As a concept, the Metaverse has been around for quite a while. Novels, movies, games – we’ve seen various iterations of this term depicted from the deepest reaches of creative vision.
But they are different from the Metaverse that we see and surround ourselves with, today.
The Metaverse platforms of today are an interactive, visual spectacle. A place where users are encouraged to join as virtual ‘avatars’ of themselves and get to access various digitized activities from both the real and online world.
In 2024, much of what people understand and know about the Metaverse has changed. It’s no longer a buzzword.
Many brands and companies have adopted ways in which to enter this space. And the future appears to be naught but promising.
What is Metaverse Platform?
With over 200 million online users in the last month, digital and virtual spaces such as Roblox is teeming with activity and life.
Companies are experimenting with virtual storefronts, artists and communities are offering digital collectibles, and work on the Metaverse development is at full steam.
And yet, what is a Metaverse platform? Well, a Metaverse platform, for those who are yet to wrap their heads around this topic, is an all-encompassing virtual world.
Users from all over the globe can connect to this virtual world which is a shared space, and use the tools and options available to interact on it.
✔️ It’s persistent
One of the key features of what Metaverse platforms should exist as, or be in the online world is that they are persistent.
Persistent in that even when there are no users to use a platform, it should still be online and accessible all the same.
This means that people are able to join and leave the Metaverse when they want at any time, and also return to enjoying something on the platform – seamlessly.
✔️ It’s Immersive
The virtual world and much of setting the place inside a Metaverse platform should neatly fit the immersive experience it either offers, or will offer.
This means that when a person will join a platform while having equipped VR or AR headsets, they should be able to interact with everything as if they are really there.
The immersive experience of the platform can further be supplemented by different viewing options, digital avatars, spatial audio, etc.
✔️ It’s Interoperable
Interoperability in the Metaverse is a must and as more platforms evolve, users should have the capability to migrate between different platforms at their own wish.
Moreover, they will have the convenience to do so without losing or leaving behind any of their digital assets on a different Metaverse platform.
Many of the platforms, as they exist today, have their own established cryptocurrencies, tokens and ecosystems.But this will ensure a collective Metaverse space which brings together all the fragments.
✔️ It’s Extensive
Another salient feature of Metaverse platforms is that they are created in a manner that let’s them scale. As it scales, it will have room to evolve and expand to include new settings, environments, assets and users.
Today, many Metaverses are limited by the number of users the platform’s servers can host.
However, this is rapidly changing and the extensible design of the platforms ensures that it would later adapt to new features and more users when required.
These are some of the important features that define Metaverse platforms. Today, there exists several platforms and virtual worlds that operate on their own, consisting of unique features in addition to the ones listed above.
They also have their own ecosystems, marketplaces and support various activities for stakeholders or investors.
As the technologies evolve, it is also possible to see platforms co-exist in shared virtual spaces with shared economies and users – owing to these features.
15 Best Metaverse Platforms Powering Virtual Worlds
Today, anyone can start on building their own Metaverse platform, given the open-source tools that have sprung up in the community.
Or, even go for professional Metaverse services to help develop segments of their virtual space and bring alive their vision.
However, it’s important to check and have a defined route or industry they would be creating a Metaverse platform for, as there are quite a few.
Here are some of the top Metaverse platforms that are shaping the future of these virtual spaces:
1. Roblox Metaverse
Image Source: Roblox
Roblox, is easily one of the most popular Metaverse platforms amongst online users and those in the circle of the virtual community.
It has seen years upon years of advancements and work, and still continues to implement new upgrades and features for its users.
Users, by the way, which number in the millions on a daily basis. And with over 200 million of these users clocking in, for hours every month, it’s safe to say that this is one of the largest Metaverse platforms that one can join today.
The Industry and Community
Much of the community that Roblox has garnered over the years revolves around people seeking games and social interactions on their Metaverse platform.
And that is exactly the industry Roblox has filled, settling into the entertainment sector with how the activities and opportunities on their poised for.
On their platform, you can expect to have your hands filled with games ranging from various genres. Whether you’re into fighting games or RPGs and shooters, or even navigating through obstacles and races.
The emphasis on social interactions in Roblox is quite important and this lies in the fact that the platform hosts both single-player games and multiplayer ones.
Multiplayer games further the online experience of interacting with others on a Metaverse platform and it usually sees people inviting their friends to play with them.
In addition to the options made possible in multiplayer gaming, Roblox also boasts VR capabilities and cross-platform compatibility.
And this ensures a truly immersive experience for the users depending on the system and hardware they use to join up.
Technology and Features
As a Metaverse platform, Roblox has a variety of technologies operating under the hood but one of them which stands out for its users is the Roblox Studio.
People navigating this platform can use the Studio to create games and virtual experiences of all sorts, even if they know nothing about coding and scripting.
That’s because the engine offered by Roblox has an interactive and visual programming language.
Furthermore, people can create and sell different types of avatars for a user’s profile which are present in the market.
1. Roblox Studio A proprietary game engine dedicated to enabling creators with the means to design, script, code and build their own 3D games.
2. Virtual Economy Users on the Metaverse platform can use the in-game currency to gain access to various items. Known as Robux, it helps in supporting the developers who make the digital assets, accessories and avatars, etc.
3. Customizable Profiles The people navigating Roblox can also use a variety of options to customize their final profiles. This includes swappable avatars, clothes, animations and accessories.
4. Cross-platform Compatibility More than just PC or being limited to just one OS is not a problem for Roblox as it is available for use across various platforms – including Macs, iOS, Android and even Xbox.
2. Decentraland
Image Source: Decentraland
If you’ve heard of the Metaverse wedding reception, this year, then you’d have heard of Decentraland.
As a Metaverse platform, Decentraland is credited with enabling one of the crowning features of joining virtual worlds – buying virtual land or real estate.
Known as ‘LAND’ in the community, the platform sees users buy plots of virtual land which can then be further developed as per the wishes of the user.
The Metaverse platform also provides software development kits so that developers can create all sorts of games, applications and custom locations on it.
All the financial dealings that take part on Decentraland and its ecosystem, is powered by Ethereum.
As the platform is built in combination with blockchain technology and uses smart contracts for matters related to ownership of assets such as LAND.
3. Edverse
Image Source: Edverse
The Edverse metaverse platform provides a dynamic environment that transcends physical boundaries, allowing users to interact, collaborate, and create in a shared virtual world.
It is a pivotal centre for online learning that promotes immersive learning. Additionally, it acts as a flexible platform for online meetings, encouraging relationships and community development.
Edverse offers a scalable solution for organisations, whether they are giant corporations or fledgling startups, to improve cooperation and engagement.
It’s where creative teaching techniques are unlocked by educators, where business aspirations may flourish, and where event hosts can create unforgettable experiences.
The Edverse metaverse, which promotes creativity, connectedness, and limitless possibilities, is the ideal location for anybody looking to harness the power of the virtual world.
3. Fortnite
Image Source: Fortnite
Fortnite has been a massively popular title amongst gamers and in the entertainment industry but the inclusion of ‘Metaverse’ into the saga has further enhanced the experience for its players.
Fortnite as a Metaverse platform has many of the prerequisites one would expect in the virtual space.
Where its users can play through various game modes in the Fortnite Metaverse – and explore its immersive environments.
Similarly, the users on the now video game-platform allows people to meet new folks from different parts of the world by using the platform’s social features.
And just like many important Metaverse platforms, it also lets its players to join as customizable avatars that connects seamlessly with the new locations and ‘maps’ that are rolled out periodically by the developers.
4. Somnium Space
Somnium Space is touted as having one of the best implementations of VR as a Metaverse platform. Built on the Unity engine, it also has support for tracking gestures, hand signals, limbs and the body while letting desktop users connect without hardware support.
Similar to Decentraland, Somnium Space also allows people to buy and own various virtual assets such as virtual real estate using Ethereum.
In addition to that, they can then create custom experiences on the platform using its ‘Somnium Space World Builder.’
This is a tool offered by the developers of Somnium so that others from the community can come forward to further growing the Metaverse platform without having to perform any complex actions in doing so.
5. The Adidas Metaverse
Image Source: Adidas
Many popular brands have been in the que for joining the Metaverse and therefore, seeing Adidas with its own iteration of a Metaverse platform isn’t a surprise.
It all began with their foray titled ‘Into the Metaverse’ which saw the launch of their virtual sneakers and other pieces of gear for avatars.
This virtual gear later appeared in a ‘Fashion Week’ event planned on Decentraland, which was a bit of a crossover.
Adidas has also worked with Bored Ape Yacht Club for producing collector’s items to be offered on its Metaverse virtual showrooms.
Apart from the immersive experiences and limited-edition wearables on their Metaverse platform, Adidas also aims to work together with Decentraland so that users can have virtual twins of their favorite gear.
6. Upland
Image Source: Upland
Another Metaverse platform which, much like Decentraland, has made waves in the community for its focus on virtual real estate and virtual property, is Upland.
It allows users to purchase options from their favorite cities, and can be used from its smartphone app or web-browser version.
If and when a person wants to either sell their property or trade up, there’s also the option of a marketplace for users to interact.
Aside from the main concept for commercializing virtual properties in a Metaverse setting, Upland also sees mini-games for its users to play.
These mini games are based around the virtual world on the platform and results in rewards and ‘treasures’ for explorers.
7. Sandbox Metaverse
Image Source: The Sandbox
Community-driven Metaverse platforms are quite important in the present scenario, as it reinforces the whole notion of decentralized platforms.
The Sandbox, is a Metaverse platform that is community-driven in that vein and uses blockchain technology to let users engage with the economy. It has a game mode, a ‘builder’ mode and even a marketplace.
And the users are given a free hand at creating new experiences, develop assets, etc. and also monetize them or sell them.
Their economy is run by their own crypto token called ‘SAND’ which is used for selling and purchasing on the marketplace.
A defining aspect of the Sandbox Metaverse is its ‘VoxEdit’ feature that lets people make use of the voxel-style of creating various assets for the platform.
8. Horizon Worlds
Image Source: Horizon worlds
Created by Meta, Horizon Worlds is a Metaverse platform that has seen the use of VR headsets and authentic virtual experiences almost from the get-go.
That’s because the Quest headsets by Facebook have been a popular method of experiencing Meta’s platform, in all its graphical and audio fidelity on display.
As with many Metaverse experiences, Horizon Worlds doesn’t shy away from offering users with creator mode options and be a part of the platform’s economy.
People can attend events, play games, and use/view content created by other users like themselves.
There’s a lot to do in Facebook’s official take on the Metaverse, thanks to the increasing landscape and creative tools.
9. Illuvium
Image Source: Illuvium
Taking somewhat of a departure from Metaverse platforms having a focus on various projects and multiple games, Illuvium is an open-world RPG with a singular focus: Battle and capture all sorts of creatures which its community knows as ‘Illuvials.’
It’s been made using the Ethereum blockchain by the developers and has its own crypto token to boot called ILV. This token is used for all sorts of financial dealings on the platform, including buying and selling tokenized ‘NFT’ versions of the Illuvials on the game’s marketplace.
10. The Nike Metaverse
Image Source: Nike
Another popular fashion brand that’s been making the rounds with their Metaverse platform is Nike. They have started this foray into the virtual spaces ever since they teamed up with RTFKT studios.
This enabled them to launch digital collections of their shoes. These digital versions of their limited shoes have different skins that can be customized.
Users who are up for some shopping in Metaverse can enter their platform and explore their products in its full virtual glory.
Their showroom also displays some of their other ventures – some of which include their AR Genesis Hoodie which works with the avatars of their audience.
They also receive an actual, physical hoodie from Nike – personifying the Metaverse in its truest sense – blending the real with the digital.
11. Axie Infinity
There are many Metaverse platforms that offer options to play full-fledged gaming titles or even mini games to its users. Axie Infinity is what someone on the block call the ‘OG’ of the Metaverse gaming scene.
The gameplay system is vast and varied, allowing players to breed and raise digital creatures known as ‘Axies.’
These same creatures are then utilized by the players to use in battles and for other instances enabled by the game.
Coincidentally, this Metaverse platform is also one of the first platforms that began offering ownership of in-game assets to its players, which is important for a decentralized economy for such platforms.
12. Microsoft Mesh
Stepping up to the plate for people across various industries, Microsoft Mesh is an important Metaverse platform that enables virtual spaces for education and business.
The power of being able to collaborate and work together in real time, in the shared spaces of Microsoft’s Mesh makes it good for various activities.
People can conduct their meetings in these virtual spaces. Students can undergo Metaverse training sessions for academic roles.
And healthcare personnel can use this virtual space to give care to patients from afar with a personal touch.
13. Nvidia Omniverse
Another Metaverse platform with a special focus on the manufacturing and work operations industry is Nvidia’s entry titled the ‘Omniverse platform.’
It operates by relying on cloud services and is a handy tool for businesses looking to both create and collaborate.
Companies involved in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and more.
The Omniverse platform is being currently used for various requirements of businesses including those that can leverage 3D simulations of their work process.
It also holds massive potential in terms of letting businesses regardless of their industry – to train their employees, check out new prototypes and design their products with ease.
14. Metahero
Made by the ingenious minds at Wolf Digital World, Metahero is a top-notch Metaverse platform that utilizes 3D scanning and modeling.
By implementing the use of scanning technologies, it is able to create immersive environments in the virtual space, complete with in-game assets and avatars.
The platform also has its own crypto token called the ‘HERO’ token which is utilized for transactions, creation of avatars, collecting digital items, and more.
15. Star Atlas
If space-themed games and virtual worlds are your thing, and you want to explore planets and stars in the expanse of the universe, then Star Atlas is right up your alley.
This is a Metaverse platform that includes blockchain game for users to navigate while relying on the space designs and clues.
It has a large community of users as gaming Metaverse platforms go. And uses the Solana blockchain network for its financial processes.
Build your own Metaverse Platform for Business and Events
As we finish exploring some of the top Metaverse platforms for the online community and industries, it’s clear that the Metaverse revolution is here to stay.
It’s not a fad that’s slipping from conversations anytime soon and the growing popularity of these platforms are testament to this fact.
At EDIIIE, we are experienced at working on Metaverse for enterprise, for training, and for various events that can be imported into its virtual landscapes.
Let us help you in developing a Metaverse experience that’s fashioned after your goals and ideas, with our experts crafting the way.