If there is one technology that is currently being promoted more than others, it is the metaverse: a loose collection of virtual and augmented reality “worlds”.
Earlier this year, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg — so excited about the idea that he’s rebranded his company “meta” — argued that one day we’ll spend most of our time in the metaverse.
Zuckerberg said: “A lot of people think of the metaverse as being about place, but one definition is that it’s a time when immersive digital worlds became essentially the primary way we live our lives and spend our time.
“I think that’s a reasonable build.”
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, believes metaVerse is the future (Image: REUTERS) Read more related articles Read more related articles
However, not everyone was convinced, not least Tim Sweeney, CEO of Fortnite Creators, Epic Games.
Sweeney told the Financial Times that he doubted the metaverse would catch up with reality, saying, “I don’t expect people’s lives to be immersed in this kind of media for the next two decades. I think that’s something you do, especially for entertainment, and maybe also for business in the future.”
Sweeney added, “I just mean we’re not going to wire our brains to a device and meditate because our consciousness is embedded in a virtual world. The future is no different from the present, at least not 20 years later.”
The Fortnite creator says he hopes Google and Apple will not invade the metaverse (Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
However, Sweeney shared his concerns about the metaverse, warning that tech companies like Google and Apple could one day “dominate” virtual reality.
“I am very afraid that the current monopolies will use their power to become the next monopolies on the new generations of platforms – and continue to use that power to exclude all competition.”
He continued, “Apple and Google have created conditions that will give them a stifling grip on the metaverse unless there are significant changes in the practices they are allowed to steer clear of.”
Fortnite is still banned from the iPhone App Store following a legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple over payment terms for in-app purchases.
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