When Beyond transitioned from only building virtual reality games to being a Virtual World Venture Studio it stemmed from our desire to build more inclusive virtual worlds that pushed the boundaries of new technologies, while promoting the good side of gaming, no matter what the platform.
While we have been working on our own games and IP for many years we enjoy coming together with other brands to collaborate on innovative projects.
One of these collaborations introduced us to the world of blockchain technology, where communities can gain ownership of their digital avatars. Embracing our curiosity, we dived in, eager to learn how blockchain works in the gaming industry.
Philip Rosedale, the founder of Second Life, shared his views on the importance of avatars and virtual worlds as a means for self-representation in an interview with CNBC, "I think people have always wanted to have avatars that they control and that they can make look like themselves or anything they want. That is why virtual worlds are so important." Rosedale believes that virtual worlds are the future and that owning an avatar is just the beginning.
Suddenly we had all these new terms thrown at us. Web3 gaming, NFT, PFPs, wallets. New terminology, for those coming from a traditional gaming background, might be tricky to grasp and in some cases alienating and off-putting.
It’s not often that we talk to our community about the underlying technology we use to build our games but in the case of using blockchain technology, it does make sense for people to understand how digital ownership works. Which is where the term NFT comes in.
An NFT represents ownership of a unique digital asset, such as virtual art, music, or avatars.
While the term "NFT" may seem intimidating to some, we believe we should not worry about the terminology and instead focus on making them more accessible to the masses by surrounding them with clear and transparent language.
Reddit's avatar collection launch provides an excellent example of how simplifying language can make virtual worlds more accessible.
Instead of using the term "NFTs," Reddit cleverly referred to these digital assets as "collectibles," making them more relatable and approachable to a wider audience.
Additionally, Reddit developed its own blockchain wallet, known as "Reddit Vaults," which has already witnessed the creation of over 3 million wallets to date. This unique branding and the user-friendly nature of Reddit's platform contributed significantly to the positive reception.
Image: Reddit
As we progress, we foresee more companies following Reddit's lead and simplifying language to ensure virtual worlds are accessible to everyone. This shift will lead to increased adoption of virtual worlds and avatar ownership, benefiting both creators and consumers.
One thing is certain: the future of digital ownership isn’t going away, and it’s becoming much more accessible as the hype and associated high prices have died down leaving those true builders and innovators in this space for the right reasons.
Instead of fixating on technical terms like web3, let's prioritise simplifying language to ensure virtual worlds become inclusive and inviting.
And while we are at it. Let’s explore solutions like IMX Passport to onboard more traditional gamers by removing friction.
By simplifying our approach, embracing technological advancements, and keeping the joy of gaming at the forefront, we can break down barriers and usher in a new era of virtual world experiences for everyone to enjoy.
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