In 2022, the hype surrounding “the metaverse” was booming, with billions of dollars flooding into the sector. However, by 2023, the hype had dropped, and attention shifted to the potential of artificial intelligence (AI).
Key Takeaways
- Shift in Focus: The hype surrounding “the metaverse” peaked in 2022, but attention has now turned to the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for building virtual worlds.
- Generative AI Empowerment: AI is enabling users, regardless of artistic or coding skills, to contribute to the creation of virtual worlds where creators own a stake in the economy through blockchain and NFTs.
- Concrete Steps by Alien Worlds: While AI’s role in building the metaverse was largely theoretical, gaming metaverse Alien Worlds is making strides in turning this concept into reality.
- Innovative Use of AI: Alien Worlds utilizes AI tools like Midjourney, and a Large Lore Model called Lynx to generate artwork, text, and lore at scale, involving thousands of token voters in the coordination process.
- Potential and Progress: Despite limitations in AI-generated content, projects like Starblind and Trilium Quest showcase progress. Users like Geoff McCabe contribute to Alien Worlds’ lore and economy, envisioning it as a groundbreaking user-built universe.
- Future Prospects: Dacoco aims to leverage AI for consistent imagery, fostering a groundswell of content creation. To participate, visit Alienworlds.io or download the Battlefleet Armageddon app.
Generative AI is certainly a useful tool for users to construct the metaverse themselves. This metaverse refers to virtual worlds where creators own a portion of the economy through blockchain and NFTs.
AI empowers non-artists to create imagery and non-developers to code programs, helping anyone with a creative spark to contribute to new worlds and games.
Last year, AI Eye proposed a feature story on AI building the metaverse. Despite interviews with industry experts, the concept remained more theoretical than practical.
However, the gaming metaverse Alien Worlds is taking concrete steps to turn this idea into reality.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Name | Alien Worlds |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Developer | Dacoco |
| Daily Users | 50,000 |
| DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) | 6 |
| Token Used | Trilium (TLM) |
| Game Lore | Crafted by Kevin J Anderson |
| AI Tools | Midjourney |
| AI Tool Functionality | Assists in generating artwork and text rapidly and at scale |
| Large Lore Model (LLM) | Lynx |
| Coordination of Contributions | Lynx coordinates contributions from various sources into a unified canon |
| Involvement of Token Voters | 6,000 token voters participate in the coordination process |
While Lynx can’t create art yet, Dacoco is exploring ways to leverage AI for consistent imagery. McCabe sees Alien Worlds as a leap forward in user-built universes, similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Star Wars.
Despite the potential, specific examples of AI-created content are limited, but projects like Starblind and Trilium Quest demonstrate progress. “We want a groundswell of content, basically, and AI will help make that happen. So, we’re in the beginning stages of that,” says Rose.
AI and Crypto: A Comparison from DeepMind CEO
DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis compares AI and crypto, highlighting their shared hype and complexity. He expresses concern about how hype can obscure scientific understanding and research in AI.
Recent events, like Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology facing setbacks, highlight the difference between hype and technological reality. Despite promises of easy experiences, the reliance on manual processing still has limitations.
Albert Edwards, chief global strategist at Société Générale, views the AI narrative in stock markets as reminiscent of a bubble, emphasizing the presence of compelling yet potentially misleading narratives.
As the debate continues, questions remain about the sustainability of investments and the realization of profits in the AI landscape.
Disclaimer
FAQ
AI enables the creation of more immersive and dynamic virtual environments by allowing users, regardless of their technical skills, to contribute creatively.
Projects like Alien Worlds and Starblind utilize AI to generate unique artwork, narrative content, and even govern economic models within the game.
Yes, AI tools empower individuals without a background in coding or art to design and contribute to the creation of complex virtual worlds.
AI is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the realism, interactivity, and user engagement in virtual worlds, making them more accessible and diverse.
