Technology is improving all the time. Everyone knows that. Even if you’re not an expert, you can see the difference between the original iPhone and the iPhone 13. For more of an extreme example of how technology is not only evolving but changing the world around us, we only have to look at virtual reality (VR). Products such as Oculus Rift have made gaming and many other activities more immersive over the last decade. Now, with Facebook changing its name to Meta, we’re on the brink of another technological revolution.
Creating an Interconnected Digital Universe
The concept of interconnected digital worlds has emerged out of the VR sector and Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, wants to lead the way. He and others like him envision a digital universe where everyone lives out the majority of their lives online. The so-called metaverse is a fledgling concept right now, but the seeds have been sown and it’s generating a lot of hype. VR will almost certainly play a pivotal role in the “meta” revolution which, in turn, brings gaming into the mix as this offers an already established route into the realm of digitally connected worlds.
Indeed, mass multiplayer online games have been extremely popular for the best part of two decades. In turn, games such as Second Life and Fortnite as well as Final Fantasy, RuneScape, and EverQuest have created social gaming environments where thousands of players enjoy shared experiences. These games are early examples of what the metaverse could become. In fact, this concept of shared experiences is one that gaming has embraced since the late nineties, demonstrating the enduring and universal appeal that this genre has, as well as its near-boundless potential.
Gaming Has Sown the Seeds for Shared Digital Experiences
It’s the same in the casino sector. Progressive jackpot slots are casino games that pay real money based on communal contributions. In other words, a slot such as Mega Joker is often rated highly thanks to its 99% return to player (RTP) rate and the fact its payouts are constantly changing. They’re always changing because thousands of players are feeding into the same system. Therefore, even though they’re playing as individuals, they’re connected to a single network. This, in turn, means they’re contributing the same prize pool and helping the jackpot increase. Moreover, they’re all engaged in a shared experience.
This is the metaverse in action. Although the mechanism through which we interact will differ, the fundamental dynamics will remain the same. Thus, as we look forward to things such as virtual reality chat rooms, interconnected digital meeting spaces, and shared online currencies, we can hark back to the blueprint set out by gaming. Indeed, we know that millions of people enjoy communal online gaming experiences. Therefore, it makes sense that we’ll love other shared digital experiences. It’s too early to say how the metaverse will evolve. What we do know, however, is that a precedent has been set and, by and large, it’s something people enjoy.