The Metaverse Explained: How WebVR is Shaping the Future of the Internet
Introduction: The Next Evolution of Digital Connectivity
The concept of the Metaverse—a collective virtual shared space—has captivated technologists, gamers, and futurists since Neal Stephenson introduced it in his 1992 novel Snow Crash. Today, it represents the next major iteration of the internet: an immersive, interconnected digital universe where users can interact, create, and explore without physical constraints.
At the heart of this transformation lies WebVR, a JavaScript API developed by Mozilla that enables VR experiences directly through web browsers. Unlike proprietary platforms, WebVR democratizes access to immersive content, aligning with the open, decentralized ethos of the early internet.
Why WebVR is the Foundation of the Metaverse
Key Advantages of WebVR:
- No Downloads Required: Instant access to VR experiences via browsers.
- Open Standards: Maintains the web’s foundational principles of accessibility and interoperability.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supported by industry leaders like Google, Oculus, Samsung, and Microsoft.
Sean White, SVP of Emerging Technologies at Mozilla, describes the Metaverse as a natural extension of how we connect with technology and each other:
“It’s part of the evolution of computation, empowering learning, creativity, and global connection.”
Debating the Metaverse: Gaming Engines vs. Open Protocols
While some, like Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney, argue that gaming engines will build the Metaverse, others contend that no single platform can dominate this space. Fabien Benetou, a WebVR developer, emphasizes:
“The Metaverse must be a protocol, not a platform—supported by diverse vendors to ensure true interoperability.”
Why Gaming Engines Fall Short:
- Limited Scope: Designed for specific use cases, not universal virtual experiences.
- Walled Gardens: Lack the openness needed for a decentralized Metaverse.
The Role of WebVR in Building an Open Metaverse
WebVR’s strength lies in its ability to enable, not dictate, the Metaverse’s evolution. By providing an open framework, it allows creators to experiment and innovate without restrictive rules. Key developments driving this vision include:
Core Metaverse Functions in Development:
- Deep Linking: Seamless traversal between virtual spaces without exiting VR.
- Virtual Backpacks: Portable storage for digital assets (e.g., currencies, goods, or 360-degree videos).
- Identity & Security: Persistent avatars and secure interactions across diverse virtual worlds.
Beyond VR: The Expanding Definition of Immersion
The Metaverse won’t be limited to VR. Emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and WebAR (web-based augmented reality) will integrate into this ecosystem. Diego Gonzalez of Samsung Internet highlights:
“Why exclude geolocated or screenless experiences? The Metaverse should bridge physical and virtual worlds.”
Conclusion: A Decentralized Future
The Metaverse must mirror the internet’s organic, crowdsourced growth—not a top-down corporate vision. WebVR’s open protocol is the key to unlocking this future, ensuring the Metaverse remains a space for creativity, collaboration, and boundless innovation.
Amir-Esmaeil Bozorgzadeh is cofounder of Virtuleap, a platform for VR developers, and European Partner at Edoramedia.
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