Tag: #metaverse

2024 AI, gaming & metaverse trends and more

Cloudflare, Inc. the leading connectivity cloud company, published its fifth annual Year in Review, exploring global Internet insights and security trends during 2024, accompanied by a deeper dive on the most popular Internet services.

The Internet is the cornerstone of global connection, providing access to the critical information and services that power our daily lives. This dependency on the Internet has made it the backbone of today’s society – from helping first responders save lives, allowing communities to connect with elected officials and register to vote or supporting global digital economies. Cloudflare’s 2024 Year in Review underscores how every year, as more people and devices connect to the Internet, global traffic surges (up 17% YoY), generating new trends that showcase our global reliance on its capabilities.

“We rely on the Internet almost constantly, yet many still see it merely as a collection of web pages. But the Internet is everywhere, woven throughout almost all of the daily activities of modern life – how we interact and connect on social media, use our smart refrigerators and vacuums, travel from one place to another through rideshare apps, connect to our banks and more,” said Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder at Cloudflare. “All of these interactions we often take for granted, behind the scenes, are connected to the Internet in one way or another, with a huge percentage running through Cloudflare’s network every second of every day. And as one of the largest in the world, Cloudflare’s global network has an unmatched comprehensive view into usage, and overall quality and connectivity across the web.”

With its Year in Review report, Cloudflare aims to share key data insights about the changing Internet landscape to help keep the online world more informed, resilient and secure. Some of the biggest highlights of 2024 include:

  • Most popular internet service: Google came in first for the third year in a row, followed by Facebook (#2), Apple (#3) and TikTok (#4) – unchanged from 2023. However, WhatsApp broke into the top ten most popular services globally for the first time.
  • Most popular generative AI service: Codeium, Claude and CoPilot were new entrants to the top ten most popular generative AI services (#3, #5 and  #7 respectively), while OpenAI held onto the number one position for the second year in a row.
  • Most popular gaming services: Gaming consumers drove Steam into the top five most popular services for the first time, while Minecraft entered the top ten this year. Meanwhile, Roblox ranked #1 for the fourth year in a row.
  • Most targeted industry: Globally, the Gaming and Gambling industry became the top target for threat actors, overtaking the Finance sector, which was the most targeted category in 2023. Notably, threats increased largely in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl in the United States.
  • Internet outages observed: Over half of all global Internet outages were a result of government directed shutdowns – often in response to protests, civil unrest or even to prevent cheating during exams – impacting countries like Mozambique, Iraq, Syria, Bangladesh, Senegal, Pakistan and others.
  • Malicious traffic: The Internet has not become significantly more dangerous over the past year, with about 6.5% of all global traffic mitigated as potentially malicious – only a slight increase from 2023.
  • Most aggressive AI bots: AI bots and crawlers have been in the news for voraciously consuming content. But while Bytespider (ByteDance) and ClaudeBot (Anthropic) were the most active, both of their overall traffic gradually declined over the course of the year.

“Cloudflare Radar was launched in 2020 when we witnessed the drastic impact the pandemic had on the way we interact with the Internet, and the importance for those insights to be accessible to anyone,” said David Belson, Head of Data Insight at Cloudflare. “Our Year in Review is a part of Radar’s commitment to democratise Cloudflare’s data, offering a window into Internet trends and patterns for anyone to explore at their fingertips.”

This data comes from Cloudflare Radar, a free tool that lets anyone view global trends and insights across the Internet. Radar is powered by data from Cloudflare’s global network (one of the world’s largest, spanning 330+ cities in 120+ countries), and aggregated and anonymised data from Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 public DNS Resolver, widely used as a fast and private way to browse the Internet.

How the Metaverse Could Be a Game-Changer for NFT Gaming

Metaverse-based NFT game development is the talk of the town as advanced technology and virtual gaming are introduced, and users enjoy the most unreal and unexpected experiences related to video game NFTs. The technology to build these new games makes them more entertaining and offers a better gaming experience. This article discusses what makes metaverse NFTs a buzzword and why immersive technology could be a game-changer in NFT gaming.     

The Metaverse and NFT Gaming 

The prospect of developing NFT games designed explicitly for the metaverse offers endless possibilities for the gaming community. That’s because NFTs are digital replicas of items that can be bought and sold in real-life or in-game virtual items, creating a new marketplace for developers and players. Moreover, the ability to access and play select blockchain games on the metaverse using NFTs is an added advantage because it allows players to incorporate their in-game rewards into the metaverse.    

What Is the Metaverse?

The metaverse, a virtual space that integrates virtual and augmented realities, has taken the world of video game NFTs by storm as it offers a surreal virtual experience. It gives users the feeling of “living the moment in real life” and takes them anywhere in the world in real-time. The meeting point between the metaverse and the NFT games like Chainers is that NFTs have become a medium of exchange in the gaming industry. As developers include virtual items in the upcoming games, it creates a more efficient experience and rich virtual factors attractive to gamers.  

Fueled by the blockchain revolution, the metaverse games offer a more rewarding experience as part of advanced technology and extend gaming to resemble a real-life experience. The metaverse’s immersive factor sets new benchmarks by giving the gaming experience more usability. Considering that significant multinationals across the globe are lining up to invest in metaverse video game NFTs, this should be the right time for anyone interested in becoming a part of the future to dive in.  

Trends for Metaverse

A close look at the metaverse and NFTs shows that the three have numerous overlapping similarities, and it’s the blockchain that all share in common. The basics of the NFT games show common elements, especially concerning the fact that the metaverse relies on blockchain for decentralization. The same technology is the foundation of NFT technology. As a result, blockchain NFT games that have consistently used NFTs are gradually becoming popular on metaverse platforms.   

It’s important to mention that the projected transmission toward metaverse games status begins when one considers its potential. Already, virtual concerts are becoming a great hit, with millions of people attending them. For records, 27 million people participated in the Travis Scott on Fortnite virtual concert in 2020. With such numbers, experts predicted that the metaverse would likely evolve into an $800 billion market by 2024.

With pundits predicting that there will be up to 32.8 million shipments of virtual reality and augmented reality devices by 2024, it’s easy to project that adopting the metaverse will become a reality. Moreover, big tech companies are already pouring millions of dollars into metaverse development projects, with firms like Meta investing over $10 billion into the space. Looking at all these trends and predictions, it’s easy to see why the emerging integration of the metaverse and NFTs point to a possible notable highlight with excellent prospects.      

NFTs and Metaverse in Gaming 

The NFT gaming process has already succeeded in making it possible for developers to create popular games using the play-to-earn concept. NFTs enable combining gaming economies that allow the developer and the player to earn from their time and effort with real ones. As a result, people are already making real money from the virtual world.   

The virtual universes offering NFT games as a part of their menu are already gaining high momentum. As users bask in those benefits, the metaverse, with its immersive and 3D capabilities, promises a higher level of communication, enjoyment, entertainment, and self-realization. Unlike NFT games, where people can only play, the metaverse games introduce opportunities for users to play and also to “live” in the virtual world. 

The Future of Metaverse in NFT Gaming 

The play-to-earn model used in NFT games has already trailed the blaze in helping players have access and ownership of gaming products and exclusive in-game content. By introducing the idea of video games and NFTs into the mix, earning metaverse tokens is only likely to increase trade volumes besides boosting interaction among players by including a real-world-like gaming experience. It is, therefore, safe to state that metaverse is expected to transform the blockchain gaming experience when you consider the following factors: 

  1. Metaverse is becoming a mainstream subject: Since Facebook rebranded to Meta, metaverse has become a buzzword, and discussions around the space have boosted the awareness and popularity of VR gaming.  
  2. More money is pouring into the space: Apart from Meta, which invested $10 billion, other big tech firms like Microsoft and others have poured more money into Metaverse development. 
  3. Metaverse virtual worlds: Metaverse virtual worlds are already receiving formidable mentions whenever the existing metaverse blockchain games and NFT games get mentioned concerning future gaming trends. Players enjoy the immersive experience of the three-dimensional virtual worlds and the additional prospects of socializing and creating virtual art.  
  4. Metaverse entertainment: The metaverse’s interactive nature has already made it a good candidate for entertainment activities, with people celebrating events like concerts, weddings, and cultural festivals virtually. 

Conclusion 

The future of the metaverse in the gaming space has shown the potential to go beyond the scope of relaxation, entertainment, and opportunities for virtual collaboration to include video games using the play-to-earn concept. Moreover, extending the game paradigm to include NFT and metaverse features that enable players to recognize distinct player identities makes the metaverse game-changer even greater. Since NFTs will continue to serve access tokens in gaming, the sky’s the limit for NFT game development for the metaverse. 

Metaverse Operations Autonomous Electric Vehicles And The Digital Economy Set To Transform The Travel Industry

Several powerful megatrends – from young, highly connected travelers to the arrival of electric air taxis – will exert an immense influence on air travel over the next decade, forcing industry, governments, and technology to adapt rapidly. This is according to “Meet the Megatrends,” a new report from SITA that examines 12 emerging technological, societal, traveler, and economic trends that will significantly morph the travel landscape by 2033.

These megatrends do not exist in silos but operate in an evolving ecosystem where emerging technologies interconnect the trends and help drive them forward. Data is at the heart of this ecosystem. The increasing willingness of providers to share data across the wider travel industry will help further accelerate these trends and pave the way to the more connected, seamless travel experience that passengers want.

Ilkka Kivelä, VP Strategy and Innovation, SITA, said: “The air transport industry is at a post-pandemic crossroads, facing challenges from all sides. While the travel recovery accelerates globally, airports and airlines are scrambling to provide the seamless travel experience passengers expect, often with slashed workforces and squeezed budgets. The climate crisis demands swifter and more decisive industry action to make travel more sustainable. We now have an opportunity to reimagine the world of travel, connect the dots and transform travel with bold solutions that cross sectors and exploit the latest technologies.”

One of the key trends identified in the report is Gen Z and millennial travelers driving a digital transformation of the transport industry, demanding a more integrated digital journey, and accelerating the digital way of life. Privacy, digital identity rights, and controls for passengers will be a priority for passengers opening the door to a future where we can travel from everywhere to anywhere without the need for physical documents or being stopped for identification.

Another power trend is the automation and emergence of smart airports, which will reshape the workforce, give rise to a new flattened business organization, and streamline operations through technology. By 2030 metaverse operations will be commonplace at leading airports and play a vital role in optimizing processes, avoiding disruption, and facilitating intuitive, immersive control of intelligent airports. This in turn will require new skills and create new opportunities for employees in the industry.

Meanwhile, electric air vehicles are expected to be ubiquitous at major international airports by the end of the decade, operating as an effective auxiliary service and revenue stream for airports and airlines. This year alone, investment in the Urban Air Mobility industry has skyrocketed, with $4.7 billion committed to the development of eVTOL vehicles.

Ilkka Kivelä said: “These trends are shaping SITA’s own innovation agenda. We’re excited to be working across many of these areas and look forward to collaborating with partners to drive positive change across the industry.”

The report was spearheaded by the SITA Lab innovation team and draws upon insights from across the transport industry, SITA’s global research, and the latest cutting-edge proof of concepts to identify the most powerful shifts that will drive the travel industry’s evolution by 2033.

LastPass enters Meta as the first password manager, delivering key security service for virtual reality users

At this year’s Meta Connect, LastPass announced it is the first password manager with a 2D Progressive Web App (PWA) in the Meta Quest Store, available today, with a native integration into the Meta Quest Browser planned for early 2023. This marks a major milestone for LastPass as it becomes a key security service for virtual reality users and will prove vital as Meta continues to expand its VR ecosystem to include business, educational, productivity and entertainment environments.

The LastPass app solves the current challenge of accessing passwords on Meta Quest, by providing a simple and secure account login experience with quick access to credentials, credit cards, addresses and more without removing the VR headset. Whether customers are logging in or completing a purchase, this is the simplest and most productive way to access apps and securely browse in VR. All LastPass customers, including those using the free version, can download LastPass from the Meta Quest Store. Quest customers who do not have a LastPass account can create one here.

“We’re honored to join Meta to solve a real-life pain point of so many VR users,” said Karim Toubba, CEO of LastPass. “As we kick off this initial phase, we look forward to making a positive impact through the custom app integration to deliver the best possible experience. Universal access to your logins, personal information, and data should be the expectation, no matter which device you’re using – and LastPass provides this ubiquity – whether you’re at home, at work, or in the metaverse.” 

Early next year, LastPass will make the experience even more simple and seamless by offering automatic save and fill functionality when it will become the first cross-device password manager integrated natively in the Meta Quest Browser.

LastPass app on Meta’s Quest Store click here

Top technologies in 2022

Technology continues its unstoppable innovation, bringing new solutions to society. Perhaps some of them, as is the case of the metaverse, are not so important or socially relevant. However, in other cases we can find technologies that can have an application that can bring a lot to society, especially in certain countries, as is the case of Blockchain technology.

Metaverse

Many people may wonder what the metaverse can really contribute to people’s lives. In the opinion of many experts, perhaps little. What they can do is change the way we enjoy some experiences or perhaps envelop them with new sensations. For example, there are websites that claim that the metaverse will play an important role in casino games and the like. For example, being able to simulate the presence of the player in a real casino room, being able to enjoy from the comfort of your home the feeling of being in the gaming room of the best casinos in the world. For example, you will be able to visit and play at the tables of the Monte Carlo casino from the sofa of your home.

Some media also point to the possibility that we can have much more immersive distance learning experiences similar to a traditional classroom with physical presence and direct contact between student and teacher. In fact, online education can undergo a great evolution if it can fit well within an educational metaverse. Being able to ask questions to the teacher in real time in a much closer way than by a simple video call can make some trainings that are developed within the metaverse increase the quality and above all the knowledge that the student can obtain.

Blockchain

As for blockchain, large projects of great social significance have been generated within it. Blockchain technology should not be confused with cryptocurrencies, as they do not necessarily go together. Cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology, but they are not the same thing. For example, some of the most innovative projects using blockchain technology allow the donations that countries and individuals give to developing countries to be traced and, in a transparent way, it can be seen what that money is spent on and in whose hands it goes. This is something that can contribute to overcome the inequality that exists between many third world countries and more developed countries, since having the possibility of controlling and verifying what the donations are destined to, many more people may want to contribute to these countries without fearing that the money ends up diverted to the accounts of corrupt politicians in these less developed countries. In addition, the NGOs that may receive the funds will have full traceability of the money, being able to be transparent with their donors at all times.

In this aspect there are numerous social projects or projects of social interest that can be developed on the Blockchain, although few end up coming to fruition. In many cases, large sums of money are needed to finance the project, so they need to obtain funding and these times are not very good in that aspect, as many venture capital funds have stopped investing in companies that are not profitable and can offer a return on their investment in the short term, due to the crisis we are experiencing globally at the moment.

Artificial Intelligence

Undoubtedly the best example of the evolution of technology. This year there has even been news about the possible or theoretical consciousness that some artificial intelligences could have of themselves. However, artificial intelligence is something that will help many sectors in the coming years. One sector where a lot of work is being done with artificial intelligence is in the healthcare sector, where it is expected that artificial intelligence could help save many lives with artificial intelligence-based treatments and diagnoses in order to always do what is optimal for the patient.

Google even offers training on artificial intelligence so that users and developers can contribute to the ecosystem and take artificial intelligence to a new level where it can really have a great impact in favor of society in many different areas.

The biggest mobile game development trends of 2022

The mobile game industry will surely continue to develop rapidly to become a lucrative business area. This industry has exceeded all technical and commercial targets. You can anticipate the future of mobile games with an internet presence of over 3 million worldwide players. It’s therefore reasonable to expect an ingenious mobile gaming future. Developing games will help improve the ability to handle the risk and difficulties of the games industry. 

Mobile Game Development Trends to Follow in 2022 

You must keep a watch out for new advancements while investing in mobile games because there are so many different games accessible, from casually paced games to $1 deposit casinos Canada. Here are a few predictions for 2023’s mobile game development trends. 

NFTs and Blockchain based Games 

Blockchain technology and blockchain technologies have become crucial to the mobile game business. FT’s look much like another cryptocurrency like ETH or BTC. This nonfungible token is commonly used to tokenize real estate, music, artwork, and other things. Despite these advantages, blockchain technology provides strong stability. Therefore, NFT tokenisation is also possible in some game characters. A further benefit is that they could be used to tokenize trade cards in card games. A number of popular games from the metaverse are “NFT”. The markets of NFT gaming have accelerated. According to the report, the number of digital currency wallet accounts associated with gaming was up by 307,636 in early 2022 from 307,326 in early 2021. 

Esports are on the rise 

In recent years, mobile gaming has become increasingly popular. It’s possible to view it as an upcoming competition for the professional players and gamers who are interested. Many people in the world have watched or followed these games via direct viewing or watching different live shows. Live streams provide an easy way to watch upcoming games on your PC in real time. The eSport market has been valued by experts at over a billion by 2021 – an almost 50% increase compared to 2021. A further increase of $2bn is anticipated to occur in 2023. 

Metaverse 

The Metaverse has become an emerging trend, but there is no clarity as to how this will affect gaming in mobile. This year mobile gaming has been joined to the Metaverse enabling enhanced gameplay. Among them are: Fortnite concerts. Various companies like Nike land on Roblox also have gaming worlds built on. Start-ups are preparing to help build a metaverse infrastructure and offer its users the tools for creating and maintaining the metaverse, such as creating real life avatars. Soon it will be more accessible for people with an interest in reading the Metaverse in 2021. 

Increased gaming socialization 

Mobile game interaction grew as more people became involved via social media. During the pandemic the isolation and constant search for interaction have made mobile gaming an important social area for people. 45% of American gamers use Facebook chat while playing. Most Americans have started a liking for online modes and multiplayer games over single player games. Games developers will benefit from new features such as guilds, social networks, chat rooms, etc. Social media has been gaining popularity among gamers as he has become increasingly popular with gamers. 

Cross-platform mobile gaming 

Cross-platform games are an interesting trend shaping the gaming industry in 2024. It can also take place across platforms on cellular phones, tablets, mobile phones, and other devices. Players couldn’t play across different platforms for several reasons. In 2021 gamers experience gaming on multiple platforms with Game code-based software. Developers are interested in making the game available to a variety of platforms, including laptop, mobile phones and tablets. The app is made up of cross-platform technology which allows quick discovery of its functionality. 

Hyper-Casuals will take the lead 

Sensor Tower has published a report titled Industry Trend Report predicting a burgeoning hyper casual gaming trend for 2025 to 3035. Hyper-casual games offer gamers a chance at relaxation without increasing intelligence. The global online gaming industry will forecast growth of 1% by 2019, the company said. Market predictions and assessments thus indicate a high growth of hyper-casual video game industry in 2025. Many famous examples such as Candy Crush Monster Strike and Coin master have quickly become tough competition in game play on PC and console. 

Multiplayer functionality 

Mobile games can be played in many different formats than a gaming console. Several are accessed and more will become available in 2022. Mobile phone apps are an all-encompassing multi-player game. Recently the world has witnessed a booming multiplayer game craze. In 2022 multiplayer game is expected to become an increasingly prominent trend with the rise of mobile games. Mobile games are intended to help you boost mental energy, relax yourself, or strengthen your relationships. We want everyone to have fun playing on the Internet. 

 

Artificial Intelligence in Gaming 

Artificial intelligence can certainly enhance gameplay and playability. AI in games could tell you whether your games are successful. It’s already been mentioned that popular technology is gaining popularity. Ultimately, AR and AI technology will change gaming. AI will be more influential on gaming over the next decade, according to our predictions. AI helps developers create fun games. AI aims to improve NPC learning abilities. NPCs may use artificial intelligence for their responses, making video games trickier. 

Mobile Cloud Gaming 

Mobile cloud gaming is good for learning how to live. Additionally, the subscription model influences developers’ motivation more. They can also easily integrate certain payment options with gaming strengths. So, a user can build strength and use tools such as Fortnight Candy Crush / PUBG for quick and efficient performances in any situation. Developers’ earnings surely are flawless if they can access remote servers without hardware assistance and access downloadable software from remote servers. 

Gaming with Augmented Reality 

In augmented reality games, AR can combine graphics and video to create a visual interface which allows a user to experience a game’s content in real-time. Contrary to VR gaming AR uses current environment to create playable environments. You do not require special headsets for AR devices. User can view and play virtual reality games using mobile device. A very advanced example of AR game applications with GPS, smartphones and cameras is Pokémon Go. The system supports location-specific AR environments. 

Wearable technology 

Wearables is an e-gypsum that uses a sensor that enables users to monitor, identify, and communicate information directly with the user. Fitness rings, wristbands, and smart watches are a few typical wearable devices that utilize wearable technology. Wearable devices are generally connected to wellness and development has also occurred rapidly in the gaming business. You can use an electronic tracker to track games that players are playing. This information enhances the gaming experience of players. 

The rise of VR (Virtual Reality) Gaming 

VR provides gamers with an amazing experience. Virtual reality headsets enable users to use objects in a locked space. While VR headsets may appear costly at the moment, technology advancement could be used to help reduce their cost. In the future, graphics and VR gaming quality could improve. The future for VR gaming looks amazing as tech giants such as Microsoft, Apple and IBM have already started with similar technology. 

BearingPoint leads Leinster Rugby on their Journey into the Metaverse

BearingPoint, the official innovation partner of Leinster Rugby, has today hosted a milestone event showcasing the capabilities of metaverse technology for the Leinster Rugby sporting community. In a multi-location demonstration of BearingPoint’s virtual reality (VR) and innovation capabilities, they have unveiled their shared ambition with Leinster Rugby. The metaverse is a digital environment where you can work, collaborate, meet friends and have fun, and Leinster Rugby is looking to lead the way for the future of sport in this digital world.

Business partners, media and sporting stars were in attendance through virtual reality technology in four locations across Europe including the BearingPoint offices in Dublin, London, and Paris as well as the Leinster Rugby Club facilities in University College Dublin. Showcasing the convergence between the physical and digital worlds through cutting-edge technology, guests at the event entered the metaverse and went on a journey from the BearingPoint offices in Paris and finished with a pitchside experience and presentation in a VR built Aviva Stadium developed by the BearingPoint team.

BearingPoint is planning to play a central role in leveraging its VR expertise to enable Leinster Rugby to further engage its fans through immersive experiences and to explore the wider commercial possibilities and potential this technology has in the sporting world.

Speaking at the launch, Gillian O’Sullivan, Country Leader for BearingPoint Ireland said: “Today we unveiled our plans to lead Leinster Rugby into the metaverse. It is a very exciting day for us as their innovation partner and we are committed to leading them on this journey. The power of virtual reality is enormous, and we wanted to show how this technology can expand businesses and experiences.  What better way to do it than by bringing Leinster Rugby into the metaverse.

BearingPoint’s vision and commitment to leading Leinster Rugby on this journey were set out by their immersive experience expert, Eric Chevallet at the event. Speaking at the launch, Eric Chevallet, Head of Immersive Labs at BearingPoint said, “At BearingPoint, we are an innovative company that is ahead of the curve with regard to metaverse technology and more broadly with virtual reality technology. The potential for businesses in the metaverse is endless, and we are delighted to be working with Ireland’s leading sports franchise making this first move today.”

Kevin Quinn, Head of Commercial and Marketing at Leinster Rugby who attended the event said, “At Leinster Rugby, we’re always striving to improve, to nurture and drive the pursuit of excellence in everything we do both on and off the pitch. This exciting initiative is a significant and strategic business and brand building opportunity for us at Leinster Rugby.”

He added: “By entering the metaverse with BearingPoint’s support, we are broadening our horizons to identify new digital commercial opportunities and working to develop immersive rugby experiences that provide our community with new ways to experience rugby, follow their teams and interact with our brand.”

“We have a passionate, engaged and growing supporter base and we’re excited to work with our innovation partner, BearingPoint, to explore new ways to improve how we communicate and engage with them.”

The event provided valuable learning opportunities for attendees to experience first-hand the benefits and potential of the metaverse. Interest in the metaverse has grown exponentially in the past year which is causing businesses to rethink and change how they can engage more effectively with users online.

Irish Agency Opens An Office in the Metaverse

Connector by Granite is the first Irish agency to join the Metaverse. The agency’s Metaverse office joins its other locations in Dublin, Cork, Galway.

The virtual facilities include a reception, 12 meeting rooms and an auditorium for events for up to 200 concurrent users.

Commenting on the launch, Strategy Director, Ivan Adriel, said: “Metaverse is a term first coined in Neal Stephenson’s 1992 novel Snow Crash, but in recent years it has taken the world by storm and is now used to describe a world in which the ‘digital and physical’ are blurred. Our new office is a space for experimentation and collaboration and invites our clients to discover what’s next.”

According to Global Web Index Europe, the knowledge of the Metaverse is split almost equally into three groups: 33% who understand the concept, 37% who have heard of it but aren’t sure what it means, and 30% who aren’t sure at all.

Over half of consumers say they are interested in participating in the Metaverse, with 1 in 3 of those who hadn’t heard of it before still saying they wanted to be involved.

Luciano Jacob, Creative Director, celebrates the possibilities the new space brings “The Metaverse allows us to push creativity to limitless frontiers, break the limits of geography to bring people together. We are delighted to launch our office in the metaverse and experiment with new possibilities.”

HSBC to become first global financial services provider to enter The Sandbox

HSBC, one of the world’s largest international banking and financial services providers, and The Sandbox, a leading decentralized gaming virtual world and subsidiary of Animoca Brands, today announced a new partnership that will open up a host of opportunities for virtual communities across the world to engage with global financial services providers and sports communities in The Sandbox metaverse.

The groundbreaking partnership between The Sandbox and HSBC will see the global financial services provider acquire a plot of LAND, virtual real estate in The Sandbox metaverse, which will be developed to engage and connect with sports, esports and gaming enthusiasts.

The agreement opens the door for other global institutions to continue innovating in Web3 as consumer adoption demands more robust experiences in the metaverse through decentralized and gamified offerings.

Metaverse virtual worlds deliver interactive and immersive experiences to users, with many of these platforms built on blockchain technology. The global metaverse market is estimated to grow from $45.4bn in 2019 to a staggering $1.5tn in 2030 (source: PwC | Seeing is Believing).

Suresh Balaji, Chief Marketing Officer, Asia-Pacific, HSBC, said: “The metaverse is how people will experience Web3, the next generation of the Internet – using immersive technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality and extended reality. At HSBC, we see great potential to create new experiences through emerging platforms, opening up a world of opportunity for our current and future customers and for the communities we serve. Through our partnership with The Sandbox we are making our foray into the metaverse, allowing us to create innovative brand experiences for new and existing customers. We’re excited to be working with our sports partners, brand ambassadors, and Animoca Brands to co-create experiences that are educational, inclusive and accessible.”

Sebastien Borget, COO and Co-founder of The Sandbox, said: “We’re pleased to see large, trusted institutions such as HSBC join The Sandbox open metaverse and embrace the culture of Web3, connecting with users through entertainment, gaming and user-generated content. We believe this is the beginning of a broader adoption of Web3 and the metaverse by institutions driving brand experiences and engagement within this new ecosystem.”

As the metaverse’s leading decentralized gaming virtual world, The Sandbox fully embraces the idea of the metaverse as a continuous shared digital space where worlds and brands collide to make magic and create real utility and economy. HSBC joins over 200 existing partnerships including Gucci, Warner Music Group, Ubisoft, The Walking Dead, Snoop Dogg, Adidas, Deadmau5, Steve Aoki, Richie Hawtin, The Smurfs, Care Bears, Atari, ZEPETO, and CryptoKitties, all following The Sandbox’s vision of empowering players to create their own experiences using both original and well-known characters and worlds. Details of the HSBC and The Sandbox collaboration will be announced in due course.