3 hot metaverse trends

If there has been one evident business trend over 2022, it might be the metaverse trend. Some believe that the metaverse represents an opportunity worth trillions of dollars, while others downplay the metaverse as overhyped or even dystopian. Regardless, more money is being invested into the metaverse than ever before. Ultimately, the concept of a metaverse is simple: it’s a virtual world incorporating emerging technologies (such as blockchain, augmented reality, and virtual reality).

It’s not surprising that we’re now seeing more metaverse-focused companies emerge, but where exactly will the metaverse take us? We know that Adidas and Nike are fighting for dominance in the metaverse, but does that mean that the metaverse will embrace fashion before other retail sectors? Only time will tell.

What trends will drive metaverse growth in both the short- and long-term? Here are the top three hottest metaverse trends that will shape the future.

Play to earn

There are still theories about how exactly blockchain technology will transform our lives. Will students soon be getting their diplomas on the blockchain? Blockchain is already making our supply chains more transparent, but will that trend continue? Will our medical records eventually live on the blockchain? 

However, we don’t have to wonder too much about blockchain and gaming. That’s because blockchain is already disrupting the video game industry, with many major gaming companies announcing plans to develop play to earn blockchain-based games and NFTs.

After all, games like Fortnite, Second Life, and Roblox introduced the concept of a “virtual world” to gamers long before any mention of the metaverse. Incredibly, 58% of video game developers are already using blockchain technology. NFTs offer real-world value and play to earn gaming means more gamers can earn actual money by playing games.

There’s no way to downplay it: play to earn gaming will likely remain one of the biggest metaverse trends, and the most important in terms of mainstream metaverse adoption. It is estimated that there are almost 3 billion gamers out there, and capturing even a fraction of that audience can help more people understand—and become excited about—the metaverse in general.

Virtual land

What’s the first thing that you think about when you hear the phrase “the American dream”? Many immediately imagine the idea of homeownership as a major goal for professionals who are attempting to secure their financial future, and it looks like people worldwide are definitely interested in virtual land. 

Some people may not be interested in being a landlord in real life, but being a landlord in the metaverse could offer some pretty obvious benefits. Snoop Dogg, one of rap’s most famous legends and entrepreneurs, recently announced that he would be building his virtual world. An unknown NFT collector snatched up the property right next to Snoop Dogg’s for $500,000.

One thing is for sure: individuals and companies worldwide are buying up metaverse land. Tokens.com is one company capitalizing on this trend, purchasing virtual land to eventually lease to major corporations, brands, and influencers. Whether an organization has plans to build an art gallery, concert venue, or buy metaverse real estate early to sell years later, more virtual land is selling than ever before.

The future of work

For those who were hoping for a metaverse where it’s all play and no work: you might want to pump the brakes a little bit here. Remote work is a worldwide phenomenon that exploded over the past several years, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many experts and analysts believe that the future of work has already changed forever.

While “the office” might no longer be the center for productivity: many organizations may turn to a virtual office instead for updates, communication/collaboration purposes, or to offer a more immersive and interactive experience when it comes to evaluating projects in 3D. Why use a physical whiteboard or workspace when there are endless metaverse tools to help you remain productive? Will play to earn trends somehow be applied to “gamifying” the workplace?

Every company might not need an office in the metaverse, but there are some obvious benefits here. A company employing workers on different continents can use a metaverse office as an opportunity for employees to connect, even through digital avatars. It can also help democratize access to tools, and offer a shared space that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

Which metaverse trends will thrive?

There are billions of dollars flowing into the metaverse. There are investors collecting NFTs, corporations buying up virtual land, and new startups helping large corporations make the transition into the metaverse. 

Of course, some issues can threaten which metaverse trends thrive. There may be one dominant trend in one particular metaverse, but what happens when several different metaverses have to be accounted for? For example, virtual land could be dominating one metaverse, but lagging behind in another.

One thing is obvious: whether these metaverse trends end up being the dominant trends or not, some of the largest companies in the world are investing in the metaverse in some way or another. While it’s impossible to predict the future, keep an eye out for these three major metaverse trends.