Declining Trends and the ‘Metaverse is Dead’ Narrative
Interest in the metaverse has taken a nosedive since its peak, especially between 2021 and 2022. Google Trends paints a stark picture where the search interest for the term “metaverse” has slumped in 2023. Some naysayers have already declared it dead, but is it really the end for this ambitious digital frontier?
Building Through the Drought: Lamina1’s Efforts
Despite the skepticism, Lamina1, a blockchain project spearheaded by none other than Neal Stephenson, shows no signs of slowing down. The team is hosting an event known as the Open Metaverse Discovery Month this October. In a world where some are ready to throw in the towel, Lamina1 is opting instead to roll up their sleeves and build!
Interactive Workshops and Competitions
The event isn’t just about talk; it promises interactive workshops tailored for Unity and Unreal Engine developers, providing a rare opportunity for hands-on experience with their toolkit. Additionally, two Creator Competitions will be held to highlight participant artwork and experiences on the Lamina1 Hub. Nothing like a little friendly competition to spark innovation!
Voices of Optimism: Rebecca Barkin’s Take
Rebecca Barkin, CEO of Lamina1, remains steadfastly optimistic despite the ‘cold winter’ the metaverse is purportedly facing. She proudly notes that almost 50,000 builders have flocked to the community since launch.
“As long as people continue to invest time and money in digital experiences […] the metaverse will continue to come to life,”
she says, ensuring us that the vision of a thriving metaverse isn’t merely a fantasy, but a tangible outcome of creators’ dedication.
Challenging Corporate Control
Barkin further emphasizes that Stephenson’s vision transcends mere virtual worlds, fighting against corporate greed and control. With evolving technologies, the opportunity for creators to gain autonomy in entertainment, gaming, and commerce has never been greater. The mantra is: let the creators build their digital empires without corporate overlords pulling the strings.
