This isn’t a 101, a sales pitch, or a manifesto on why metaverses are ‘one of the worst things to ever happen to humankind’.
This is an exploration into how we can all play a part in building a better metaverse. One which is open and inclusive of all, empowering and approachable, liberating and safe. The
isn't here yet, but as we build towards it, now is the time to set our intentions for what we want to create. After all, this isn't just a technological step forward, it's a human one too.*By metaverse, we mean the collection of digital realities which run parallel to the physical world. This can include - but is not limited to - technology such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the blockchain. These are still in their infancy, and we anticipate that adoption will become much more widespread as they evolve.
Better Metaverse is a collaboration between location based sneaker game Aglet and strategy and innovation consultancy, The Upside.
Inclusivity in
the Metaverse
There's plenty of hype about metaverses being equal playing fields, spaces for total freedom of expression where you can be exactly who you want, regardless of your physical reality.
a new era of
digital inclusivity
Those who are involved in a metaverse contest that it’s for everyone, that it's super friendly, inclusive and bad behaviour gets kicked out. The harassment, bullying and hate that we’ve seen thrive in the darker pockets of web2 is apparently not tolerated.
However, you don’t have to look far to see that, for some, this is not the current reality.
↓ UP NEXT ↓ WOMEN IN THE METAVERSE
Women in the Metaverse
Metaverse worlds can provide new platforms for female entrepreneurship. With the hope of a more equal playing field, women can visualise opportunity for themselves.
42% of our female respondents said they saw entrepreneurship as one of the main benefits of the metaverse, vs. only 30% of men
But, only 28% of women said they were excited about the potential impact of the metaverse
Being an ally has to start with access. If only some people can enter the field, how can it be level?
↓ UP NEXT ↓ ACCESSING THE METAVERSE
Accessing
the Metaverse
For its advocates, metaverses are able to open up experiences that have never before been possible. They can unlock new levels of life that were previously only available to the privileged few.
How do we bring everyone along and how do we create an accessible and available entry point?
↓ UP NEXT ↓ OUR 'ON LIFE' VISION
Our ‘on life’ vision
The promise of many metaverse experiences today is to transport us away from our physical realities. From our living rooms, we can climb mountains, do battle and make friends. But the possibilities don’t stop at gaming and virtual exploration…
The more we stop seeing the metaverse
as separate from the physical world,
the more impactful it will be.
↓ UP NEXT ↓ DISCUSSING DECENTRALISATION
Discussing
Decentralisation
Today, metaverses are decentralised. Pockets of experiences bubbling up seperately. With this comes great opportunity. Creators have never before had this level of agency and ownership over their output.
However, this level of decentralisation also
poses challenges.
But who’s in charge?
Who sets the rules?
We all have a part to play in making the metaverse better. Taking responsibility has to start now.
A call to action
The moment for opportunism is over.
People are looking for authenticity and commitment. Instead of seeing the metaverse as 'other', outside of 'business as usual' and something for the cool kids in the innovation lab to have a play with, it needs to be fully integrated with your core offering. Brands who offer utility in the physical world, could offer equivalent value in the metaverse.
Launching NFTs for different coke bottles over the years…you can only do that for so long.
And brands need
to make this commitment fast
What do you think will happen to brands that don’t participate in the metaverse? {Age breakdown}
[⅓] of players think that brands which don’t engage with the Metaverse will become irrelevant