The term "Metaverse" is suddenly everywhere, from the front pages of
national newspapers and the latest fashion trends to the plans of the
most powerful companies in history. It is already shaping the policy
platforms of the US government, the European Union, and the Chinese
Communist Party.
But what, exactly, is the Metaverse? As pioneering theorist and venture
capitalist Matthew Ball explains, it is a persistent and interconnected
network of 3D virtual worlds that will eventually serve as the gateway
to most online experiences, and also underpin much of the physical
world. For decades, these ideas have been limited to science fiction and
video games, but they are now poised to revolutionize every industry and
function, from finance and healthcare to education, consumer products,
city planning, dating, and well beyond.
Taking us on an expansive tour of the "next internet," Ball demonstrates
that many proto-Metaverses are already here, such as Fortnite,
Minecraft, and Roblox. Yet these offer only a glimpse of what is to
come. Ball presents a comprehensive definition of the Metaverse before
explaining the technologies that will power it--and the breakthroughs
that will be necessary to fully realize it. He addresses the governance
challenges the Metaverse entails; investigates the role of Web3,
blockchains, and NFTs; and predicts Metaverse winners and losers. Most
importantly, he examines many of the Metaverse's almost unlimited
applications.
The internet will no longer be at arm's length; instead, it will
surround us, with much of our lives, labor, and leisure taking place
inside the Metaverse. Bringing clarity and authority to a frequently
misunderstood concept, Ball foresees trillions of dollars in new
value--and the radical reshaping of society.
