Debunking the VR-Only Metaverse Myth: Insights from Everyrealm’s Janine Yorio

Estimated read time 3 min read

Throughout the ongoing debates about the Metaverse, misconceptions abound, particularly the idea that it can only be experienced through virtual reality (VR). Everyrealm CEO Janine Yorio took the spotlight at Korean Blockchain Week 2022 in Seoul to shatter this myth once and for all.

A Reality Check on Reality

Diving into her presentation, Yorio referenced Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, citing it as a double-edged sword. While it offers an exhilarating glimpse into a potential future in the Metaverse, it also fuels misunderstanding. Why? Well, our leading character is often depicted sporting a VR headset, which gives audiences the impression that it’s the only way to engage with a digital universe. “The protagonist is wearing a VR headset,” she said, arguing that most people engage in online worlds through good old desktops.

The Human Nature Factor

Yorio highlighted consumer behavior, pointing out that humans tend to prefer interaction with technology that’s just an arm’s reach away – about 18 inches from their eyes, rather than the dedicated VR experience, which requires checking out of the mundane world around us. “Way more people have computers than have VR headsets,” she emphasized. Can you imagine trying to get grandma into a VR suit? That would be a sight!

The Future is Now—Kind Of

While we dream of that immersive, photo-realistic Metaverse seen in movies, Yorio cautioned that such developments are not around the corner. With a wink, she pointed out the gap between aspiration and reality, noting that the way we engage with our devices isn’t about fully escaping – it’s about being productive or, let’s be honest, procrastinating on a project while binging cat videos.

Anticipation in the Next Few Years

However, positive change is in the air! Yorio believes the next 12 to 36 months will see major advancements in Metaverse development driven by triple-A gaming studios. “This will be the time when findings align with consumer expectations,” she said, promising that soon, the long-awaited moment of “mainstream adoption” will arrive, likely ushering in a new era of digital interaction.

Fashion-Forward in the Metaverse

But what else is cooking at Everyrealm? Yorio revealed ambitious plans centered around fashion, acknowledging it as a powerful catalyst for commerce in this digital landscape. Imagine strutting your digital avatar down a virtual runway, dressed by your favorite designers!

Although she didn’t mince words about music concerts in the Metaverse, calling the idea “terrible,” we all know live shows are hard to replicate without the electric atmosphere of a crowd. And while the pandemic made us more lenient, let’s face it: nothing beats the bass vibrating in your chest or the giddy excitement of dancing with friends. That kind of enthusiasm has no substitute!

Conclusion: A Diverse Digital Future

In summary, Yorio’s insights remind us that the Metaverse is evolving beyond VR. With a promising focus on multiple avenues of interaction including desktop gaming and fashion, the digital landscape of tomorrow may be more vibrant and diverse than we ever imagined.

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