Defending the metaverse in the new age of AI

The Immersive Wire

Is the cynicism for the metaverse justified? It is tempting to say yes, and the wider media landscape would agree. The Wall Street Journal discussed the “meh-taverse” as a transitory trend, while The Times talks about “harsh reality” crashing into it. Funding is falling alongside stock values. We are seeing companies who previously labelled themselves as XR companies slap a metaverse sticker on their slide decks – and now AI is slapped on top of that sticker, too. The lights of the metaverse dim darker as virtual streets lose their bustle.

I do not share the same views. I believe the fundamental promise of the metaverse remains strong, as we continue the development of spatial technologies. I believe that the internet will become more immersive, collaborative, and impactful over time, and that AI plays a role in shaping its future too. I also believe that the fixation on AI does not detract one from the other; they pair together, and the more established player will continue their hard work to develop the digital future.

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Tom Ffiske writes about immersive technologies at the Immersive Wire, a newsletter and website dedicated to all things VR, AR, and the metaverse. His goal is to bring a curated digest of the analysis that matters, helping professionals interested in immersive to reach new heights.