The Metaverse Project Continues Despite Declining Interest
The blockchain project led by Neal Stephenson, the creator of the term “metaverse,” is moving forward with its vision despite a decrease in interest and declarations that the metaverse hype is dead. Google Trends data shows that search interest for the metaverse has declined in 2023 compared to previous years. However, Lamina1, the metaverse blockchain project founded by Stephenson, remains committed to its goals. The company has announced the Open Metaverse Discovery Month, a month-long event in October that will include workshops and joint quests to provide builders and creators with the knowledge to explore metaverse experiences.
Interactive Workshops and Creator Competitions
Lamina1 is co-hosting two interactive workshops for Unity and Unreal Engine developers this month as part of the Open Metaverse Discovery Month. The workshops aim to help developers dive into the metaverse toolkit. Additionally, Lamina1 is organizing two Creator Competitions, giving participants a chance to have their art and experiences featured on the Lamina1 Hub platform.
“We’re co-hosting two interactive workshops for Unity and Unreal Engine developers this month to begin diving in with the toolkit, as well as two Creator Competitions that will allow participants to have their art and experiences featured on our Lamina1 Hub platform,” the Lamina1 team said.
The Future of the Metaverse
Despite the declining interest in the metaverse, there are those who remain optimistic about its future. According to Barkin, an executive at Lamina1, as long as people continue to invest time and money in digital experiences, gaming, virtual worldbuilding, and buying/selling digital items, the metaverse will continue to thrive. Stephenson’s vision of the metaverse goes beyond virtual worlds; it aims to challenge corporate greed and control. With current technology, it is now possible to give creators more autonomy in entertainment, gaming, commerce, fashion, and other industries to build and distribute their own worlds.
Hot Take: The Metaverse’s Resilience
The metaverse project initiated by Neal Stephenson remains steadfast in its vision, despite a decline in public interest. While some have declared the metaverse hype to be dead, Lamina1 continues to push forward with its plans. The company’s Open Metaverse Discovery Month aims to equip builders and creators with the knowledge they need to explore metaverse experiences. Interactive workshops and creator competitions are being held as part of this initiative. Despite the waning interest, there are still believers who see the potential of the metaverse. As long as people invest in digital experiences and new technologies, the metaverse will continue to evolve and challenge existing norms.