Chapter 1: The Current Landscape of the Metaverse

The concept of the metaverse currently appears more like an illusion than a reality. As a tech enthusiast, it saddens me to admit this, as I have always had a passion for gadgets and their potential to transform our lives. However, in this case, I see little to no substance.

The launch of smartphones in 2007 marked a significant turning point that altered our society irrevocably. We are still assessing whether the benefits, such as having instant access to information, outweigh the drawbacks like increasing societal divides and shorter attention spans. Personally, I lean toward optimism regarding this development.

Yet, the transformation brought by smartphones was clear and unmistakable. A new technology was introduced, and society changed almost overnight. Unfortunately, we are not witnessing the same phenomenon with the metaverse, which has been stagnant for quite some time.

In the early 1990s, virtual reality (VR) began to make its presence known, and I remember my first experience at a Dave & Busters in Atlanta, Georgia. It involved wearing a headset and shooting at poorly rendered pterodactyls. To be honest, it was not particularly exciting, but it did engage some of my senses and created an illusion of being in a different space. If you could manage not to feel nauseous, it was a novel experience.

However, novelty does not equate to quality. While many innovations start off poorly, the expectation is that they will evolve and improve. Unfortunately, VR has failed to demonstrate that kind of growth in a way that is visible to the public.

The early attempts to popularize VR, which many viewed as a precursor to the metaverse, ended with a resounding flop. For a casual observer like me, it seemed as if the technology retreated in defeat.

In recent years, some might argue that VR has seen a resurgence, primarily due to the affordability of new hardware. However, the advancements have not significantly surpassed what was available decades ago. My children own the latest Oculus headset from Mark Zuckerberg, and after trying it, I found it comparable to the VR experiences of the 90s, with only enhanced graphics.

An insightful article by Oli Welsh from Polygon defines the metaverse as a digital environment characterized by three main elements: a VR interface, digital ownership, and avatars. However, these components are not strictly necessary to define the metaverse. It is broadly understood as a visually rich virtual space where people can engage in various activities together, mirroring real-life interactions.

The crux of the matter for me has always been the sensation of presence. Since the early days of VR, I have experienced what I can only describe as a lackluster imitation of real presence—akin to a cheap substitute soda compared to the genuine article.

This is a significant issue because presence is central to the technology's promised potential. It feels like gearing up for a car race before the invention of the engine. From the outset, there has been a pervasive air of deception surrounding the technology, leading me to question, "Why should I invest in your flawed concept?"

Another aspect that garners excessive attention is the notion of "digital ownership." Many in the field are exploring blockchain technologies to ensure our rights to virtual possessions. The problem is, most of us are indifferent to virtual items. Unlike tangible goods, these digital possessions are just code—ones and zeros. I’ve played games like World of WarCraft and Destiny 2, which are closely related to the metaverse, but even if the creators guaranteed me ownership of a unique sword or laser gun, my reaction would likely be, "Cool. What’s for lunch?" It’s hard to fathom that those unfamiliar with digital realms would find the idea of virtual ownership appealing.

Unless there is a breakthrough that I’ve been waiting for over the past three decades, I struggle to understand why anyone should care about the metaverse. Does that mean I believe efforts should cease? Absolutely not. I just hope that when the time comes, there will finally be something of substance to engage with.

An exploration of the limitations of the metaverse and why it seems disconnected from reality.

Chapter 2: The Future of Virtual Reality

A critical look at the current state of virtual reality and its implications for the metaverse.