This past week, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the second Economist Metaverse Summit, which took place in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. This event surpassed all of our expectations, solidifying its reputation as a leading conference in the metaverse and deep tech industries.
The summit provided a platform for networking with enterprise-qualified attendees who shared a common drive for achieving business outcomes. The event was filled with engaging panel discussions, fireside chats, and product demonstrations, all of which were enveloped in the prestigious atmosphere that Economist Impact brings to its events.
What sets the Metaverse Summits organized by the Economist Impact team apart is their ability to make complex deep tech concepts, such as the Metaverse, accessible to a broad audience. At a time when there is confusion and uncertainty surrounding the Metaverse, this ability to demystify it is precisely what the industry needs.
During the event, one prominent theme reverberated throughout: the importance of taking a human-centric approach to the development of the Metaverse. Whether it be through the use of enabling technologies like mixed reality that prioritize human comfort and accessibility or the appeal to governments to ensure ethical and safe usage, the focus on the human element was clear.
Organizations like the Metaverse Standards Forum have been commendably working towards setting standards for the industry, but the responsibility now falls on governmental bodies to step up and shape this emerging landscape.
Another crucial aspect of a thriving industry is maturity, which the Metaverse has been striving to achieve. As the initial hype around the term “Metaverse” has subsided, unnecessary noise has also dissipated. This is a positive sign of the industry maturing. Now, there is a greater emphasis on business and enterprise, with the social aspect of the Metaverse shifting towards creating high-quality experiences influenced by traditional gamified approaches.
Games like Fortnite and Roblox, rather than web3 “video games” like The Sandbox, are emerging as foundational elements of what a social Metaverse could look like. This is not to undermine the significance of web3 technology, but rather to highlight that web3 experiences gaining prominence will be those that combine traditional methods with blockchain technology to drive their adoption and growth. Though we have yet to witness a standout example of this hybrid approach, it is entirely possible that a web3 game could soon capture the mainstream gamer’s imagination.
In light of these developments, it is clear that the Metaverse is maturing, and not solely due to the efforts of industry leaders pushing boundaries. Events like the Economist Metaverse Summit play a vital role in fostering this growth. As we reflect on the summit, it becomes evident that the Metaverse is on a promising trajectory, guided by a human-centric ethos and a commitment to maturity and innovation. The journey towards a fully realized Metaverse is both exciting and profound, and the Economist Metaverse Summit is at the forefront of this transformative movement.
In conclusion, the second Economist Metaverse Summit held in Los Angeles was a resounding success. It showcased the industry’s progress towards a more accessible and mature Metaverse, driven by a human-centric approach and a commitment to innovation. With key themes centered around human comfort, safety, and the need for government involvement, the summit provided a platform for meaningful discussions and collaboration. As the Metaverse continues to evolve, events like this summit will play an integral role in shaping its future.