As we stand on the precipice of a new year, the ever-evolving landscape of the metaverse beckons with promises of groundbreaking developments and transformative experiences. Wagner James Au, a luminary in the virtual realm, offers us a glimpse into the future with his insightful predictions for 2024.
Pioneering Metaverse Platforms on the Horizon:
Brace for the launch of a groundbreaking, well-funded metaverse platform in 2024. Leading contenders include "Everywhere" from seasoned Grand Theft Auto veterans and "Playable Worlds" by Raph Koster and his skilled team. The diversity in funding sources, from well-established backing to grassroots initiatives, adds an intriguing layer to the evolving metaverse landscape.
Metaverse Start-Up Dynamics: Acquisitions and IPOs:
The metaverse is ripe for significant moves, with a leading start-up poised for acquisition or an IPO. Keep an eye on potential candidates like Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite (still a private company), and Rec Room, a platform that collaborated with Apple on VisionPro integration. These strategic shifts highlight the growing financial and corporate interest in shaping the future of the metaverse.
Apple's VisionPro Unveiling: A Game-Changer in Sales:
In a game-changing move, Apple's VisionPro is set to hit the market, projecting sales between 100,000 and 250,000 units in 2024. Despite initial impressions of modest numbers, the device's $3500 price tag and Apple's entry into the metaverse hardware domain make this launch highly significant. The tech giant is poised to make waves in the metaverse landscape with this innovative device/platform.
Roblox: Redefining Metaverse Scale with MAU Milestone:
Building on its remarkable momentum, Roblox is on track to surpass the entire US population in Monthly Active Users (MAU). While this might seem like a continuation of a trend following its 300 million MAU milestone, it challenges and dispels any notion of a declining metaverse. Roblox continues to play a pivotal role in redefining the narrative around the metaverse's vitality.
Second Life's Mobile App: A Catalyst for Increased Engagement:
The launch of Second Life's mobile app is poised to bring about a significant boost, projecting at least a 20% increase in Peak Concurrent Users (CCU). While questions linger about its impact on growing the total user base, especially with an initial focus on existing users, the app is expected to facilitate greater engagement among the current user community. With Peak Second Life concurrency currently at 50,000, a 20% surge to 60,000 is both plausible and promising.
Wagner James Au,, renowned for his profound insights, doesn't just predict the future — he has also chronicled the fascinating journey of the metaverse in his book, "Making the Metaverse: How Virtual Reality is Changing the World of Video Games." This compelling exploration delves into the intricacies of the virtual realm, shedding light on the transformative impact of virtual reality on the gaming landscape and beyond.