Neal Stephenson's Blockchain Project Pushes Forward as Metaverse Hype Fades

Declining Interest in the Metaverse

The excitement around the metaverse, a virtual reality space where people can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users, seems to be dwindling. According to data from Google Trends, search interest for the metaverse has declined in 2023 compared to its peak in 2021 and 2022. This drop in interest has led some to declare that the metaverse hype is dead.

A Vision That Endures

Despite the waning interest and the declarations of its demise, one project is determined to keep pushing forward. Lamina1, a blockchain project founded by Neal Stephenson, the author who coined the term "metaverse" in his book Snow Crash, is holding a month-long event called the Open Metaverse Discovery Month in October. The project aims to equip builders and creators with the tools and knowledge needed to explore metaverse experiences.

Workshops and Competitions

The Open Metaverse Discovery Month will feature interactive workshops for Unity and Unreal Engine developers. These workshops will allow participants to dive into the toolkit provided by Lamina1. Additionally, the project will host two Creator Competitions, where participants can have their art and experiences featured on the Lamina1 Hub platform.

Ongoing Optimism

Rebecca Barkin, the CEO of Lamina1, remains optimistic about the future of the metaverse despite the declining interest. She stated that the project has attracted almost 50,000 builders since its launch, proving that there are still people who believe in the concept.

Barkin believes that as long as there are individuals willing to invest their time and money into digital experiences, gaming, virtual worldbuilding, and more, the metaverse will continue to thrive. She sees the metaverse as a way to challenge corporate greed and control, giving creators more autonomy in entertainment, gaming, commerce, fashion, and beyond.

While the metaverse may be losing its shine, there are still those who believe in its potential. As projects like Lamina1 continue to push forward, the dream of a fully immersive digital world remains alive.