The metaverse is emerging as a new frontier in the digital world, positioning itself at the heart of a revolution driven by Web3. Unlike Web2, where ownership of digital assets remains centralized, Web3 introduces a concept of decentralized ownership, enabling users to own assets such as land, clothing, or artwork in a tokenized digital universe. This evolution represents a major break from the past and paves the way for a more autonomous and personalized digital economy.
Tech giants, including Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple, recognize the immense potential of the metaverse. Their massive investment in virtual and augmented reality technologies is accelerating this trend. Facebook has invested 15 billion dollars, Microsoft has strengthened its position through the acquisition of Activision, and Apple continues to innovate in augmented reality. These developments indicate fierce competition for dominance in this rapidly expanding virtual space.
Major luxury brands such as Dolce and Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and more recently Lacoste, are also diving into the metaverse, exploring its creative possibilities. Their presence in this domain testifies to the growing appeal of the metaverse as a space for marketing, brand creation, and immersive customer experiences. This trend underlines the increasing interest of various sectors in the unique opportunities offered by the metaverse.
Despite the collapse of metaverse tokens such as MANA and SAND after the 2021 bull run, like the rest of the market, these assets are showing signs of resilience. Their recent significant increase, +128% and +148% for MANA and SAND respectively, demonstrates renewed interest in these tokens and suggests that the metaverse is not just a fleeting trend, but a lasting one with considerable growth potential.
A study by the renowned auditing firm McKinsey confirms the colossal economic potential of the metaverse. This confluence of innovations, investments, and interests suggests that the metaverse is still in its early stages and promises a bright future, marked by unprecedented technological advances and economic opportunities.
The Sandbox, one of the pioneers of the metaverse, is a virtual world designed by a French team, based on two solid and sustainable blockchains, Ethereum and Polygon. It offers an immersive experience where users can explore, create, play, and earn money through NFTs. The platform, founded in 2011 by Arthur Madrid and Sébastien Borget, stands out for its "play-to-earn" approach and real ownership of creations. Its extensive ecosystem includes a virtual world, a marketplace for digital items, and design tools that attract over 200 brands for partnerships. The SAND, the main token of The Sandbox, plays a key role in accessing platform services and in governing the project.
