Microsoft recently purchased the video game company Activision Blizzard for an outstanding $68.7 billion. Microsoft said the decision was influenced due to the growing idea of the “metaverse,” a concept that aims to eventually offer everyone the ability to interact, shop, and work through virtual reality.

Although the attention and excitement for the metaverse cannot be denied, there are still many factors and obstacles that may slow or stop its progress.

This is not the first time an ambitious idea for the virtual world has been presented. As early as 1995, virtual reality has seen its failures, starting with Nintendo’s release of the Virtual Boy.  What was supposed to be the world’s first revolutionary virtual reality game device became a massive disappointment through the outrageous price range and overall disinterest of the time.

The biggest issue with the metaverse today is convincing consumers that it is worthwhile to invest time and money in. 

Price ranges for virtual reality headsets that would give people access to the metaverse will likely not be affordable for many people, with optimized headsets costing around $300 for the cheapest options. 

The necessity of the metaverse can also be questioned, with most aspects being only parallels to real life.

However, the metaverse might one day offer an easier way for people to engage with others in a wide range of situations. 

People unable to travel or visit others could interact with their friends and family from their home in the metaverse. They could potentially even shop or work through the metaverse without extended difficulties. 

People would be able to engage with others in a more realistic way compared to video calls and online meetings, since everyone in the metaverse will have their own interactable avatar.

The expectations and potential for the metaverse are high, although it may be too soon to really see it have an impact. Until the concept is fully realized, it will likely not see a significant amount of participation.