The Metaverse

The metaverse is everywhere now. People are talking about it all the time, for good reasons and bad. But no matter what you think, it's clear that the metaverse is here to stay.

What is a Metaverse?

A metaverse is a virtual environment, where virtual replicas of real-life people interact and connect. They do things in the virtual world, as they do in the real world, with their virtual form called ‘avatars’. It is a kind of a parallel world. Just like the ‘Upside Down’ in Stranger Things.

Now, technically speaking, metaverse is a virtual space created by the convergence of many different technologies. It requires Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), HMDs, IoTs, spatial computing, Artificial Intelligence, etc.

Metaverse is still in a developing stage and companies are investing massively to make this a viable commercial and social space.

How can an open source metaverse be built ?

Building an open-source metaverse involves several key steps. First, akin to web servers on the internet, you'll require VR servers.

Next in line are VR-enabled web browsers. Fortunately, existing web browsers already support video/audio streaming (WebRTC) and both VR and AR (WebXR). Additionally, you'll need a collection of 3D content, preferably in the open-source glTF format. Companies like Sketchfab host over 500,000 free 3D models under Creative Commons licenses, providing a rich resource. Sketchfab, among other platforms, also offers a REST API for seamless model search and download.

With a solid foundation in these technologies, you can proceed to construct your own metaverse platform. Here's a breakdown of the basic steps involved:

Design Your Metaverse World:
- Decide on the environment, objects, and characters to include.
- Plan how users will interact within the world.
Create Metaverse Assets:
- Develop 3D models, textures, and animations.
- Utilize pre-existing assets from online libraries or create your own.
Develop Metaverse Server:
- Build the software to run your metaverse, facilitating user interactions.
Develop Metaverse Client:
- Create software enabling users to connect to and experience your metaverse.

Once your server and client are developed, you can deploy your metaverse platform and invite users to join in the immersive experience."

To use coding to build the metaverse, you will need to have a strong understanding of the following technologies:

3D graphics and modeling
Networking and distributed systems
User experience (UX) design
Programming languages such as C++, C#, JavaScript, and Python

Intellectual property >

It refers to the fact that it's all open source.

Authors let others use their creations. The least users can do is to give them credits. The actual terms of the Creative Commons licenses require users to credit authors explicitly. But even with free stuff that requires additional work, I can't imagine what nightmare it turns into with proprietary content.

Non-Fungible Tokens and Blockchain Ledgers >

Creating a metaverse involves using things like Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Blockchain Ledgers, and more. If you Google 'Metaverse Blockchain,' you'll find opportunities to buy and advice on the best options, but buying cryptos won't actually build the metaverse.

Blockchain can be useful, especially for keeping track of authors when dealing with free content. For example, platforms like Sketchfab provide both free and paid content. Using their proprietary content in virtual worlds is technically simple but legally restricted. Non-Fungible Tokens can prove ownership but can't enforce copyright.

This raises a practical question: Can you create or buy a unique avatar that belongs only to you? Technically, yes, but technology can't prevent others from copying it, similar to copying a picture from one platform to another. However, the real question is, why would anyone want to do that? In this space, everyone has unique avatars that can't be used by anyone else ever – video avatars with a touch of simplicity.

Characteristics of Metaverse >

When you create your own metaverse, you have total control to decide and implement what you want. Because it is a digital space with digital characters.

However, if this freedom is not total then the metaverse will lose its appeal. So when you create a metaverse application, openness should be at the heart of it.

And in order to ensure transparency during metaverse app development the following six characteristics are essential:

Interoperability: The effortless portability of a user’s data and digital assets without the limits of platforms and applications.
Decentralization: Users should have full control of the data and their assets.
Persistent: Metaverse should have persistent elements. It should exist around your digital space, just like the natural resources around you.
Spatial: Digital assets should be findable and easily searchable.
Community factor: Metaverse should be community driven and the involved brands should acknowledge the community factor in the metaverse.
Individuality: A user is a digital individual in a metaverse. Hence, all the natural laws of individuality like privacy, personal and private protection should be applicable.

Here are some specific examples of how coding can be used to build the metaverse:

Using C++ to develop a high-performance metaverse server
Using C# to develop a metaverse client with Unity
Using JavaScript to develop a web-based metaverse platform
Using Python to develop a metaverse scripting language

Technologies Used to Create a Metaverse >

Artificial intelligence:

AI with its potential to process data at a high speed is crucial to the development of applications of the metaverse. It combines machine learning techniques and AI algorithms to create a virtual universe that is exemplary.
Blockchain

The role of blockchain technology in building a metaverse application is unrivaled. The key traits of the metaverse like decentralization, transparency, digital ownership, its proof, governance, transfer of value, interoperability, accessibility, etc. depend on it.

Augmented reality(AR) and Virtual reality(VR) >

Being the entry points into any metaverse application they help in crafting immersive and engaging digital experiences. AR applications help in providing accessible and real visual elements and characters. While VR provides that total virtual ecosystem for the user to explore with VR glasses, gloves, sensors, etc.

3D reconstruction >

One of the key questions that the developers couldn’t answer was: ‘How to develop a metaverse that is close to real experience?’ The answer to this came in the form of 3D reconstruction.

With this technology, you can create realistic and natural-looking spaces. Special 3D cameras allow you to take the world around you online. It helps in creating the digital twin of our real world.

In addition to these core technologies, there are many other technologies that can be used to build the metaverse, such as:

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
Blockchain and Web3

By using a combination of these technologies, you can create immersive and engaging metaverse experiences.

A Closer Look at the Security Challenges >

Here are key concerns:

Moderation Challenges:
- Lack of support access in the metaverse can leave users stranded, posing moderation challenges in this expansive digital realm.
NFTs and Ransom Attacks:
- NFTs regulate digital asset ownership but lack storage, exposing users to ransom attacks. Criminals may encrypt NFT files, rendering them inaccessible without altering ownership.
Darkverse and Identity Threats:
- Similar to the dark web, the darkverse within the metaverse presents a formidable threat. Pseudo-physical user presence heightens risks of identity theft and spoofing.
Financial Fraud Risks:
- The metaverse's extensive e-commerce activities create a breeding ground for financial fraud, attracting individuals with criminal intent.
Privacy Concerns and Ransomware:
- NFTs, while regulating ownership, fail to secure storage, paving the way for ransom attacks. Hackers can encrypt NFT files without altering ownership, compromising user data.
Social Engineering Vulnerabilities:
- Psychological manipulation of users through social engineering can lead to data breaches. Hackers gain access to sensitive information, passwords, and private data.
Cyber-Physical Threats in Spatial Web:
- The Spatial Web, a 3D-based computing environment, exposes metaverse applications to cyber-physical attacks. The interactive domain makes billions of connected devices susceptible to exploitation.

Cost >

The cost of building a metaverse varies depending on the size, complexity, and features of the platform. However, some experts estimate that it could cost anywhere from $10 million to $1 billion to build a metaverse platform.

Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of building a metaverse:

Platform size: The larger the platform, the more expensive it will be to build. This is because you will need to create more content, develop more complex features, and support more users.
Platform complexity: The more complex the platform, the more expensive it will be to build. This is because you will need to use more advanced technologies and hire more experienced developers.
Platform features: The more features you want to include in your platform, the more expensive it will be to build. This is because you will need to develop the features yourself or hire a third-party developer to do it for you.

Here are some of the key costs associated with building a metaverse:

Development costs: This includes the cost of hiring developers to create the platform's server, client, and content.
Infrastructure costs: This includes the cost of hosting the platform's servers and other infrastructure components.
Marketing and promotion costs: This includes the cost of marketing and promoting the platform to potential users.
Ongoing maintenance and support costs: This includes the cost of fixing bugs, adding new features, and providing support to users.

Top companies working on metaverse >

Meta

The company has created a new division called Reality Labs, which is responsible for developing metaverse hardware and software. Meta has also acquired several VR and AR startups, and it is working on developing its own VR headset and AR glasses.

Microsoft

The company has created a platform called Mesh, which allows users to collaborate and interact in virtual spaces. Microsoft is also working on integrating Mesh with its other products, such as Teams and Office 365.

Google

The company has created a project called Starline, which allows users to have video calls with people who appear to be sitting right in front of them. Google is also working on developing AR glasses and other metaverse hardware.

Nvidia

Nvidia is a chipmaker that is playing a key role in the development of the metaverse. The company's GPUs are used to power VR headsets and other metaverse hardware. Nvidia is also developing software tools that help developers create metaverse content and experiences.

Unity

Unity is a game engine that is popular among metaverse developers. The company's software is used to create 3D worlds and characters, as well as interactive experiences. Unity also offers a variety of tools and services that help developers create and deploy metaverse content.

Roblox

Roblox is a gaming platform that is already popular with kids and teenagers. The platform allows users to create and play games in virtual worlds. Roblox is also working on developing a metaverse platform for businesses and other organizations.

Decentraland

Decentraland is a decentralized metaverse platform that is built on the Ethereum blockchain. The platform allows users to buy and sell land, create and deploy content, and build virtual worlds. Decentraland is one of the most popular metaverse platforms today.

The Sandbox

The Sandbox is another decentralized metaverse platform that is built on the Ethereum blockchain. The platform allows users to create and play games in virtual worlds. The Sandbox is also working on developing a variety of other metaverse experiences, such as virtual concerts and events.

These are just a few of the many companies that are building the metaverse. The metaverse is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world.

How to get Started >

Learn about the underlying technologies:

The metaverse is powered by a variety of technologies, including 3D graphics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual reality. It is helpful to have a basic understanding of these technologies in order to understand how the metaverse works.

Follow metaverse experts and thought leaders:
There are many experts and thought leaders who are writing and speaking about the metaverse. Following these individuals can help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the metaverse and learn from their insights.

Join metaverse communities:
There are many online and offline communities where metaverse enthusiasts gather to discuss and collaborate on metaverse projects. Joining a community is a great way to learn from others and get involved in the metaverse.

Contribute to metaverse open source projects:
There are many open source metaverse projects that are looking for contributors. Contributing to an open source project is a great way to learn about the metaverse's codebase and make a positive impact on the metaverse community.

Apply for metaverse jobs:
There are a growing number of metaverse jobs available, including roles in engineering, design, marketing, and community management. If you are interested in working in the metaverse, start looking for jobs at metaverse companies or projects.

Some specific resources that you can use to scale up your understanding:

Metaverse Industry Report by Grayscale Investments
Metaverse Primer by Matthew Ball
Metaverse Podcast by Matthew Ball
Decentraland Docs
The Sandbox Docs
Roblox Docs
Metaverse Open Source Projects
Metaverse Jobs Board

Closure >

If you are interested in learning more about how to use coding to build the metaverse, there are many resources available online. There are also many communities of developers who are working on building the metaverse, and they are always happy to help new members.

I hope this gives you a good overview of how to use coding to build the metaverse.