The Metaverse is an immersive virtual world where we can work, socialize, and do more. The evolving digital universe provided through Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) technologies is expected to seamlessly integrate the virtual world with the real world.
The Metaverse Beyond Gaming and NFTs
The big 5 consulting firms, the likes of Accenture, PWC, and others have started to equip their staff with virtual reality headsets and tools. They have also trained them to get immerse in the metaverse and gain the first-mover advantage. We see various applications of the metaverse in business. Consultants can have meetings across the world with their clients in the metaverse.
Due to the Covid pandemic, we started to see technology being incorporated into ceremonies more than ever. When in-person gatherings were not realistic, life had to go on. This meant that more meetings were held on zoom and other platforms than ever before.
Social Interaction and Experiences
In the social aspect as well, technology has been incorporate into ceremonies. Zoom weddings have taken place and some in-person ceremonies feature a live stream for guests who cannot be present. The metaverse apart from work serves as the venue for community life, social interaction, and creativity. It’s already been happening inside games. Games allow you to engage in actual activities with your friends… And they’re good at telling stories, offering an escape, and even harbor an emerging industry of live streaming with the addition of esports.
Wedding in The Metaverse
The metaverse offers a deep level of immersion. While many know the experience of being in a virtual concert or collaborating with colleagues in the metaverse, some couples are taking things further. For instance, A couple, Mr. and Mrs. Gagnon got marrie in the Metaverse. They hired two videographers, one to capture the in-person event and another to simulcast the ceremony to the cloud, the whole point of the metaverse element was the connection it offer.
The maid of honor was still able to walk her down the aisle, even though it was virtual. And Mr. Gagnon’s friend, who was unable to attend because his wife has pre-existing health conditions, could deliver his toast. The experience of moving through a virtual world as an avatar — a kind of idealized version of yourself — creates a more immersive, emotionally satisfying experience. There is a different level of connection with the metaverse.
Attendees experienced the event by interacting with avatars of the bride and bridegroom as well as other guests. Although the reception was virtual, attendees had food and drinks delivered to their homes. This is a novel idea to make the headlines today, but it would not be long before it becomes common as people spend more and more time in virtual worlds.
Fledgling Market for Immersive Technology
In the metaverse, you can attend events across the world without having to jump on a plane. In the future, wedding couples will be able to select from predesigned venues, flowers, musical entertainment, and other elements that would improve the experience.
Virbela is an immersive technology company designing enterprise and academia-grade virtual worlds. It has been in existence for about 10 years. The company recently announced the grand opening of a new campus to connect people in a community-driven online space. But users have requested that they host graduations, weddings, and other celebrations. And recently, they have started to explore the wedding market starting with a number of couples.
