While many believe that the Metaverse only exists in the virtual realm, a more likely outcome is that it permeates our everyday lives through the power of Augmented Reality (AR), where digital content becomes a “mixed reality” environment. will become omnipresent around us. .

That’s exactly the promise of technology that Apple’s upcoming mixed reality headsetis widely rumored to be announced at the annual WWDC conference on Monday.

Apple has a knack for taking emerging technologies and making them sophisticated enough for the masses to use, and the company’s headsets could do the same for AR. Such platforms will be important catalysts for expanding the metaverse and blockchain-powered games through novel experiences integrated into everyday life.

From sporting events and shopping centers to restaurants and entertainment venues, mixed reality introduces interactive elements that blend the IRL (real world) and IVL (virtual world). Here’s what the continued development of AR will bring to the metaverse and why it’s such an exciting change across all interactive media, along with the key opportunities I see ahead. .

Enhancing engagement

AR can overlay virtual items on the real world, creating a new surface for engaging in games. For example, branded games may require users to visit stores to complete certain quests via AR avatars, which may lead to purchases of store merchandise and additional experiences as in-game rewards. You may also get value.

However, display size has a huge impact on both overall adoption and individual functionality, so device makers need to find the right balance between immersion and comfort. We also need to ensure comparability across devices so that mobile users can participate alongside headset wearers.

new social interaction

Social connections on digital channels can now bridge to the real world, as virtual avatars can be placed in IRL for seamlessly moving interactions across channels such as the metaverse, social media, and gaming platforms. For example, instead of looking at your friend during a conversation, you can chat with an avatar overlaid on your friend’s body through AR.

Early forms of this are already happening with some early AR adopters using the technology to appear as avatars in virtual meetings. When playing mixed reality games, avatars can be an important interaction point for players to interact with each other in both IRL and IVL.

And that applies not only to the device itself, but also to the fact that it adds a social layer of “attention”. As you interact with each other in augmented virtual world layers, you’ll discover interesting new ways to create and communicate.

Acceleration of user-generated content

Apple’s move enables the creation of new immersive experiences that bring us closer to the metaverse, opening up new possibilities for creators.

Generative AI tools also allow creators to build immersive worlds without hand-coding dozens of items, accelerating the timeline from concept to production. This will spark a new wave of creativity in how games can exist in mixed reality, allowing creators to dream up exciting new experiences.

For example, creators can now incorporate AR components into upcoming avatar drops that add an element of interactivity to their users. Alternatively, mixed reality games can react in real time, adding new items and elements to the game in response to relevant inputs.

Digital Flex Moves to IRL

Innovations in interactivity, creativity and utility will occur as true digital ownership emerges into the physical world. AR gives us the flexibility to bring and use virtual assets in the real world. In this new mixed reality, avatars can be used in many different ways, creating new utility for those assets.

Owning certain avatars gives you discounts in stores, and upon proof of ownership, you’re prompted to experience AR music videos that interact with your avatar, or even feature your avatar as the main character in the video itself. Imagine that. The interactive intersection of avatars, digital ownership and mixed reality will create many interesting opportunities.

IMMERSIVE MULTIPLAYER EXPERIENCE

Multiplayer experiences take on new meaning with AR, as gamers in the metaverse can interact with players in the real world, all in real time. This redefines the interaction between ourselves and others in both the virtual and real worlds, enabling fun new ways to play.

This advanced multiplayer experience can be applied to gaming, education, and even social networking. For example, a tabletop racing game would involve users being in the Metaverse and his IRL, so users could seamlessly race against each other regardless of their medium of choice. These experiences help us All connect with others in new and innovative ways.

AR Brings Power to the Metaverse

AR makes digital content more ubiquitous around us, blurring the lines between virtual and reality in a seamless way. Just as Pokémon Go introduced the world to the joy of AR gaming, entertainment will continue to evolve beyond reality, building gamified experiences that bridge the world.

This is an extraordinary piece of technology that not only extends our daily lives with new touchpoints, but also has the potential to enhance our gaming and metaverse experiences. And as technology continues to develop, expect even more innovative and immersive gaming experiences to emerge. Keep your eyes peeled as you may miss what’s next.