Metaverse vs Virtual Reality: Virtual Reality, Metaverse… Are they connected? Yes. But they’re by no means the same thing. We’re here to help you comprehend the differences.
Here are 6 significant distinctions between the 2 giant tech concepts.
1. Separate definitions
Even the biggest technophobes among us have probably heard of Virtual Reality before. And most of us will have at least a basic understanding of what it actually is.
VR is the technology for creating 3D environments that interact with functionalities based on the human senses.
When it comes to the Metaverse, though, a solid definition is still a work in progress.
The Metaverse makes up a massively scaled collective of 3D virtual realities. It will one day have infinite, ever-growing, evergreen virtual worlds, and digital avatars will be able to coexist by the millions at the same time.
2. Accessibility
A driving force behind the lack of definition for the Metaverse is that it’s still in its early development phases. In comparison with Metaverse vs Virtual Reality is already available on a variety of platforms.
Currently, the Metaverse is a developing platform with lots of potential (thanks to platforms like Exarta). In contrast, we can already utilize virtual reality today as it is a readily available technology.
Users will be able to interact with the Metaverse through virtual reality as it becomes more accessible. But, the Metaverse is not limited to VR. We expect it to have many other exciting features as well, such as augmented reality. You can also access elements of it through a smartphone, today.
Read more: The Exarta Metaverse Glossary – All You Need to Know
So if you’re looking to dip your toe into some VR, don’t wait for the Metaverse to be fully formed. Get stuck in now! Because when the Metaverse does arrive, it will be even more accessible than virtual reality in its current form.
Read more: What is Exactly is the Metaverse? A Beginner’s Guide
3. Ownership
Another critical distinction between the Metaverse and virtual reality is ownership.
When you play a game using a VR system, the brand that created the game owns all content and controls your experiences. This means that the only thing you own yourself is any VR equipment you’ve purchased to use the technology.
Different systems can create and maintain each virtual world in a decentralized Metaverse. Each may have its own unique features and regulations, but users can easily navigate and visit different worlds at their leisure.
That’s because Metaverse lands and experiences operate independently, to the beat of their own drum. Users are subsequently given a vast array of options for their personal experience.
That the Metaverse isn’t regulated by one supreme corporation, but a vast network of interconnected “multiverses” directly impacts users, too. You’ll be able to create and share content and experiences with others however you like, opening the door to unparalleled levels of user interaction and collaboration.
And the scope for customization makes this space a highly adaptable environment. You can modify and enhance the Metaverse itself, as well as your avatar and creations. The best news? The Metaverse grants you complete ownership over everything you create and own, whether virtual real estate, a piece of artwork, or a wearable object. You have the privilege of being the proprietary owner of everything you produce. And you reap all the benefits if you want to sell your creations.
So in the Metaverse, users can create and modify the environment itself. Users can explore and interact with environments created by the developers in other virtual worlds but cannot make any changes. Not quite as fun, right? *Yawns*.
4. Technologies
Technology is another notable contrast in the discussions of Metaverse vs virtual reality.
Let’s look at VR here. The appeal of VR is mainly rooted in realistic simulations and virtual adventures, two highly entertaining things. But that’s it. Because VR is a single-faceted concept
As a large virtual world, the Metaverse incorporates a myriad of new technologies to enhance its features. It’s all about collaboration. And merging the most advanced infrastructure in the world to create the best possible experiences. There’s no competition.
Read more: 5 Pillar Technologies that Power the Metaverse
The most visible aspect of the Metaverse vs Virtual Reality debate is the differences in the quality of user experiences.
There’s no doubt that VR is super fun. But since you can feel that you’re wearing a headset or a haptic gadget to experience the virtual environment? It takes away the magic a little bit.
What’s more, these experiences are limited to a specific number of people, like those playing the game.
Once again, the Metaverse alleviates these issues since it offers a virtual universe that mirrors the real world. Thanks to the merging of pillar technologies with VR, you can experience the virtual worlds just like you’re moving around in the real world, and the only difference is that you see things through your avatar.
And Metaverse games and experiences are not limited only to specific spaces. People can meet, chat and collaborate in the Metaverse as if they were in the same room. And they can leave that room and go to a different place if they get bored.
Where conventional virtual worlds are generally unengaging, with the people who meet there needing more convincing human features, the Metaverse outshines. Naturally, intuitively, and from any device.
Read Also: What is the Metaverse?
5. Persistence
VR experiences end the moment that you exit or switch off the platform.
The Metaverse changes the game as a shared and persistent virtual existence. That’s because even when you leave the Metaverse, your digital avatar is still there – living, breathing and getting up to mischief.
Real-time rendering enables a virtual world to be “alive” and respond to any given input from a user. It will be a reality available in real-time for all, regardless of location. And, like the real world, a persistent Metaverse will keep moving. It’s always on, always there, and constantly evolving.
Technology is moving forward as the world around us is rapidly changing and advancing. Yet time remains our most valuable resource. Already today, more and more people spend a significant amount of time online, whether for work or leisure. This means that the Metaverse’s capacity for building an “online life” is becoming essential.
Soon, our “two lives” will increasingly intertwine, and the line between online life and physical activities will blur. And trust us, it’s nothing to fear! The Metaverse will complement the evolution of physical environments in which we share information, socialize, work, learn and play.
Read more: 7 Layers of the Metaverse
6. Scope
Ahh, a point we’ve gone to town on throughout this article. An important one, nonetheless.
While virtual reality includes a lot of similar experiences in the form of games and apps, these experiences are disconnected from each other. In contrast, the Metaverse will allow you to pass seamlessly from one to the next. It will enable the exchange and use of information across a growing network of virtual lands and experiences. This idea is encapsulated by one of the main principles that define the goal of Web3: interoperability.
Read more: 7 Important Principles that Define the Metaverse
Free movement, free exploration, freedom from all angles. VR is a single experience, but the Metaverse allows limitless possibilities.
Wrapping up
If the Metaverse was a centipede, Virtual Reality would be one of the legs that power its forward movement.
VR is a branch of the foundation technologies that make up the Metaverse. It complements its function, and it allows users access. And its capabilities are limited.
The Metaverse rules infinitely in terms of scope, potential, and impact. Saying you prefer VR to the Metaverse would be like saying that a Big Mac is better than the entire Mcdonalds’ menu – and that’s just plain nonsense. (We’re McNugget fans, here).
So what are you waiting for? Creative opportunities are right within your grasp, and Valayt City is waiting for you…