Why the Metaverse is coming back in 2024

The Metaverse, a term that brings together images of infinite digital landscapes and immersive virtual experiences, stands on the verge of becoming mainstream reality. Many aim to create an environment where anyone can easily enter the Metaverse.

However, his journey from mainstream glamor to the global stage has faced significant obstacles.

The initial promise of Metavas captured imaginations around the world, presenting a digital frontier with endless possibilities. However, achieving mass adoption remains a challenge due to technical limitations and accessibility issues. Overcoming these barriers is multifaceted as it requires technical advances, community involvement and interaction.

Mel Jardi, Executive Director of the Decentraland Foundation, spoke to BeinCrypto about the company's strategic adaptation to meet market demands. According to him, Decentraland is focused on improving the performance of a new advanced desktop client for 2024.

This update supports a wide range of user experiences, from standard search to high-end games and virtual events. The goal is to lower barriers to entry for new users in a multifaceted effort to develop a more immersive, inclusive and engaging virtual world.

We've adopted a forward-looking strategy to enhance the user experience, optimize performance, and prepare for VR and mobile versions. We're also simplifying onboarding, user-friendly code generator tools, and other new features that boost engagement. What's more, the desktop client can handle avatars and complex graphics simultaneously, providing a truly immersive environment, Jardi explained.

Read more: Building Bridges: How to Connect Virtual Worlds to the Metaverse

According to Jardi, Decentraland recognizes the shift towards authentic user-generated experiences. It now powers immersive events and interactive stories that improve user engagement and retention.

For example, the Disinterland Ambassador Program and participation in industry conferences and events are part of the 2024 Manifesto, which reflects a commitment to community development and active user engagement.

Another key focus for enabling a more inclusive metaverse is working with each other. Allowing users to send their digital identities to other virtual worlds and supporting a variety of social login options will champion a unified, cross-platform dimension.

Such openness encourages innovation and promotes a seamless user experience across multiple digital environments.

“We see interoperability as the only real solution to an ethical, fun, decentralized and human-centered future where digital worlds become part of our lives,” added Jardi.

In fact, Decentraland DCL has created VRMs, which allow users to export their costumes to be used in virtual worlds such as Monaverse, Nifty Island, OnCyber, and any other virtual world that allows VRM import. As VRM is currently the leading model format for VR social applications and games, this initiative encourages collaboration and innovation with open source standards that empower developers and creators on virtual platforms.

“Decentraland's long-term vision for its role in MetaVersion is to establish itself as a large decentralized, open source, fully owned by our users. It aims to provide a platform where users have full control over their digital assets and experiences. It should be a place where creativity knows no bounds, where users can build, explore and interact in a decentralized and borderless virtual environment, said Jardi.

Read more: Why do we need open protocols in the Metaverse?

As the digital and physical realms increasingly merge, the metaverse offers a vision of an interconnected human existence. In fact, it is seen as the next evolution of the Internet and is predicted to grow to 936.6 billion dollars by 2030.

Augmented reality, especially with major players like Apple entering the scene, is emerging as a critical force driving these speculations. It acts as a bridge between digital and physical spaces. Further, it allows users to access information relevant to their context, engage with virtual entities, and collaborate seamlessly across any distance.