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Turin, Italy  — Is this the future of car buying? Fiat has unveiled the world’s first metaverse-powered car dealership, designed for the Italian market. The new platform allows customers to research, configure, and even complete the purchase of their next car—all from the comfort of home. Unlike a traditional carmaker’s website, Fiat’s goal with the Metaverse Store  is to recreate the immersive feel of a real showroom online. Initially, the experience is available for the brand’s flagship model, the 500 La Prima by Bocelli , with plans to expand to the full 500 line-up later this month and to other Fiat models and global markets in 2023. Developed in collaboration with Touchcast  and Microsoft , the Fiat Metaverse Store uses Touchcast’s Metaverse-as-a-Service platform, built on Microsoft Cloud. Notably, customers don’t need VR headsets, avatars, or specialized hardware to access it. Fiat describes the experience as a seamless blend of digital and physical worlds, offering a uniquely immersive way to shop for a car. How It Works Through the Fiat Metaverse Store, customers are instantly transported "inside" a Fiat vehicle in a 360-degree interactive environment. A real Product Genius —a live Fiat expert—guides customers through the experience, answering questions about the car’s features, electrification, recharging options, and more. Users can: Explore the car’s infotainment system Understand different driving and EV charging modes Customize the vehicle’s body, color, interior, and features in real-time The Product Genius service is available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. , and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. . Adding to the experience, customers can even take a virtual "test drive" of the 500 La Prima by Bocelli on La Pista 500 , the rooftop track atop the historic Lingotto building in Turin. A New Standard for Customer Experience "At Fiat, we are once again leading the way in offering our customers an innovative and stress-free brand experience,"  said Fiat CEO Olivier Francois . "In pure Fiat style, the Metaverse Store is a first-of-its-kind innovation in the automotive sector. It tailors the buying experience through human interaction and simplicity, aligning perfectly with our mission to make life easier for everyone. For the first time, customers can explore and purchase the 500 La Prima by Bocelli from the comfort of their own homes, through a realistic, human-assisted, and stress-free process."

In the new Fortnite and Disney Metaverse collaboration, players can interact with iconic franchises like Star Wars , Marvel , Pixar , and classic Disney  characters in a fully immersive digital universe. Unlike traditional gaming crossovers, this project aims to create a real-time platform  where storytelling, social interaction, and commerce  blend seamlessly. "This will enable us to bring together our incredible collection of stories and experiences from across the company for a broad audience in ways we have only dreamed of before,"  said Josh D’Amaro , Chairman of Disney Experiences.He added that Epic Games’  industry-leading technology and Fortnite’s open ecosystem will help Disney reach consumers where they are, offering engagement that feels natural and relevant. A New Digital Ecosystem In an interview with The Verge , Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney  highlighted how players are spending more on digital goods they expect to keep and use across platforms. "If we have an interoperable economy, that will increase player trust that today's spending on digital goods results in ownership that lasts across different experiences,"  Sweeney explained. According to Newzoo’s 2025 research , 58% of PC gamers' spending  now goes toward microtransactions , compared to only 28%  who purchased full games in 2024. With Disney’s massive library of creative content and Fortnite’s user base—over 650 million accounts  as of 2024—this collaboration could significantly accelerate the evolving vision of the metaverse . Learning From Meta's Metaverse Struggles When Mark Zuckerberg  rebranded Facebook to Meta  in 2021, he placed a massive bet on the metaverse becoming the next major digital frontier.However, despite billions invested into VR hardware and virtual worlds, Meta’s vision struggled to catch on. Platforms like Horizon Worlds  suffered from low user engagement , and Meta’s VR headsets remained expensive and bulky , limiting mainstream adoption.Moreover, poor graphics and a lackluster user experience received heavy criticism, preventing widespread excitement around Meta’s offerings. By contrast, Fortnite is free-to-play  and accessible across consoles, PCs, and mobile devices , significantly lowering the barrier to entry for mass audiences. Fortnite and Disney Metaverse: New Content Launch Dates The next major update kicks off with the Galactic Battle  event on May 2, 2025 , featuring a five-part Star Wars-themed saga.Each week will introduce new storylines: Imperial Takeover  – May 2, 2025 The Pull of the Force  – May 8, 2025 Mandalorian Rising  – May 22, 2025 Star Destroyer Bombardment  – May 29, 2025 Death Star Sabotage  – June 7, 2025 This event will culminate in a major in-game live narrative experience , designed to make players feel like they are directly shaping the fate of the galaxy. New Content Includes: Playable characters from the Star Wars  universe New shop items New vehicles New maps

Image Credit: Shutterstock Meta has reportedly laid off more than 100 employees from Reality Labs, its division dedicated to metaverse initiatives. The cuts have affected teams working on developing experiences for Meta’s virtual reality (VR) headsets, as well as those focused on VR and metaverse hardware. Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton confirmed the layoffs, explaining that certain teams are "undergoing shifts in structure and roles that have impacted team size." She added that the changes are intended to help Meta "work more efficiently on future mixed reality experiences for our growing audience." However, Meta did not disclose the exact number of employees affected.

Walmart is taking another step into the metaverse by partnering with the popular gaming platform Minecraft to launch a new interactive experience. The retail giant has introduced “Skyward,” a limited-time gaming adventure available on a Minecraft Java server, as reported by Chain Store Age  on March 21. In this experience, players aged 13 and up can explore various planets while searching for the elusive “Golden Child.” To complement the virtual engagement, Walmart has also launched a selection of Minecraft-themed merchandise on its eCommerce site, alongside a dedicated Skyward Discord server for fans. This initiative is part of Walmart’s broader strategy to establish a foothold in the metaverse. Over the past few years, the company has consistently expanded its digital footprint. One notable example is “Walmart Unlimited,” an in-game commerce experience developed in collaboration with Spatial, a 3D gamified media platform, and Unity, a leading real-time 3D development environment. Last year, Walmart and Unity introduced an “immersive commerce” partnership that allows Unity developers to integrate Walmart’s commerce application programming interfaces (APIs) directly into their games and applications. This feature enables creators to sell physical products within real-time 3D (RT3D) experiences across more than 20 platforms. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between physical and digital shopping in a way that only Walmart can, delivering authentic experiences to customers where they already are,” said Tom Kang, Walmart’s former general manager for metaverse commerce. Walmart’s continued metaverse expansion coincides with a resurgence of interest in virtual and extended reality (VR/XR) due to the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Earlier this year, PYMNTS  reported that Infinite Reality, a Florida-based XR company specializing in 3D websites within the metaverse, secured $3 billion in funding. Meanwhile, Meta, once a staunch advocate of the metaverse—going so far as to rename itself—now appears to be reassessing its virtual reality ambitions. According to Business Insider , Meta’s Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth recently suggested that 2025 could be a defining year for the company’s metaverse efforts. In a memo to Reality Labs employees, Bosworth emphasized the need to drive engagement, sales, and retention, particularly in the mixed reality (MR) space. “The success of Horizon Worlds on mobile is crucial for our long-term vision,” Bosworth noted, acknowledging that the future of Meta’s virtual initiatives hinges on expanding user adoption. As companies like Walmart continue to explore new digital frontiers, the evolving landscape of the metaverse remains a dynamic space filled with both opportunities and challenges.

Virtual platform fosters prayer, reflection, and community engagement. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is deepening its digital presence by leveraging the metaverse to connect with individuals worldwide. During the recent 10 Days of Prayer event in Brazil, held from February 13 to 22, the church utilized virtual spaces to facilitate meaningful moments of worship and reflection. Every evening at 8:00 p.m. (Brasilia Time), attendees gathered in the digital world to engage in spiritual discussions and prayer sessions. Hosted on the Spatial platform, where the Adventist Church has already established a strong presence, the event provided an immersive environment for participants to interact in real-time. The platform allowed for global participation, fostering a unique space where attendees could take part in worship services, educational exhibitions, networking opportunities, and interactive activities. A More Engaging Experience This year’s event introduced an increased level of interactivity. Rather than featuring a single speaker, leadership roles were shared among participants, who took turns leading sessions of music, prayer, discussions, and biblical reflections. This approach not only strengthened engagement but also reinforced the church’s community-driven values in a digital setting. Expanding the Church’s Digital Footprint The Adventist Church has long embraced technological advancements to reach a broader audience. Recognizing the growing importance of digital connectivity, church leaders emphasize the role of the metaverse in fostering engagement, particularly among younger generations. "Technology is essential in reaching new generations who are more digitally inclined," leaders explained. "The metaverse provides an opportunity to connect with individuals who may not attend traditional worship services, making faith more accessible and engaging." Bringing Evangelism to the Digital Age Carlos Magalhães, director of digital strategies for the South American Division, underscored the importance of creating interactive faith-based experiences in the metaverse. "Through this platform, we can host worship services, Bible studies, and interactive events that resonate with audiences who might not have access to a physical church," Magalhães stated. "Many young people and professionals already navigate these digital spaces daily, and we want to meet them where they are, sharing messages of hope and transformation." Innovative Outreach Through Technology Beyond the 10 Days of Prayer, the Adventist Church continues to explore digital initiatives that enhance spiritual engagement. One such project is the 1844  game, an educational tool designed to teach Adventist history through gamification. This innovative approach makes learning more interactive and appealing to younger audiences. With advancements in technology, the church remains committed to utilizing new platforms to spread its message. By integrating faith with digital innovation, the Adventist Church is ensuring that its outreach extends to individuals who might otherwise be unreachable through traditional methods.

Space & Time Cube+: Bangkok's Revolutionary Metaverse Museum Debuts Bangkok has welcomed a groundbreaking addition to its cultural and entertainment scene with the official launch of Space & Time Cube+ , an innovative metaverse museum. This cutting-edge attraction marks Thailand’s entry into the world of immersive digital exhibitions, promising a unique blend of technology, art, and culture. A Landmark for Innovation and Tourism Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasized the museum's importance during the launch event, describing it as a "vital connection between people, innovation, and creative experiences." He added: "This world-class museum will not only bring joy to Thai citizens but also attract international visitors, enhancing Thailand's tourism revenue." The Museum Experience Located on the basement floor of Seacon Bangkae, the 1,500-square-metre museum  features three zones with 27 immersive rooms. Visitors can explore themed spaces like Street Cherry Dark , Wisdom Prologue , Dream Spiral Staircase , and Ocean of Stars . These unique rooms offer a variety of experiences, from sky-high adventures to deep-sea explorations. Song Fu, General Manager of Space & Time Cube+ (Thailand) Co., highlighted the museum's ability to blend technology and art: "The Bangkok installation brings the highly successful Chinese metaverse-museum concept to Thai consumers, providing interactive experiences within moments." A Global Vision with Local Roots Lin Xue Qi, Chairman of Space & Time Cube+ (China) Co. Ltd, expressed his excitement about expanding into Thailand, saying the museum serves as a platform to showcase Thai culture globally. Space & Time Cube+ already operates in China, the UK, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, and other regions. Pioneering Technology and Design The museum employs advanced technologies like 720-degree CAVE systems  and glasses-free 3D holograms , creating a seamless digital metaverse experience. Visitors are transported across dimensions of time and space, all within a meticulously designed and modern setting. A Global and Local Milestone As the most diverse Space & Time Cube+ project to date, the Bangkok installation sets itself apart by integrating the latest metaverse concepts and sophisticated design elements. It’s a testament to Thailand’s commitment to adopting modern digital entertainment technologies and enhancing its cultural offerings. With its mix of education, entertainment, and innovation, Space & Time Cube+ is poised to become a must-visit destination for both locals and international travelers alike.

NCITE researchers explore how Meta’s smart glasses were used in the New Orleans terrorist attack and the broader trend of extremists leveraging emerging technology. Key Points: Smart Glasses in Terror Planning:  The FBI reports that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the New Orleans attacker, used Meta’s smart glasses for reconnaissance, recording immersive footage of his targets in October and November. These glasses, with their discreet cameras, AI capabilities, and livestreaming features, provide unique advantages for threat actors. The Metaverse as a Tool for Extremism:  Emerging technologies, like Meta’s glasses and 360-degree cameras, are facilitating a blend of physical and digital realities, making attack planning and propaganda dissemination more immersive and effective. For example, Houthis used Instagram 360 cameras in a Red Sea attack last year to capture and distribute VR-compatible footage. Broader Adoption of AI and Wearables:  Beyond New Orleans, other acts of tech-facilitated violence include the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas on the same day. AI tools were reportedly used in planning this VBIED attack, highlighting a disturbing trend of technology being exploited for violence. Implications for the Future: Minimized Risk for Attackers:  Virtual reconnaissance using VR and AI-enhanced tools may reduce the need for physical presence, lowering the risk of detection. Livestreaming of Attacks:  Inspired by previous incidents, future extremists may increasingly livestream their actions, leveraging immersive technologies to amplify their propaganda. Accessibility of Advanced Tech:  The evolution of wearable technology, powered by AI, makes tools like smart glasses and AR devices more accessible, compact, and harder to detect. Countermeasures and Insights: Proactive Research:  NCITE emphasizes the need for ongoing research to understand and counteract the integration of emerging technologies into extremist activities. Government Collaboration:  Partnerships between academic researchers and intelligence agencies are critical. Sharing insights and leveraging advanced tools can help preempt and thwart potential attacks. Recognition of Prevention Efforts:  While one successful attack is too many, intelligence efforts have prevented numerous incidents. Agencies must continue innovating to stay ahead of evolving threats. Conclusion: The adoption of high-tech tools by extremists underscores the need to abandon stereotypes of terrorists as technologically unsophisticated. The New Orleans attack is a stark reminder of how emerging technologies like the metaverse can be weaponized, and it highlights the importance of leveraging these same tools for prevention and defense.

InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. has released a comprehensive market assessment report titled "Global Metaverse in Education Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report." This report examines the market by Component (Hardware and Software) and Application (Learning, Skill Development, Educational Apps, Self-Regulation Skills, Cultural Understanding) and provides industry insights for the forecast period up to 2031. Key Highlights: The global Metaverse in Education market is projected to surpass USD 102.57 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 38.42% during the forecast period. Access the Free Demo Report, Excel Pivot, and ToC Transforming Education with the Metaverse Metaverse technology is revolutionizing education by enhancing connectivity, communication, cultural understanding, and overall learning experiences. Educational institutions are leveraging the metaverse to create virtual universities and classrooms, enabling students to interact with instructors and peers in immersive learning environments tailored to individual preferences. Growth Drivers: Increasing adoption of virtual technologies in education. Expanding metaverse tools and rising investments in metaverse ed-tech firms. Development of advanced platforms for interactive teaching and learning. Challenges: Rising concerns about social isolation due to augmented reality. High costs of metaverse technology. Limited availability of advanced tools in developing and underdeveloped regions. Privacy and safety concerns. Prominent Market Players: Invact Metaversity Tomorrow's Education Sophia Technologies Ltd. Metaverse Group Shenzhen Meten International Education Co. Ltd. WU Executive Academy 21K School Luca & Friends Skillful Craftsman Education Technology Ltd. Roblox Microsoft The University of Miami The University of Nevada Schedule a Consultation with Our Experts Market Dynamics: Drivers: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to e-learning, emphasizing the need for engaging digital learning experiences. Factors such as the adoption of VR and AR in education and the increasing popularity of interactive virtual education are key contributors to market growth. Challenges: Data security and privacy issues, identity verification problems, and the high costs of metaverse technology are significant barriers to market expansion. Additionally, convincing users to adopt financial transactions within the metaverse remains a challenge. Regional Insights: North America:  Dominates the market with advancements in metaverse platforms, virtual college tours, and immersive learning experiences in fields like healthcare, architecture, and behavioral research. Adoption of cryptocurrencies for tuition payments further boosts growth. Asia-Pacific:  Emerging as a key player with increasing investments in metaverse capabilities and expanding market presence. Leading vendors are focusing on enhancing product capabilities and expanding their operations. Customize Your GTM Strategy Recent Developments: March 2022:  GOFA International launched Luca & Friends, an AI-powered app featuring motion capture technology to engage children in immersive educational games, addressing the need for physical activity in tech-driven environments. Market Segmentation: By Component: Hardware Software By Application: Learning Skill Development Educational Apps Self-Regulation Skills Cultural Understanding Others By Region: North America:  US, Canada, Mexico Europe:  Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific:  China, Japan, India, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America:  Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa:  GCC Countries, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa

Future’s 200+ brands will bring a broad range of news and lifestyle content to ChatGPT. OpenAI and Future, the global platform for specialist media, have today announced a strategic partnership to bring content from Future’s 200–plus media brands to OpenAI’s users. Future, headquartered in the UK and listed on the FTSE 250 with operations globally, distributes trusted, specialist content across a range of platforms, including websites, newsletters, videos, magazines and live events. Its brands include Marie Claire, PC Gamer, TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, The Week, Who What Wear, and Cycling Weekly. The initiative brings Future’s journalism to new audiences while also enhancing the ChatGPT experience. ChatGPT users will be able to access content from across Future’s portfolio, with attribution and links to the full original articles for transparency and further information. This content partnership builds on Future’s existing deployment of OpenAI’s technology. The publisher has developed chatbots so users can engage more deeply with content from Tom’s Hardware and Who What Wear . Future is also using OpenAI’s tools across multiple functions including sales, marketing, and editorial to boost productivity. “Across Future’s brands, we are focused on growing our engaged audience and building global communities. Our partnership with OpenAI helps us achieve this goal by expanding the range of platforms where our content is distributed. ChatGPT provides a whole new avenue for people to discover our incredible specialist content,” said Future CEO Jon Steinberg. “Future is proud to be at the forefront of deploying AI, both in building new ways for users to engage with our content but also to support our staff and enhance their productivity.” “This partnership enables us to enhance the ChatGPT experience by providing more access to engaging, up to date and reliable information from a range of specialist sources,” said Brad Lightcap, COO, OpenAI. “Our goal is to help publishers and content creators both benefit from advanced AI technology and expand their reach.”

OpenAI is considering advertising as a potential revenue stream, according to CFO Sarah Friar in a recent interview with Financial Times . The company, currently valued at $157 billion, is exploring various ways to achieve profitability. While Friar later clarified to The Register  that there are no immediate plans to implement advertising, the discussion indicates that OpenAI is evaluating this option. Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil, who has significant experience in advertising, having previously worked on ad-supported products at Instagram and X, could lead this initiative. CEO Sam Altman has shown increasing interest in the idea of ads, but he emphasizes the need for a thoughtful approach to ensure that the user experience is not compromised. Why It Matters: OpenAI’s potential entry into the advertising space could significantly impact the digital ad ecosystem. AI platforms like OpenAI could introduce strong competition to established advertising giants like Google and Meta, especially as smaller players like Perplexity are already experimenting with ad-supported AI search engines and in-app shopping features. This shift highlights the pressure AI companies face to establish sustainable revenue models. While OpenAI generates $4 billion in annual revenues, its AI development and training costs exceed $5 billion each year, making diversification a critical need. Revenue Diversification: In addition to exploring advertising, OpenAI is expanding its revenue streams through API licensing for businesses and developers, Premium ChatGPT subscriptions, and enterprise licensing agreements with large organizations. On the advertising front, OpenAI has been recruiting experts from Meta and Google, assembling teams to create strategies for seamlessly integrating ads while preserving user experience. Challenges: However, the reliance on ad revenues comes with challenges. OpenAI must be cautious about how it incorporates ads to avoid negative impacts on the user experience. Maintaining the integrity of its non-sponsored results is crucial for the company's continued success. Our Take: OpenAI’s cautious approach to introducing ads reflects a delicate balance between the need for profitability and the importance of maintaining user trust. With its significant annual expenses, OpenAI must carefully navigate monetization strategies while ensuring the quality of its AI services. How it balances these factors could set important precedents for how AI companies diversify their revenue models beyond traditional subscription and licensing models. The growing willingness of brands to advertise alongside AI-generated content suggests that the advertising industry is opening up to this new frontier. If successful, OpenAI’s move into ads could reshape the landscape of digital advertising in the age of AI.

BANGALORE, India, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/  – The global Metaverse gaming market, valued at USD 125 million in 2023, is projected to reach USD 2016.1 million by 2030, growing at a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 48.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030, according to a recent report by Valuates Reports. Key Factors Driving Market Growth: The rapid growth of the Metaverse gaming market can be attributed to the integration of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain technology within gaming experiences. These innovations have captured the interest of players, providing immersive and socially interactive environments that also offer economic opportunities through customizable avatars and digital assets. A key development in the market is the rise of play-to-earn gaming models, where participants can earn cryptocurrency or NFTs as rewards. Additionally, the rollout of 5G technology and the rise of cloud gaming platforms have improved accessibility and game performance, attracting a wider player base. Key Trends Influencing Metaverse Gaming: Role-Playing Games (RPGs)  – RPGs are driving growth in the Metaverse gaming market, providing players with immersive experiences where they can create avatars, explore expansive worlds, and interact with others in real-time. The introduction of blockchain technology allows players to own unique in-game assets, such as NFTs, which enhances engagement and ownership. Business Simulation Games  – These games, which simulate virtual businesses and economic systems, are increasingly popular within the Metaverse. By integrating blockchain and cryptocurrency, business simulations enable players to trade and monetize virtual assets. This creates an entrepreneurial aspect that appeals to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to professionals seeking real-world applications. Android's Role in Growth  – The Android platform is a major enabler of Metaverse gaming, providing a globally accessible platform for immersive virtual experiences. Android’s dominance in the smartphone market ensures that a large and diverse user base can access Metaverse gaming apps, particularly in emerging markets. Its affordability and widespread reach make it a crucial driver of market expansion. Impact of Emerging Technologies: Blockchain and NFTs  have revolutionized ownership and monetization in the Metaverse, allowing players to earn, trade, and sell digital assets, enhancing the appeal of Metaverse games by offering real-world value. Social Connectivity  is also a major driver, as Metaverse games allow players to form communities, collaborate on challenges, and create lasting relationships in virtual worlds. This social element is key to ensuring sustained participation across diverse demographics. Gamification in Other Sectors  – Beyond entertainment, Metaverse gaming has found applications in education, training, and corporate engagement, further driving market growth. Regional Market Dynamics: The Metaverse gaming market is seeing strong regional growth. The Asia-Pacific  region leads, owing to its tech-savvy population, widespread smartphone usage, and established gaming culture. North America  follows closely, driven by high disposable incomes and advanced gaming infrastructure. Other emerging markets, including Latin America  and the Middle East , are witnessing growth due to increasing internet penetration and affordable gaming devices. Key Companies: Prominent players in the Metaverse gaming market include: Roblox Epic Games Sandbox Axie Infinity Illuvium Decentraland Microsoft Tencent NetEase Bytedance, among others. The growing interest in Metaverse gaming, supported by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, is set to continue driving the market’s expansion in the coming years. For more detailed insights into the market, visit Valuates Reports . Discover More Insights: Explore Similar Reports! Metaverse Games Market : USD 125 million in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 48.5% by 2030. Metaverse Game Engine Market : USD 122 million in 2023, projected to reach USD 539.9 million by 2030. For customized reports or more information, reach out to the Valuates Reports team via email at sales@valuates.com .

Meta has quietly rolled out Meta Credits, a new digital currency for purchasing virtual goods in Horizon Worlds, its proto-metaverse platform. The currency has been introduced in the US, UK, and Canada over the past few weeks without any formal announcement, as noted by Road to VR. Meta Credits can be purchased through the Horizon Worlds app on Meta Quest or via the mobile Meta Horizon app, with a rate of 300 Meta Credits for every 3 US dollars. Additionally, there are various bundles available that offer bonus credits to buyers. These Meta Credits are intended for in-app purchases of premium virtual items within Horizon Worlds, but unlike Quest Cash, they cannot be used to buy hardware or accessories. Furthermore, Meta Credits are non-transferable between accounts, limiting their use to in-game purchases. With the introduction of Meta Credits, Meta is continuing its push toward developing a digital economy within the metaverse. However, it remains unclear whether or how creators can convert the Meta Credits they earn into real-world currency. Meta has also set age restrictions for purchasing Meta Credits. Users over 13 years old (depending on the region) can purchase the currency, while preteens (10-12 years old) must obtain permission from their parents through a parent-controlled Meta account. In April 2023, Meta opened Horizon Worlds to teens aged 13-17 in the US and Canada, with plans to extend this access to preteens by August 2024. Preteens in the US and Canada can now request access to Horizon Worlds through their parent-controlled accounts, with a global rollout planned soon. While the introduction of Meta Credits marks a step forward in Meta's metaverse ambitions, it's important to note the potential risks of exposing younger users to unfiltered content and interactions in virtual environments like Horizon Worlds. As a precaution, it is recommended that parents carefully consider the implications of allowing their children to access these platforms.