Virtual worlds in blockchain gaming are also known as virtual blockchain worlds (VBWs) or the metaverse. The latter was coined by Neal Stephenson in his cyberpunk novel Snow Crash, which he wrote in 1992. In his novel, he describes the metaverse as a virtual reality world where people use digital avatars of themselves to explore an alternate reality.

For years, virtual worlds and the metaverse has always been in the realm of fiction. Now, the metaverse, or a version of it (Neal Stephenson has stated that he has nothing to do with today’s metaverse), has transitioned into reality. The metaverse today refers to a collection of virtual worlds created using blockchain technology.

An overview of virtual worlds

VBWs and the metaverse aren’t games; they are social platforms made up of virtual land parcels owned by investors, companies, and players. Virtual worlds provide the infrastructure for blockchain gaming, and these digital worlds are among the most popular destinations.

Collectively, these virtual worlds are computer-based environments where you can have full ownership of digital assets. These digital assets include your digital identity—the avatar you’ve created, the community you’ve joined, or the virtual land you own, including everything you’ve built there.

The way the metaverse is structured, owning or renting land in the virtual worlds can be done by anybody. These owners can build anything they want. They typically build structures and create experiences for them and others to enjoy. They can develop their 3D environment or virtual world.

You can also buy non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that you can use however you want or join a community with decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) features. The decentralization network found in the metaverse is made possible by using blockchain technology.

Blockchain gaming in virtual worlds

In a centralized virtual world, gaming companies make the rules. They also own everything. They can do this because everything that occurs in the game world is saved on their servers. Items like weapons, skins, power-ups, etc., are only valuable in-game. You won’t be able to sell or trade them outside of the game world.

Blockchain games in the metaverse are persistent worlds where all in-game items you’ve acquired through buying, grinding, etc., are yours. You can even purchase the digital land where the blockchain world you’re visiting is built if you have the resources. You can also sell or trade them for profit if you want.

All items you purchase in-game are represented by non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These digital tokens you sell or trade at your discretion, with whomever you want and wherever virtual marketplace you want. Blockchain technology makes these features possible, where new economic models can be introduced, and decentralization is incorporated into the game world.

Exploring the metaverse virtual worlds

There are different ways to start your experience in the metaverse. The first step is to sign up in metaverses, such as Somnium Space, The Sandbox, or Decentraland. Each metaverse may be different, but they all have their versions of digital asset ownership. You can have your own NFTs, land, and others. You can even design your own gaming experience.

Next, you can try gear like a virtual reality (VR) headset. VR is shaping up to be a primary component of the metaverse; a headset is needed to have a truly immersive experience. As the metaverse develops further, developers will create more environments that increase game world immersion.

A VR headset, however, isn’t always required to access virtual worlds. There are metaverse platforms that don’t need specialized hardware. You only need a smartphone or a computer. However, for other metaverse platforms, a VR headset lets you get an idea of where the metaverse technology is going.

Things to do in the metaverse when gaming

The metaverse is still young, but it already gives players several options for things to do. Moreover, judging by its projected growth, the metaverse’s potential is virtually limitless. The gaming experience will have more flexibility, where you can build and expand virtual game worlds. You can also design games within games and develop more creative content.

Plus, you can do the following when gaming in virtual worlds:

• Social gaming: Virtual worlds are inherently social. They allow gamers to interact in a social environment. They can connect with other players and nurture relationships through the elements present in the game world. Multiplayer gaming will also have the added dimension of inviting friends outside the game world and interacting with other gamers.
• Play-to-earn: Play-to-earn or P2E is one of the popular elements of blockchain gaming. Players can earn real-world income while exploring virtual worlds, doing missions, and completing quests. And since economic elements are incorporated into the game world, you can do trading activities like buying and selling assets you’ve acquired in the game.
• In-game assets portability: The virtual world’s architecture allows for asset interoperability, meaning in-game items like skis or weapons could be ported to a different game environment. Since these items are NFTs, NFT rules on persistent ownership apply.
• For example, you have an enchanted amulet acquired in a fantasy RPG. Blockchain gaming’s asset portability allows you to transfer the amulet into a different game. The asset won’t necessarily remain an amulet, though. You can transform the item into, say, a sword or a plasma rifle in a sci-fi shooting game.

Takeaway

Virtual worlds are part of the metaverse, a collection of connected virtual worlds. These digital spaces aren’t games. They are social platforms composed of digital real estate owned by different individuals, providing the infrastructure for blockchain gaming.

The virtual worlds in blockchain gaming can allow you to own items like NFTs, land, and other assets. You can also design your own gaming experience. Social gaming, P2E, and in-game assets portability are just some of what you can experience when checking out virtual worlds. However, the first step of your journey is to sign up for a metaverse platform.

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