The metaverse is no longer a concept of science fiction. It’s fast becoming the most talked-about frontier in technology, and every major player in the tech world is chasing its promise. From immersive social platforms to industrial digital twins, the metaverse is positioned as the next digital revolution. Built with cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, AI, AR, and VR, these 3D virtual worlds hold massive economic and creative potential.
Today, the metaverse is valued at over $800 billion, and the rush is on. While Facebook (now Meta) kicked off this modern saga, other tech giants like Google, Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Samsung have entered the space with bold visions. And watching this race unfold is what first drew me into the world of metaverses.
My Journey into the Metaverse Begins
As a Computer Science student, I’ve always been curious about frontier technologies. During the pandemic, I started exploring AR and VR just for fun. But the more I read and watched — especially on platforms like YouTube and Medium — the more I realized that the metaverse wasn’t just a trend. It was a complete ecosystem with real-world impact and career opportunities.
So I began learning — step by step.
At first, I started with basic tutorials on Unity and Blender. Then I dived into Web3 fundamentals, exploring how blockchain and NFTs tie into the virtual economy. My progress has been exciting but not without challenges.
What I’ve Learned So Far (and the Roadblocks)
As someone new to 3D development and virtual worlds, here are a few initial challenges I faced:
High learning curve: Tools like Blender and Unity are incredibly powerful, but they require patience. Just building a basic 3D scene took days.
Hardware limitations: My laptop wasn’t built for heavy simulations or VR rendering, which slowed me down.
Overwhelming tech stack: From decentralized identities (DIDs) to smart contracts and NFTs, there’s just so much to learn — and it’s evolving fast.
Lack of structured learning paths: Unlike web development, metaverse education is still fragmented. YouTube, Discord servers, and blogs have been my primary mentors.
But along the way, I also discovered what makes the metaverse exciting:
Creating immersive 3D spaces where users can walk, talk, and trade.
Exploring cross-platform development using tools like Three.js and WebXR.
Being part of communities building the future of human interaction.
The thrill of contributing to something that’s still being defined.
Why Big Tech Is Going All-In
Meta (Facebook) — The Social Metaverse
It all began when Facebook acquired Oculus VR for $2 billion in 2014. Fast forward to 2021, and the company rebranded itself as Meta Platforms, signaling its commitment to building a next-gen social platform. Meta has already sold over 8 million VR headsets, allowing users to dive into virtual environments via Oculus.
Despite the financial losses reported in their AR/VR division, Meta is investing $10 billion annually. Zuckerberg himself believes this may take years to become profitable — but the goal is to reimagine social media, communication, and online workspaces in 3D.
Google — The AR Comeback
While Meta was buying Oculus, Google was already experimenting with Google Glass. Although the first version failed due to privacy concerns, Google is now back with a new prototype — featuring an in-lens display, AV sensors, and a built-in operating system for AR.
This time, Google is focused on usability and safety, aiming to integrate AR in everyday life like translation, navigation, and productivity.
Microsoft — The Corporate Metaverse
Microsoft is approaching the metaverse from a productivity angle. With Mesh for Microsoft Teams, employees can interact using digital avatars in shared 3D environments. This was released during the pandemic to improve remote collaboration.
Additionally, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $70 billion signals a strong push into gaming. Coupled with HoloLens, their mixed-reality headset, and Dynamics 365, which uses AI and vision to optimize business processes, Microsoft is building an enterprise-grade metaverse.
Apple — Silent but Strategic
Apple is playing its cards close to the chest. Rumors suggest two new devices — one AR-based like Google Glass and another to compete with Meta’s Quest 2. Apple is likely focusing on a closed, premium ecosystem, much like how they treat the iPhone and iOS.
NVIDIA — The Engine Behind the Scenes
NVIDIA has launched Omniverse, a metaverse platform for industrial digital twins and collaboration. In partnership with Siemens, companies like BMW and Lockheed Martin are already using it to simulate real-world environments in real-time.
Rather than building a consumer-facing product, NVIDIA is powering the infrastructure of the metaverse — its role is similar to what AWS is for the internet.
Qualcomm — The Investor and Enabler
Qualcomm has been investing in AR/VR for over a decade, and recently launched the $100M Snapdragon Metaverse Fund to support startups building the ecosystem. Its approach: fund, enable, and innovate with minimal risk.
Samsung — Experimenting with Innovation
Samsung launched Space Tycoon, a gaming metaverse with production and retail units. It also introduced Samsung837X, a digital twin of its NYC office. Within days, Space Tycoon had nearly 6 million users, showing Samsung’s creative engagement with younger audiences.
The metaverse is more than just a buzzword — it’s a vast, evolving ecosystem that blends technology, creativity, and human interaction. Every step I take into this space feels like unlocking a new level of possibility. It’s not just about virtual games or futuristic gadgets; it’s about reshaping the way we work, socialize, create, and experience the digital world.
As major tech giants compete to define the landscape, there’s still an open frontier for students, creators, and independent developers to contribute meaningfully. And that’s where people like us come in. We’re not just observers — we’re future builders.
My own journey is still at the beginning. I’m learning, experimenting, and facing challenges — but I’m equally fascinated by the creative freedom this space offers. I’ve decided to document everything: the wins, the roadblocks, the resources, and the breakthroughs.
If you’ve ever been curious about the metaverse, now is the time to dive in. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to share what you’re learning along the way.
Because the future of the metaverse won’t just be built by corporations — it will be shaped by curious minds like yours and mine.
Let’s explore it together.
What Inspires Me About the Metaverse Revolution. was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.