LowerShelf Games
11.17.22
Do people want a virtual reality?
Current trends are showing....
meh.
Over the past few weeks there have been a number of news stories about the recent Meta Stock crash and notable layoff numbers. A net share drop of nearly 61% on the year, according to Forbes, leading the way.
There are a number of reasons for the drop, but the virtual reality investment has been clearing headlines for a near $10 Million investment in 2021 alone, causing an $18 billion operating loss in the past 2 years.
With that being said, Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerburg is well aware, and yahoo!finance noted that he projected a bleed for 3-5 years.
He wasn't lying.
But what it all boils down to is whether people want virtual reality or not?
Contents:
What is the Metaverse?
The Metaverse is a virtual reality, which gives players the opportunity to live in another world. In the New York Times Article by Kashmir Hill, she gives an in depth perspective on what the "fake" world is really like.
In her article she says there are a number of “worlds” to choose from, including one named Horizon. Horizon is basically a game lobby or a town square, where people can interact and do some basic movements such as shooting a basketball or tossing a paper airplane.
But more than just the actions, Kashmir breaks down real conversations she had with other humans visiting the very same world she was. Able to make real connections with others no matter the distance.
The article goes on to explain how you can attend comedy shows, put on by (reality) based companies such as Just for Laughs. And how some players are even trying to get in early to make potential careers within the virtual world.
For those that haven’t read the article, we strongly suggest it if you are looking for a better idea of what the Metaverse feels like.
Is Virtual Reality appealing?
Horizon World has only attracted less than 200k users so far. That number is allegedly still declining.
It should be worth noting how early in this development this whole execution really is, as well as the headset cost needed to join the platform, and the natural uncertainty which comes with trying anything “new.”
With that being said, virtual reality is amazing and at its core, if nothing else, interesting.
People experiencing social anxiety and lack of resources can turn to video games to talk to others, where it might be more difficult to accomplish in a “real” setting. Virtual reality magnifies that step typically used in video games or social media, by allowing, what feels like real interactions with other humans.
Virtual reality also continues to ensure globalization on an accelerated scale, and there are some real positives that can come with globalization. Technological innovation is a key driver in that process, by increasing communication lines, spreading knowledge, and advancing medicine across the globe.
The ability to meet people and learn from people, in a non threatening environment, appears an easy outlet for positive globalization to continue to advance forward.
Using virtual meeting capabilities such as Zoom, Skype, Facetime, just to name a few, have also been monumental in the effort of connecting people and families. Virtual reality and Metaverse, just appear another medium where those connections can continue to develop for those not able to be together.
The Benefits of Non-Virtual Interaction
While virtual reality has its perks, there is some scientific evidence to the importance of real social interaction.
Medical News Today, states the importance of face-to-face interactions. The article says the release of neurotransmitters that happen during these interactions regulate stress and anxiety. Meeting face-to-face can also help you deal with stress and anxiety in future situations.
Additionally, Medical News Today, states that face-to-face interaction generates dopamine, giving us a natural high and can even kill pain.
Some aspects can overlap with virtual reality including creating social capital, creating relationships, and developing empathy.
Non virtual interaction can also allow for social cues, facial expressions (Metaverse is working on this), and the necessity to present your true self.
Being in an online environment does make it a little easier to have passive engagement or pretend to be someone you are not, just watch MTV’s Catfish to see what we mean.
Gaming in the Metaverse vs. In person
As we share a love for games, we understand how games differ depending on the people you are with, the resources you have, as well as the setting you strive to play in.
The point being, we believe games can live in both of these worlds.
The Metaverse has a plethora of games, and here is a Top 10 List, to prove just how interesting they can be.
In Kashmir Hill’s article mentioned above, she explains how one game left her so out of breath it was practically a workout. Virtual games are not going anywhere anytime soon, and new professional video game leagues have proved to be more of an event than other professional sports.
But at the very same time, real games including those with the likes of board games are continuing to grow as well. The Board Games Market is to Attain Value of $30.93 Billion By 2028. People are striving for connection, and we are seeing an obvious need for real interactions, or what feel like them.
Whether that is in person or on a virtual screen, games are the best way to connect people. They help break down social barriers, can provide situations of equality, and at its best, be a catalyst for friendly competition and making memories.
Closing Remarks
We think Mark Zuckerberg probably knows what he’s doing. Metaverse is going to go through ups and downs just like when any new product is introduced to the world.
At this moment, the Metaverse needs some obvious work, and will take time for users to feel the need to join it.
Just like learning a new game on our site you've never played, the Metaverse is probably a great time once you give it a chance.
We look forward to seeing how games continue to grow within that virtual world.
Have you tried Metaverse? Would you try it if it becomes more affordable?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
About LowerShelf Games
LowerShelf Games is a free game sharing website that provides a one stop shop for family/party game lovers. The site is a showcase for the numerous games that exist in this world. It provides a single platform for people to not only share games with common items they would find around their house, but also standardized instructions on how to play them.
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