What Is the Metaverse? How It Works, Uses, and Ways to Access

Key takeaways 

Imagine logging into a virtual world where you can work in a digital office, attend a concert with friends, or shop for products through immersive 3D environments rather than traditional websites and apps. That's the vision of the metaverse.

• The metaverse is a virtual world where you can interact socially, play games, work, and even shop.

• It's considered the next phase of the internet, offering users a way to interact with one another virtually.

• Being able to access the metaverse typically requires using specialized eyewear.

Learn about the metaverse, how it works, what it’s used for, and how to gain access to it. If you want to take your knowledge further, consider enrolling in the University of London's Virtual Reality Specialization, where you'll learn key concepts and technologies.

What is the metaverse?

The metaverse is an immersive virtual reality (VR) world parallel to the physical world, where users can do many things, such as socializing, playing, working, and shopping. For many metaverse worlds, you’ll need to use a special headset or eyewear. 

Does Meta own the metaverse?

Meta does not own the concept of the metaverse. However, the company has positioned itself as a major player in its development. In fact, when Facebook rebranded as Meta in 2021, it signaled a major investment in this space.

Many companies, such as Meta, Apple, Google, and Microsoft, are investing in the metaverse, developing unique offerings for their customers. In 2025, analysts predicted the $139.07 billion metaverse market would grow to $936.57 billion by 2030 [1]. 

Where did the concept of the metaverse come from?

Although the idea of the metaverse has grown in rapid popularity in recent years, the author Neal Stephenson first coined the term in his 1992 sci-fi novel Snow Crash. Stephenson described the metaverse in his book as an all-encompassing digital world that exists directly next to our physical one.

The Snow Crash metaverse was a virtual market that encircled the entire planet, allowing users to buy and sell real estate by wearing virtual reality (VR) goggles and playing as a 3D avatar. While the current use of the metaverse today has yet to meet this idea, experts in this field are interested to see if it can evolve to be something similar. 

Learn more about different titles to explore if you're interested in finding a job working in metaverse development.

How does the metaverse work?

The metaverse works through immersive 3D virtual environments that users access via VR headsets, augmented reality (AR) devices, or traditional screens. These technologies create a sense of presence and spatial awareness that goes far beyond typical web browsing or video calls.

• With VR, users can look around, gesture, manipulate objects, and move through space as if they were physically present.

• With AR, the technology overlays digital elements onto the real world, blending virtual and physical experiences.

The "interconnected" aspect means these virtual spaces can theoretically link together, allowing users to move seamlessly between different worlds and platforms while maintaining their digital identity and possessions

Many metaverse platforms are exploring blockchain technology to enable new economic models. Through cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the metaverse can create digital economies where users own their virtual assets, such as avatar clothing and virtual real estate, and can trade them freely both within and potentially across different virtual worlds. However, it's worth noting that some major metaverse initiatives currently operate without blockchain technology.

What are some popular metaverse examples?

Global tech companies have been investing in the metaverse, developing and releasing their own versions. Some of the more popular examples are:

• Meta (Facebook): Meta is currently working to build a VR social platform accessible through its headset, the Meta Quest 2. With the headset, Meta offers users unique social experiences and the opportunity to connect with others. 

• Microsoft: Microsoft’s view on the metaverse revolves around work, as shown by its Teams collaboration platform, which is used by businesses and organizations worldwide. The company aims to advance its metaverse by including artificial intelligence to gain insights based on the data it collects. 

• Epic Games: Epic Games is one of the most popular metaverse examples because of its popular game, Fortnite, which has become iconic for the “emotes” that its avatars do. Fortnite has also hosted virtual concerts for its users, including performances by Travis Scott and Ariana Grande. 

• Roblox: Roblox is working to provide user-generated video games through the metaverse and create virtual environments and digital assets for its users. 

• Minecraft: Since Minecraft is fully open-ended and customizable, you can create your own metaverse within the game on your own server. Minecraft additionally connects to the metaverse as a VR-compatible game. 

2 ways to access the metaverse

You can currently access the metaverse in various ways to experience its first developments. The two main areas where the metaverse currently exists are virtual reality and video games.

1. Virtual reality 

VR is considered to be the foundation of the metaverse because it provides users the ability to interact, socialize, and collaborate with other users virtually. There are many things you can do in real life, you can do in the metaverse with VR. 

VR headsets

Different VR headsets that allow you to access the metaverse include:

• Meta Quest 2: Meta Quest 2 is the most popular VR headset available currently. Developed by Oculus, a division of Meta, it is the most advanced VR system to hit the market to date. It is all-in-one, meaning you can explore a vast library of video games and immersive experiences just by attaining the headset. 

• PlayStation VR: The PlayStation VR headset is another top option to access the metaverse. The headset comes equipped with 4K HDR visuals, reinvented controllers, and awe-inspiring games. Unlike the Meta Quest 2, you must also have a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 to use the headset for video games and other interactive experiences. You might receive one game with the purchase of the headset, depending on PlayStation's current promotion. 

• Valve Index VR: Created by the software corporation Valve, the Valve Index VR headset focuses on fidelity to deliver an advanced metaverse. It aims to offer advanced displays, optics, ergonomics, and audio. With the headset purchase, you may get one or two games, such as Half-Life or Alyx. You are required to have a base station and PC to utilize the headset. 

2. Video games

Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, and other video games have included new features that increase the immersive experience of their product. These include creating avatars, buying and selling virtual assets, and interacting with others playing the game.

Although not required for all metaverse platforms, a VR headset can make your experience more immersive, giving you a sense of presence in the virtual world. You can choose from a few top headsets to begin your journey into the metaverse.

What can you do in the metaverse?

As the technology behind the metaverse improves and becomes more powerful, the different ways to use it will expand. Though the metaverse is technically still in its experimental stage, you can do various things relating to gaming, social interactions, and work.

Common uses for the metaverse include:

• Working: virtual offices, meetings, and collaboration

• Shopping: virtual stores and trying on digital goods

• Learning: immersive education and training simulations

• Playing: video games and entertainment experiences

• Creating: building virtual spaces and making digital art

• Conducting business: virtual real estate and digital economies

Metaverse terms

If you’re interested in entering the metaverse, being familiar with frequently used terms may be helpful to your experience. Take a look at these common terms:

• Avatar: To enter the metaverse, you must have a digital character to represent you. You can be a fictional person in the traditional form, which is a static avatar, or an immersive avatar that can talk and move.

• Virtual economies: The term refers to using cryptocurrency and NFTs in the metaverse. Virtual economics also refers to how players can trade and sell items amongst each other. Some games, such as Minecraft, support player trades, and sometimes trading is the only way to acquire some items.

• Mixed reality: Mixed reality integrates the physical and virtual worlds so users can interact with both simultaneously. To experience mixed reality, you’ll need a VR headset.

• Augmented reality: A phone camera or AR glasses lets augmented reality layers digital elements onto the physical space. It provides real-time interaction in 3-D.

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