook’s rebranding – the Metaverse has a solid foundation.

1838

As mentioned earlier, the Metaverse will likely immerse players in digital worlds using VR technology, which dates back to 1838 when scientist Sir Charles Wheatstone first articulated the concept of "binocular vision" and constructed a single 3D image.

This research led him to create the stereoscope, which allows people to observe a three-dimensional effect from two slightly different two-dimensional photos. This principle is still used in some simple VR products today.

1935

American science fiction writer Stanley Weinbaum introduced readers to the possibilities of virtual reality in his novel Pygmalion's Glasses. The protagonist of the book uses a pair of glasses that simulate all human senses to immerse himself in a fictional world that seems real.

1938

The French poet and playwright Antonin Artaud is often credited with being the first to use the term “virtual reality” (“la réalité virtuelle”). In his essay collection “Theatre de Cruelty: Drama and Double,” he wrote about how theater brings people, objects and images to life to create another world.

1962

American filmmaker Morton Heilig created a prototype of a multi-channel simulation experience system. Named the "Sensorama Simulator", the machine consists of a vibrating seat, stereo, large display, etc., which immerses users in different sensory environments. Although the Sensorama Simulator never went beyond the prototype, it demonstrated the possibilities between virtual and reality.

1984

Virtual reality pioneers Jaron Lanier and Thomas G. Zimmerman founded VPL Research, one of the first companies to develop and sell VR products such as VR headsets and data gloves (or wired gloves).

in 1989

British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee wrote the first proposal for the World Wide Web while working at CERN. The original purpose of creating the World Wide Web was for universities and institutions to share information around the world.

1992

The metaverse first appeared in the science fiction novel Snow Crash by American science fiction writer Neal Stephenson, who described a utopian future world that allows people to use digital avatars to escape to another better reality.

1993

Computer scientists Moni Naor and Cynthia Dwork invented the concept of proof of work (PoW) to prevent service abuse, such as denial of service attacks and network spam. PoW requires service requesters to provide proof of work such as computer processing time, which curbs unnecessary network behavior.

Year 2003

Linden Lab launches the multimedia platform Second Life. While Second Life is not a fully immersive platform (no glasses or gloves are involved), users can connect to a shared virtual space and use their computers to explore, interact, and create. Second Life is less a game and more of an online gathering place where anyone can create a new digital scene.

year 2006

Roblox Corporation released the multiplayer gaming platform Roblox. Users can also develop their own games and make them available for others to play. Although users can play Roblox for free, players need to use virtual currency Robux to trade in Roblox's internal store.

2007

Google released Street View as a supplement to its existing map products. Street View enables people to navigate the real world through maps, allowing anyone to view real-life streets on their mobile device or computer.

Year 2009

In 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto announced the first decentralized blockchain and cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. In 2009, he mined the first batch of BTC.

2012

In 2012, entrepreneur Palmer Luckey launched the Oculus headset, which became a bridge between the real world and the 3D virtual world, allowing users to work, socialize and enjoy entertainment there. In 2014, Facebook acquired Oculus and planned to promote the technology.

Year 2014

Kevin McCoy and Anil Dash minted the first ever non-fungible token (NFT) - a fluorescent octagonal pulsing image called "Quantum". Because "Quantum" was created on the Namecoin blockchain, it cannot be called an NFT, but rather a concept of "monetized graphics".

2015

In 2013, Vitalik Buterin first proposed the concept of "Ethereum" in a blog post titled "Ethereum: The Ultimate Smart Contract and Decentralized Application Platform". In 2015, Vitalik Buterin launched the decentralized computing platform Ethereum. Ethereum allows developers to experiment with their own codes using smart contracts to create DApps.

2016

In 2016, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and Pokémon GO were born. Slock.it, a blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions company, announced the launch of the first DAO on Ethereum, The DAO, attempting to allow each member to form their own governance body.

Pokémon GO is one of the most successful mobile games of all time, based on AR technology that connects players to a 3D map of the real world. In 2016 alone, Pokémon GO became one of the most profitable and popular mobile apps in the world, with more than 500 million downloads worldwide by the end of the year.

2021

Facebook's decision to change its name reflects its determination to fully invest in the "Metaverse". The new name "Meta" is taken from the word "metaverse", which shows its determination to make the concept of the metaverse, which once existed in the science fiction world, into something more concrete. Since then, Facebook has invested billions of dollars in the development and acquisition of metaverse content, software, and metaverse-related resources such as AR and VR helmets.

2022

Siemens and NVIDIA announced a joint partnership to create the Industrial Metaverse. The collaboration builds on Siemens’ reputation in industrial automation and software, infrastructure, building technology, and transportation, and NVIDIA’s pioneering position in accelerated graphics and artificial intelligence. According to Siemens’ CEO, the collaboration connects hardware and software to enable a real-time, immersive Metaverse.

The role of blockchain and cryptocurrency in the metaverse

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies play a fundamental role in the development of the Metaverse. First, blockchain can provide the infrastructure for secure and transparent transactions in the Metaverse. For example, cryptocurrencies can be used to transfer value quickly and securely. Second, the nature of Ethereum makes it possible to create NFTs, which are unique virtual items in the Metaverse.

Thirdly, DApp can make the services and functions of the metaverse more decentralized and not controlled by any single organization. DApp can also allow users to own and control their own data and assets, and the level of security and autonomy far exceeds that of traditional centralized applications.

Other technologies involved in the development of the Metaverse include VR and AR interactive tools that allow users to interact with virtual objects, navigate the Metaverse, and experience the virtual world. In addition, AI and natural language processing technologies can help users create more realistic interactive avatars in the Metaverse.

As the Metaverse continues to develop, people will discover more application scenarios for blockchain and cryptocurrency. They have the potential to change the way people interact and conduct business in the Metaverse. By achieving decentralized, trustless, and transparent interactions, blockchain and its applications can help users create a more open, secure, and efficient Metaverse.

The future of the metaverse

In recent years, the development of the Metaverse has made great progress. However, the infrastructure and services required for its development have not yet been fully realized. For example, the Metaverse needs more advanced technology to drive the virtual environment, making the Metaverse more realistic and more attractive.

The Metaverse also requires high-speed, low-latency networks that can support a large number of users in real time, as well as tools and platforms for creating and sharing virtual experiences. Developers must also address issues related to privacy, security, and governance to ensure that the Metaverse is a safe and inclusive space for all users.

Technological innovations such as XR, AI, machine learning, 3D engines, cloud, edge computing, and 5G connectivity can also drive the development of the Metaverse. With the innovation of these technologies, the Metaverse will become more and more realistic, and users will be able to experience a digital world that is as real as the real world.

It is too early to say whether the Metaverse will become the killer application of blockchain technology. However, blockchain can record transactions securely and transparently, allowing users to create digital assets and new applications, making it a suitable choice for the development and operation of the Metaverse.

Conclusion

The concept of the metaverse has its roots in science fiction, initially as fictional universes in books, television, and movies. As technology advances, the idea of ​​immersive, shared digital worlds is becoming more and more feasible.

The subsequent rise of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has also played an important role in the development of the Metaverse by providing a decentralized and secure platform for virtual transactions and interactions. Although the Metaverse as we know it today is still in its infancy, it has great potential to change the way we live, work, and play in the digital world.

Further reading

• Which companies have invested in the Metaverse?

• What is Metaverse Real Estate?

• Can there be multiple metaverses?

• 4 Blockchain and Crypto Projects in the Metaverse

• What is ApeCoin (APE)?