What does it truly mean to be in a shared virtual space? How exactly does the metaverse affect different aspects of our lives – and, by extension, our physical, digital, and “phygital” selves?
Welcome to the metaverse
At the online conference Beyond Games #1, Kelly Vero from Dazlus talks about the endless possibilities of the metaverse. Kelly Vero is also one of this site’s top contributors and also an advisor for our events. In this talk from May 2021, subtitled Digital Witness, she discusses valuable insights on the need for the democratization of this shared virtual space. In that space, walls are non-existent and you can buy real estate just as you would in the physical world. She asks how we can boost accessibility to enable those who are in any way impaired to have the same experience as those who are not.
Today you can watch as Vero shares how the metaverse affects everything from the reduction of waste in fashion to AR try-on beauty products. She also talks about wider inclusivity and how developers, brands and companies need to listen to the consumer to shape the metaverse to a truly limitless space.
The challenges of “phygital” life and beyond
Vero also touches upon various recommended films, shows, games and more to look into to get a better understanding of the metaverse. For instance, there’s currently talk about a VR Final Fantasy title where players can actually buy properties inside Midgar. We are also currently able to power the universe from our wrists – take a moment to stop and think just how amazing it is that we can use our bodies as batteries now.
Of course, in any new endeavour, there will always be challenges and areas for improvement. In particular, we shouldn’t need fancy gadgets to have inclusivity. We should also have laws and controls to ensure people’s security and privacy. Another issue to tackle is old age and death – what happens to our digital selves when we grow old and die?
How often are companies going the digital route first before releasing manufactured products in the supply chain? How can we stop land-grab in the metaverse, and make sure that it is truly owned by everyone? Towards the end of this video session, Vero answers a few hand-picked questions from the audience to cap off the talk.
This is a must-see video session for those curious about how life in the metaverse will be – and how it is already – and if you’re eager to develop ways you can improve on the challenges it currently faces.
Catherine plays video games for a living, reads comics for inspiration, and writes because she’s in love with words. Her Young Adult fantasy novel, Of Myths And Men, has been published by Penguin Random House SEA and is her love letter to gamer geeks, mythological creatures, aliens, and epic quests to save the world. She one day hopes to soar the skies as a superhero, but for now, she strongly believes in saving lives through her works in fiction. Check out her books at bit.ly/catherinedellosabooks, or follow her on FB/IG/Twitter at @thenoobwife.
