While Web3 enthusiasts discuss the metaverse, it's ironic that Web2 games may be the first to provide functional versions of it in 2024 and 2025. This phenomenon highlights a gradual evolutionary process in disruptive innovation, where established foundations play a crucial role. The metaverse's evolution has been influenced by Web2 video games, which offer environments that closely align with the metaverse concept. The lag in Web3's contribution to the metaverse is seen as a natural part of the technological evolutionary cycle.
Key Points:
Evolutionary Pattern: Disruptive innovations, such as the metaverse, evolve gradually and build upon established foundations. The shift from Web2 to Web3 has showcased this pattern, with Web2 video games playing a significant role in shaping environments resembling the metaverse.
Cultural Adoption: Similar to the evolution of Uber from the taxi industry, the metaverse's evolution depends not only on technological advancements but also on cultural adoption. Taxis laid the groundwork for the concept of someone entering a stranger's car and paying for transportation, just as Web2 games are laying the foundation for the metaverse.
Catalyzing Moments: In 2021, Facebook's rebranding to Meta drew attention to metaverse projects, but developments were embryonic. Today, a potential catalyzing moment may occur, with differences from 2021. Games like Fortnite demonstrate interoperability through commercial agreements, a precursor to open metaverse interoperability with blockchain assets.
Fortnite's Masterclass: Fortnite's recent update showcased unprecedented interoperability by incorporating characters and game modes from various universes. The open metaverse, built on blockchain, aims to achieve similar interoperability. This serves as a bridge for users to transition from Web2.5 to Web3.
Digital Economy in Gaming: The anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) may introduce a functioning digital economy based on cryptocurrency, validating the Web3-based metaverse thesis. This step is crucial in familiarizing mainstream users with digital economies, making the abstract concept more tangible.
Digital Identity: Web2 games have introduced younger generations to digital identity concepts, where digital outfits act as status symbols. This familiarity establishes a foundation for the open metaverse, bridging the gap between current gaming experiences and the future possibilities of Web3.
Role in Marketing and Commerce: The emergence of the open metaverse is expected to play a significant role in the future of marketing, human connections, and digital commerce. Brands that recognize and seize this opportunity are likely to benefit from the evolving landscape.
Conclusion: Web2 games, led by examples like Fortnite and potentially GTA 6, are positioned to be the bridge to the open metaverse. Their role in introducing interoperability, digital economies, and digital identity concepts paves the way for a gradual transition from Web2 to Web3. This approach acknowledges the gradual nature of technological evolution and cultural adoption, ensuring a smoother integration of the metaverse into mainstream experiences. Investments and initiatives based on this transitional thesis are expected to play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of the metaverse.
(LUGUI TILLIER, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)