The metaverse, a concept popularized by Neal Stephenson in his book Snow Crash, has recently experienced a decline in interest. Despite this, Stephenson’s blockchain project, Lamina1, remains committed to pushing forward with its vision and challenging the notion that the metaverse is “dead.”
According to data from Google Trends, search interest for the metaverse has decreased in 2023 compared to its peak in 2021 and 2022. This decline in interest has led some to declare that the metaverse hype is dead. However, Lamina1 is determined to continue building and creating opportunities within the metaverse.
In October, Lamina1 announced the Open Metaverse Discovery Month, a month-long event aimed at equipping builders and creators with the knowledge to explore metaverse experiences. The event includes workshops, joint quests, and bounties to provide participants with the tools they need to thrive in the metaverse.
Rebecca Barkin, the CEO of Lamina1, remains optimistic about the future of the metaverse despite the negative assumptions surrounding it. She acknowledged the challenges faced during the crypto winter and the perception of the metaverse’s demise. However, Barkin highlighted that Lamina1 has been able to attract nearly 50,000 builders into their community since the project’s launch.
Barkin believes that as long as people continue to invest time and money in digital experiences, gaming, and virtual worldbuilding, the metaverse will continue to thrive. She emphasized that the metaverse is not just about building virtual worlds but also about challenging “corporate greed and control.” Barkin explained that advancements in technology now allow for more autonomy for creators across various industries to build, create, and distribute their own worlds.
The metaverse may be experiencing a decline in interest, but Lamina1 and its founder, Neal Stephenson, remain dedicated to their vision. With their commitment to providing resources and empowering creators, they hope to revive and redefine the metaverse in a way that aligns with their values and challenges traditional power structures.
As the metaverse continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether Lamina1’s efforts and the support of the creator community can rejuvenate interest and bring the metaverse back to life in new and exciting ways.
