How To Join the Metaverse in 3 Steps
How To Join the Metaverse in 3 Steps
Do you want to explore virtual reality? With Facebook's new name, Meta, comes a renewed focus on virtual reality. Mark Zuckerberg has stated that he envisions VR as the next major computing platform after mobile, and with good reason – it has the potential to change how we interact with the digital world entirely.
If you're curious about virtual reality, this guide is for you.
In it, we'll walk you through how to join the metaverse and start exploring virtual reality. We'll also show you some of the best VR experiences out there to get a taste of what's to come. So, keep reading!
What Is The Metaverse?
The metaverse is a virtual world that allows people to explore and interact with different environments and scenarios.
It is constantly expanding and has endless possibilities for exploration. The metaverse offers a unique experience that is continually changing and evolving, making it an ideal place for adventure and discovery.
Popular platforms like Decentraland and Sandbox have different features and games you can explore. Some things you can do in the metaverse include:
- Create businesses
- Buy and sell digital land
- Build houses
- Create art
- Play games
- And much more!
The metaverse is a great place to meet new people and make connections from all over the world. You can also join communities and participate in events. The possibilities are endless!
How Does The Metaverse Work?
The metaverse is a virtual world that exists on the internet. People can access the metaverse through special software called avatars.
Source: Decentraland
Avatars are digital representations of people that can be used to explore the metaverse and interact with other people. Avatars can be customized to look however you want and can be equipped with special abilities and skills.
When a user join the metaverse, they will create their own avatar and choose how it looks. Users can customize their avatar's skills and abilities to suit their needs.
After a user has created an avatar, they can explore the metaverse and interact with other people. Users can chat with other people, play games, and explore different environments.
Why Do Brands Invest In The Metaverse?
The metaverse offers brands a unique opportunity to connect with their target audience in a new and innovative way.
Brands can create virtual reality experiences that allow people to interact with their products fun and engagingly. Additionally, brands can use the metaverse to develop loyalty programs, launch marketing campaigns, and much more.
The metaverse is a powerful tool that can be used to increase brand awareness and create meaningful connections with consumers.
Even companies like Facebook have become major investors. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg changed his company name to Meta in October 2021. Their vision is to combine social media with virtual reality to create an experience where you can do anything you ever dreamed of.
In a video clip, Mark Zuckerberg mentions being able to work or go to a family event as a hologram and replacing physical objects such as televisions, monitors, and board games with digital holograms projected in virtual reality.
As you can see, the metaverse is a big deal and will only continue to grow in popularity. It offers a unique and exciting experience that is perfect for brands and businesses. So, you don't want to lose the train and miss out on this incredible opportunity!
How to Join the Metaverse in 3 Steps
Don't miss the boat on joining the metaverse in this exciting time. It's fun and easy to join any time you'd like.
Here are three quick steps you can take to access the metaverse:
Below, we'll explain in detail how to complete each step to help you get into the metaverse smoothly.
1. Get Metaverse Equipment
What Equipment Do You Need To Join The Metaverse?
You can access the metaverse in two ways. The first way is through a Virtual Reality headset.
Virtual reality headsets allow you to see and realistically interact with the metaverse. The second way to access the metaverse is through your PC.
Source: ITW Performance Polymers
The Oculus Quest 2 above is one of the easiest-to-use headsets on the market. It provides an immersive virtual reality experience without needing a computer.
The Oculus Quest 2 has become a popular VR headset because it is comfortable and has an extensive library of games. However, connecting it to a PC can get even more benefits from the headset.
To connect Oculus Quest 2 to a PC, you need to purchase a special cable called the Oculus Link Cable. This cable connects the headset to a PC so that you can play PC games on the headset.
The Oculus Quest can be used as a standalone headset or connected to a PC. You do not need additional equipment to use the Oculus Quest 2 as a standalone headset.
2. Create Your Avatar
Once you have all of your equipment set up, it's time to create your avatar! Your avatar is how you will represent yourself in the virtual world and how others will see you.
Source: Ready Player Me
I recommend going to a website called "Ready Player Me" (cited above). The name is similar to the popular sci-fi movie and book "Ready Player One." In a way, that's where they intend to take the metaverse: a virtual world where people can connect, compete against each other, buy digital assets, and more.
This website allows you to create a custom avatar for free and use it on multiple Metaverse platforms. Ready Player Me is already used in 800 applications from VR chat, media, VR Neos, etc.
When creating your avatar, choose an appearance that represents how you want to be seen in the virtual world. For instance, you can use your unique avatar to attend virtual sporting events, concerts, conferences, business meetings, or other events.
To get started, create an account on the Ready Player Me platform. Once done, you should receive an email in your inbox to verify your account.
Now go to the Ready Player Me website, click "Create Avatar," and follow the next steps.
- Select a gender or don't specify.
- You can take a selfie or upload a photo, and the app will generate an avatar that looks like you.
- Further customize your avatar by choosing different skin colors, clothing, hairstyle, and more.
Good job! You created your first avatar. Now on the Ready Player Me website, press "Enter Hub." On this page, you can edit your avatar's name and share it with others on social media, etc.
You can use this avatar on multiple platforms, and it's free to do so!
3. How To Access The Metaverse With Your Avatar
Let's have some fun and connect to one of the many Metaverse platforms available. To do this, you want to go to Ready Player Me and select Discover Apps.
Of course, there are many apps to check out but today, let's look at VRChat, one of the most popular virtual reality chat applications on the market. It allows users to connect with each other in a virtual environment to chat, play games, and more.
How to Get Started on VRChat with VR Headset
- On the VRChat page, you want to connect your custom avatar. This process may take 10 to 15 minutes. Your avatar won't appear on your VRChat website.
- You can use your Oculus Quest 2 or another virtual reality headset to access the VRChat. This will allow you to use your Ready Player Me avatar.
How to Get Started on VRChat without VR Headset
You can access VRChat without wearing a VR headset. It's still a great way to experience the metaverse and explore virtual reality. You can use your computer or mobile device to access VRChat.
Although, you shouldn't expect such an immersive experience as you would with a VR headset.
The easiest way to access this platform with a PC is the following:
- Install Steam and create an account if you don't have one
- Once you have installed Steam, open it up and search for VRChat in the store.
- Install VRChat and launch the app
Now you're ready to connect with other people in the virtual world!
What Can You Do On VRChat?
VRChat is a fantastic platform to start experiencing the metaverse. For one, you can meet new people from all over the world and make friends. You can also explore different virtual worlds, play games, and more.
If you're feeling competitive, there are many multiplayer games available on VRChat. You can join in on matches or create your own game with friends. Here are five ideas for you to have lots of fun:
1. Role Playing
One of the most popular things to do on VRChat is role-playing. You can be anyone or anything you want, and no one will judge you. It's a great way to escape reality and have some fun!
There are many worlds to explore, and you can meet new people from all over the globe.
2. Have a Dance Session
Once you have connected to VRChat, you can start having some fun! One of the activities people like to do is have dance sessions. There are many popular songs to choose from, or you can create your own dance routine.
To start a dance session, press the "Dance" button on the bottom toolbar. This will bring up the song selection menu. From here, you can choose a song and start dancing!
3. Play Video Games
VRChat is a great platform to play video games with friends. There are many different games to choose from, and you can join in on matches or create your own game.
Here are my favorite games:
- Tonbo Battlefield: is a fun shooter game.
- Treasure Hunt Island: Look for clues to find the treasure.
- Kitchen Cooks: If you like to cook, you'll love this game!
Enter VRchar and press escape on your keyboard to start playing a game. You can choose from a list of available games or create your own game.
4. Avatar Rooms
If you want to hang out with friends, you can go to an Avatar Room.
This space allows you to chat, relax, and have fun. There are many different rooms to choose from, or you can create your own.
5. McDonalds
If you want to have a meal with friends, you can go to MacDonalds. This is a virtual replica of a Mcdonalds restaurant. You can order your favorite burger and drink a coke.
Brands can use this idea to create experiences for their customers. For example, if you have a car company, you could create a virtual showroom where people can explore the cars. This would give customers a more immersive experience and allow them to test the car's features.
Another idea would be for a hotel chain to create a virtual version of their hotel. This would give customers a sneak peek of what their hotel will look like and how it will feel to stay there.
Join the Metaverse for Gaming, Socializing, or Marketing
To join the Metaverse, you must install the VRChat software. You can use a VR headset like the Oculus Quest 2 or access it without a headset using your computer or mobile device. VRChat is a great platform to meet new people, explore virtual worlds, play games, and more.
Although VRChat is mainly used for gaming and socializing, it can also be used for marketing purposes. Marketers can create virtual worlds and experiences that allow customers to interact with the product or service.
For example, a company could create a virtual world where customers can explore the product or service. This would allow customers to learn more about the product or service and how it works.
Another idea is to create an avatar that represents the brand. This avatar could be used in marketing campaigns or on social media.
Want to hear more from VR experts? Connect with top VR companies on The Manifest.
Jordan Alexo
Digital Marketer, Jordan Alexo