Companies are obsessed with the metaverse , which has been presented as the new scenario in which to invest. This concept of a virtual world in which to promote highly immersive and interactive digital experiences is becoming more widespread and many brands are already betting on it.
Media debate around the topic has also increased, with speculation rife over whether the metaverse – and the emergence of entire virtual economies, complete with property, corporate offices, fashion shows and more – is poised to become the next big thing in technology, or whether it’s all just too much hype.
The truth is that the metaverse is a vision, not a specific technology. This ambiguity can present a challenge when trying to figure out how to take advantage of the emerging trends it represents.
CB Insights has developed a framework to understand this issue and to identify the players and suppliers involved. Selection is based on a wide range of criteria, including funding and business relationships.
It divides companies into six categories: infrastructure, access, virtualization tools, virtual worlds, economic infrastructure and experiences.
Companies working in the metaverse
Infrastructure
The metaverse requires computing and processing infrastructure that can support large data flows. Qualcomm chips excel in this area. The tech giant claims that its Snapdragon chips have been used in more than 50 augmented and virtual reality devices.
Additionally, Intel says the metaverse will require a 1,000-fold increase in computing efficiency, including advances in 5G and hybrid infrastructure. Cloud infrastructure will also be essential.
In this sense, Fortnite runs almost entirely on Amazon Web Services (AWS) , where it uses cloud computing to aggregate and analyze information from its otherwise unmanageable data stream.
Access and interface
This layer includes the hardware devices that enable people to experience the metaverse. While this category covers connected devices such as mobile phones, computers, and gaming consoles, it primarily focuses on emerging technologies designed t austria number data o enhance immersion in a virtual environment.
This is where haptic technology (HaptX or Sense Glove) comes in , i.e. technology related to touch. Virtual reality headsets or glasses are others, to which holographic technology is added , i.e. technology that uses light to project 3D objects in physical spaces.
Visualization tools
These companies are working on software development kits, game engines, 3D scanning technology, and other developer tools that help 3D content designers build worlds and experiences in the metaverse.
This category includes 3D design companies, engines or avatars. Some of the most popular are Unreal by Epic Games, Vntana, threekit, VirtualFlow, Niantic, ARCore, Wikitude, Blippar, Godot, Blender, Ready Player Me, Holotch or Condense Reality .
Virtual worlds
Virtual worlds are the places where people will congregate and exist in the metaverse. There are two types here: centralized and decentralized . The former are those owned by a company, which has the final say on the rules, assets, and experiences. Roblox, Linden Lab, VR Chat, and Minecraft are a few.
On the other hand, decentralized platforms allow users more freedom and ability to act. Decentraland, The Sandbox or Somnium Space are some of them.