The Metaverse Is Moving Into The Mainstream

Virtual worlds are more than just a game

By: Maha Altamimi

Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite have become more than just free online video games, especially since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Entertainment platforms have transformed, enabling players to live a parallel social life. And now that Metaverse technology is becoming more prevalent, it’s poised to make an immense change to the gaming industry.

Although it is still early in its development, it is starting to make its way into the mainstream and more so into the business world. Tim Sweeney, the developer of the game “Fortnite”, has indicated that part of the one billion dollars raised this year from investors will be allocated to developing games within the Metaverse.

Considering that he has already tweeted “Fortnite is a game, But ask that question again in 12 months.” In December 2019. 

Furthermore, Matthew Ball, a venture entrepreneur and former Amazon executive, said in an interview with The Washington Post, “We’re seeing this advancement of technology and Internet interaction and the Metaverse coming from gaming because it tends to be at the forefront of something designed for many, and who have the highest [technological] needs.”

Commercialization will fuel the Metaverse’s development and in the future create a whole new economy, jobs and will become its own ecosystem. However, to avoid turning this new world into one that is fueled by money and greed, people must approach it with accountability and ethics.