Into the Metaverse: Charting the Evolution and Impact

7 min readNov 1, 2023

The concept Metaverse is a collective virtual shared space created by merging physical and virtual reality. This includes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain technologies, and the internet as we know it today. As we stand on the brink of a new era, let’s embark on a journey to explore the origins, significance, and boundless potential of the metaverse. Let’s delve into the possibilities of this new world and discover how it can shape our future.

The Genesis of the Metaverse

The term “Metaverse” originates from Neal Stephenson’s 1992 science fiction novel “Snow Crash,” where humans, as avatars, interact with each other and computer programs in a 3D space. Fast forward to today, the metaverse has evolved from a sci-fi concept to a phenomenon that promises to revolutionize our digital interactions. It’s a space where virtual and physical reality meld, creating a realm that enables limitless exploration, interaction, and creation.

1. The Origin of the Concept (1935–1992)

Sci-fi authors like Stanislaw Lem and Neal Stephenson envisioned technologies and virtual worlds similar to the Metaverse.
Neal Stephenson’s novel “Snow Crash” introduced a virtual realm accessed via VR goggles, termed the “Metaverse”.

2. The Early Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences (1952–1990)

The Sensorama, created by Morton Heilig in 1952, was the first VR machine, offering a multi-sensory experience. The Sensorama was a mechanical device that included a stereoscopic color display, fans, odor emitters, a stereo‐sound system, and a motional chair. It simulated a motorcycle ride through New York and created the experience by having the spectator sit on an imaginary motorcycle while experiencing the street through the screen, fan-generated wind, and the simulated noise and smell of the city.
In 1968 Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproull created the first VR / AR head-mounted display (Sword of Damocles) that was connected to a computer and not a camera. It was a large and scary-looking contraption that was too heavy for any user to comfortably wear and was suspended from the ceiling (hence its name). Visit here https://www.history.com/news/what-was-the-sword-of-damocles for the referral.
VPL Research, founded in 1984, popularised VR technology and developed various VR gear. VPL Research was one of the first companies that developed and sold virtual reality products. It was founded by computer scientist Jaron Lanier in 1984. “VPL” stands for “Virtual Programming Languages”. In 1990, VPL Research filed for bankruptcy, and in 1999 all of its patents were bought by Sun Microsystems.

3. The Beginning of Haptic Technology (1939–1996)

Initially used in military aircraft during WW2, haptic technology provided tactile feedback to pilots.
Sega introduced haptic feedback in gaming in 1976 with the Moto-Cross arcade game.
Motorola’s StarTac cell phone in 1996 brought haptic technology into mobile devices.

4. The Emergence of Prototype-Metaworlds (1995–2003)

Active Worlds, created in 1995, was the first proto-meta world, offering a 2.5D virtual space for users to explore and create.
Second Life, launched in 2003, allowed users to explore a world with their avatars, and interact with objects and other users without conventional gameplay mechanics or rules.
Fast forward to 2011, The Sandbox was founded to establish the concept of Metaverse as we know it today.

5. GoArt Emerges (2017~)

Back in 2017, we founded GoArt with a mission: to craft immersive experiences that transport you through time and space. Imagine stepping into a portal and feeling the thrill of time travel, all while learning, engaging, and even earning rewards. That’s the magic we brought to life when we launched in 2021.

Time Travel is Possible with GoArt:
Our platform is more than just a space to explore; it’s a journey through time. We’ve designed GoArt to be your gateway to the past, enriched with AR/VR features that make every moment feel real and vibrant.

Partnerships that Elevate Your Experience:
We’ve teamed up with some of the biggest names in fashion, e-commerce, and sports in Turkey, not to mention collaborations with the country’s oldest banks. These partnerships enhance your journey, making every step in our metaverse a unique adventure.

GoArt-Shaping the Future:
But we’re not just observers of the metaverse evolution; we’re actively shaping it. From fashion collaborations to immersive sports experiences, GoArt is leading the charge in making the metaverse a reality. In this series, we’ll showcase how GoArt is not just navigating, but actively crafting the future of the digital landscape.

6. Companies Expanding Into the Virtual World (2021~)

Nike launched Nikeland, a branded digital world inside Roblox, in 2021.
Gucci ventured into the Metaverse with digital handbags in Roblox and virtual experiences like “Gucci Town”.
NERF launched a campaign in Fortnite in 2022, creating NERF City with six unique worlds and a storyline explored through gameplay and Discord interactions.
And since then many renowned brands have ventured into the metaverse.

Significance in Today’s Digital Age

In today’s digital age, the metaverse is not just a playground but a transformative force influencing various industries. From virtual tourism experiences that transport you to exotic locations to digital fashion shows that redefine style, and virtual sports arenas that bring fans closer to the action, the metaverse is making industries rethink their strategies.

The Metaverse: The Future of the Internet

Envision a future where you can attend a concert, visit a doctor, and shop, all while sitting in your living room. The metaverse promises to redefine our perception of the internet, transforming it from a platform where we retrieve information to a space where we can interact, explore, and create in three-dimensional virtual spaces. It represents a future where our digital and physical realities are intertwined, offering experiences that transcend our physical limitations.

The Allure of the Metaverse

Tech giants and industries are drawn toward the metaverse, seeing it as the next frontier in digital interaction. The potential it holds is immense — from creating new avenues for social interaction to revolutionizing industries like retail, education, and healthcare. Imagine attending a fashion show virtually and purchasing the dress off the runway or attending a class conducted by a professor from another continent. The metaverse holds the potential to redefine our experiences, creating a world without boundaries.

Barriers on the Horizon

Despite its boundless potential, the journey towards a fully realized metaverse is riddled with challenges. Issues such as data privacy, the digital divide, and ethical considerations stand in its way. Ensuring equitable access, protecting user data, and navigating the moral and ethical dilemmas of creating and governing virtual worlds are barriers that need addressing as we step into the metaverse. So don’t forget to DYOR before you jump in on the next flashy platform.

Insights

The metaverse is projected to grow from USD 500 million in 2020 to an estimated USD 800 billion in 2024, with online gaming accounting for a significant portion of this revenue. The architecture of the metaverse platforms combines the human, physical, and digital realms, characterised by society, the physical world, and interlinked virtual spaces with user-oriented monetization mechanics. It’s a space that will shape the future of the internet and human interaction, providing a unique environment where individuals can interact and create in a new and exciting way.

Security and Privacy

As the metaverse evolves, it brings opportunities for creativity and engagement but also presents challenges in privacy and security. Here are key considerations for building a secure metaverse platform:

Metaverse Privacy Policy:
Clearly state what data (sensor, location, physiological, social) is collected and for how long.
Outline users’ rights to access, download, and delete their personal data.
Asset Ownership Management:
Use technologies like blockchain to track ownership of digital assets, from non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to avatar skins, ensuring privacy and preventing harm.
Data Privacy Regulations:
Apply the strictest global privacy regulations to mitigate risks, considering the metaverse’s worldwide availability.
User-to-User Privacy:
Prohibit unauthorized collection and sharing of data and enforce penalties for violations, ensuring a safe environment, especially for minors.
Cryptocurrency Caution:
Exercise care in storing assets, as cryptocurrencies are a common exchange medium in the metaverse.

Addressing these challenges ensures a secure and inclusive metaverse experience for all.

The metaverse holds the promise of a future where our physical and digital worlds converge, offering experiences that are boundlessly immersive and interactive. As we stand on the brink of this digital revolution, the path forward is an odyssey, exploring, understanding, and navigating through the potentials and challenges that lie ahead. By embracing privacy-conscious practices and promoting metaverse literacy, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of the metaverse while ensuring a safe and inclusive future for all.

About GoArt Metaverse

GoArt functions as the exclusive gateway into the metaverse for users and businesses wishing to design, utilize, and engage through an immersive virtual experience. Our goal is to offer a rich, well-crafted retail experience in the metaverse that can only be found via time portals, complemented with augmented reality technology. Once passing through portals, visitors may pay a visit to historic locations, virtual worlds of the future, brand stores, and events. The app’s virtual historic locations also allow users to collect MTE tokens, which they can easily swap into MATIC.

Create your Avatar, Explore the Metaverse; Expand your business’s reach; and Conquer your fears by adapting to Web3.