Virtual Reality: The Hype That Keeps On Hyping

Virtual Worlds, Part 4 of 5

As we journey into the 2010s and beyond, it's time to explore the latest developments in virtual worlds. It’s VR time!

Image credit: "Samsung’s Virtual Reality MWC 2016 Press" by pestoverde on Flickr CC BY 2.0

But before we dive into the shiny new gadgets and platforms, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to revisit Second Life - 2003’s playground for digital dreamers. The polygons and avatars may have been virtual, but the hype surrounding Second Life was very real. Because of what’s to come in the 2010s and beyond, we should first try to understand the hype factor of Second Life.

If you missed our previous look into Second Life and its contemporaries, you can read part 3 of our series it here:

The Hype Surrounding Second Life: A Digital Utopia or Just a Fad?

Ah, Second Life. A name that once echoed through the halls of tech conferences and marketing meetings alike, promising a brave new world where users could escape reality and create their own digital utopias. It was a phenomenon that captivated millions, but like many great hype stories, it has its ups and downs. Today, we dive into the hype surrounding Second Life and how it reflects broader themes in our understanding of virtual worlds.

A panorama view of an empty part of the Second Life universe, image from 2007. Image credit: Torley on Flickr CC BY-SA

The Allure of Second Life

When Second Life launched in 2003, it was heralded as a groundbreaking platform that allowed users to create avatars, build homes, and engage in social interactions in a 3D environment. It was more than just a game; it was a virtual society where people could live out their fantasies. At its peak in 2007-2008, Second Life boasted over five million accounts, with around one million active users. Companies like Nike and Coca-Cola opened virtual storefronts, and even job fairs were held within its pixelated landscape.

But what fueled this initial hype? It was the promise of creativity and even a kind of freedom. Users could design anything from clothing to entire islands. The creators of Second Life envisioned a world reminiscent of the avant-garde Burning Man festival, where self-expression knew no bounds. It was an idealistic vision that resonated with many who yearned for a place to explore their identities without the constraints of the real world.

The Hype Cycle: From Peak to Trough

Now, let's introduce the Hype Cycle, a concept developed by US research firm Gartner to explain how technologies evolve over time. The cycle consists of five stages:

1. Innovation Trigger: The launch of Second Life generated excitement.

2. Peak of Inflated Expectations: Media coverage painted it as the future of social interaction.

3. Trough of Disillusionment: As reality set in, many users found the platform cumbersome and lacking direction.

4. Slope of Enlightenment: Some niche communities continued to thrive, but overall interest waned.

5. Plateau of Productivity: Today, Second Life exists as a niche platform rather than a mainstream phenomenon.

Image credit: Jeremykemp on en.wikipedia.org CC BY-SA 3.0

Note that the Gartner hype cycle ends on a relative high note, while in reality, many hyped technologies only keep fading away, or even die off entirely when their developer decides to pull the plug.

The decline in interest can be attributed to several factors. While early adopters were thrilled by the possibilities, many users found the experience overwhelming or unfulfilling. Unlike traditional games with clear objectives and rewards, Second Life lacked structure - leading some to feel lost in its vastness. As one user put it, “People play games to escape reality; Second Life mirrored it too closely”.

What Does Hype Tell Us About Us?

What does this cycle tell us about our relationship with technology? The hype surrounding Second Life reflects our collective desire for connection and creativity but also highlights our tendency to chase shiny new things without fully understanding their implications.

• Identity and Self-Expression: In Second Life, users crafted alternate identities through avatars, prompting questions about authenticity. Are we merely reflections of our real selves or something entirely different when we inhabit virtual spaces?

• Community vs. Isolation: While Second Life aimed to foster community, it also revealed the potential for isolation. Users could interact with others yet still feel disconnected from meaningful relationships—a paradox that persists in many online environments today.

• Reality vs. Virtuality: The blurring lines between our physical and digital lives raise philosophical questions about existence itself. As we spend more time in virtual worlds, how do we define what is "real"?

“As we spend more and more time in virtual worlds, we’ll have to grapple with the issue of whether life there is fully meaningful.”

David J. Chalmers, philosopher

Lessons from the Hype

Second Life's journey is a cautionary tale about the nature of hype in technology. It serves as a reminder that while innovation can spark excitement and creativity, it can also lead to disillusionment if expectations are not managed.

As big as Second Life’s hype was, competing platforms found it difficult to ride the wave. There.com (2003), which we covered earlier, faded out quickly, while Google Lively (2007) never really took off and Google killed it a year later.

As we stand on the brink of another wave of virtual worlds - think Metaverse - it's essential to learn from the past. Will these new platforms avoid the pitfalls that befell Second Life? As we navigate this evolving landscape, let’s keep our eyes open to both the possibilities and limitations that come with living part-time in digital realms.

Virtual Reality and the Rift

Virtual reality (VR) has been a rollercoaster ride of excitement, innovation, and, at times, disappointment. At the heart of this resurgence in interest is the Oculus Rift, a device that not only revived the VR industry but also set the stage for what immersive gaming could truly be. Let’s explore the hype surrounding VR, particularly through the lens of the Oculus Rift and its evolution.

The Rise of Oculus Rift

When the Oculus Rift was launched in 2016, it was more than just a new gadget; it was a beacon of hope for VR enthusiasts who had long awaited a quality headset that could deliver on the promises of immersive experiences. The Rift's introduction marked a pivotal moment in gaming history, bringing high-quality graphics and interactive gameplay into homes around the world.

The original Oculus Rift offered features that were groundbreaking for its time:

• High-resolution displays: With a resolution of 1080p, it significantly reduced the "screen door effect"—that annoying grid-like appearance caused by visible lines between pixels.

• Low-latency tracking: Utilizing an external camera system to track head movements accurately, it allowed players to look around in virtual environments naturally.

• Comfortable design: The headset was designed for extended use, with adjustable straps and cushioning that made it easier to wear for long gaming sessions.

These innovations created a buzz that drew both gamers and developers into the VR fold. Major titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx showcased what VR could achieve, pushing boundaries and capturing imaginations.

In 2019, Oculus released the Rift S, building on its predecessor's success while addressing some of its shortcomings. This iteration introduced several key enhancements: better tracking with internal cameras, improved visuals, and so-called passthrough+ technology. This last feature allowed users to see their surroundings without removing the headset, preventing collisions with furniture - a practical innovation that enhanced safety during gameplay.

The Hype Cycle Revisited

As we reflect on the hype surrounding VR, it's essential to consider how it fits into the Hype Cycle framework. Initially, excitement surged with each new announcement from Oculus. However, as users began to experience limitations—such as hardware requirements and content availability—the industry entered a phase of disillusionment.

Yet, unlike past cycles where technologies faded into obscurity, VR has shown resilience. As developers continue to innovate and create compelling content, we find ourselves on an upward trajectory toward enlightenment. More people are adopting VR not just for gaming but for social interaction, education, and even therapy.

“Virtual reality is a self-created form of chosen reality. Therefore it exists.”

Joan Lowery Nixon, journalist, circa 2000

A Bright Future Ahead?

The journey of Oculus Rift illustrates the complex relationship between hype and reality in technology. While initial excitement can lead to high expectations, ongoing innovation and user engagement are crucial for sustaining interest over time. As we look ahead to future developments in virtual reality - like standalone headsets such as Meta Quest - it's clear that this technology is here to stay.

Augmented Reality

When we think of modern-day augmented reality (AR), our minds may not immediately conjure images of high-tech headsets or immersive gameplay. Instead, we might picture the vibrant world of Pokémon Go, a mobile game that took the world by storm in 2016. This game didn’t just capture the hearts of millions; it also showcased AR’s potential to blend the digital and physical worlds in a way that was both engaging and accessible.

The Pokémon Go Phenomenon

Released in July 2016, Pokémon Go was a groundbreaking application that encouraged players to step outside their homes and explore their neighborhoods in search of virtual creatures. Using the camera and GPS functionality of smartphones, the game superimposed Pokémon onto real-world locations, creating an experience that felt both magical and tangible.

The game sparked a global phenomenon, leading to events like Pokémon Go Fest, where thousands of fans gathered to celebrate their shared interests. It fostered community engagement as players gathered at PokéStops and Gyms, often forming new friendships along the way. And unlike traditional video games, which encourage sedentary behavior, Pokémon Go motivated players to walk, run, and explore their surroundings.

Pokémon Go exemplified how AR can enhance our perception of reality rather than replace it entirely. It brought digital elements into our everyday lives, making the experience feel more immediate and relevant.

Understanding the Distinction: AR vs. VR

While AR has made significant strides in recent years, it’s essential to understand how it differs from virtual reality (VR).

“Augmented reality will change the world more than a lot of other technologies.”

Tim Sweeney, game developer

• Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the real world. This means you can still see your physical environment while interacting with virtual objects. For instance, when using AR apps on your smartphone, you might see a 3D model of a dinosaur standing in your living room through your screen.

• Virtual Reality (VR), on the other hand, immerses users in a completely digital environment. When wearing a VR headset, you’re transported to an entirely different realm where your physical surroundings are blocked out. You can explore fictional worlds or simulations that feel incredibly real but have no connection to your actual environment.

This distinction is crucial as we navigate the evolving landscape of immersive technologies. While VR offers total immersion, AR provides a more accessible entry point for users who want to engage with digital content without losing touch with their surroundings.

Beyond Pokémon Go: Expanding Applications of AR

The success of Pokémon Go opened the floodgates for other AR applications across various sectors:

• Retail: Brands like IKEA have developed apps that allow customers to visualize furniture in their homes before making a purchase. By pointing their smartphone cameras at their living spaces, users can see how different items fit into their existing decor.

• Education: AR is transforming classrooms by overlaying educational content onto physical materials. For example, students can use AR apps to interact with 3D models of historical artifacts or biological systems, enhancing their understanding through visual engagement.

• Healthcare: Surgeons are using AR to overlay critical information during procedures, improving precision and outcomes. By visualizing patient data directly onto their field of view, medical professionals can make more informed decisions in real-time.

These applications highlight AR's simplicity, versatility and its ability to enrich our daily experiences in ways that VR never could.

The Future of AR: Blurring Boundaries

As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations in augmented reality. The lines between AR and VR may blur even more with the emergence of mixed reality (MR), which combines elements from both technologies. MR allows users to interact with both real-world objects and digital content seamlessly—think of it as the best of both worlds.

Apple's Vision Pro (released early 2024) is a prime example of mixed reality. It seamlessly combines augmented and virtual reality, allowing users to interact with digital content overlaid on their real-world environment while also providing immersive virtual experiences. With advanced features like spatial computing, eye tracking, and a unique "EyeSight" display for social interaction, it represents a significant leap in how we engage with technology. This headset blurs the lines between reality and the digital realm, making it a powerful tool for both work and play.

VRChat and Digital Dualism

Launched in 2017, VRChat quickly became a vibrant social platform where users could interact using customizable avatars in a myriad of user-created environments. Unlike traditional games, VRChat emphasizes socialization and creativity, allowing users to build their own worlds and express themselves through unique avatars.

“When virtual reality gets cheaper than dating, society is doomed.”

Scott Adams, cartoonist

This focus on user-generated content has fostered a diverse community where players can engage in everything from casual conversations to elaborate role-playing scenarios. However, while VRChat offers an engaging social experience, it also brings to the forefront the philosophical concept of digital dualism - the idea that our online interactions are fundamentally separate from our offline realities.

Digital dualism, popularized by Nathan Jurgenson in 2011, is the belief that online and offline realms are separate and distinct. This often leads to the perception that digital interactions are less "real" than physical ones. This concept has also been critiqued for oversimplifying the complex interplay between these spaces, as both digital and physical identities are interwoven in our daily lives.

It’s a theme that we have seen earlier, with MMORPGs, and perhaps as early as the MUDs of the 1970s and 1980s. But modern virtual environments take it to a new level.

Digital dualism raises important questions about identity construction in virtual spaces. In VRChat, users often create avatars that differ significantly from their real-world selves, which can lead to rich explorations of self-representation and authenticity. For instance, someone might choose to embody a fantastical creature or a character from their favorite anime, allowing them to express facets of their identity that they may not feel comfortable showcasing in the physical world. This fluidity can be liberating, but it also prompts discussions about the nature of authenticity—are we more "real" when we present ourselves as we truly are, or when we adopt these alternate personas?

Moreover, while VRChat fosters new forms of community that transcend geographical boundaries, it can also lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection from physical communities. Users may find themselves forming deep connections with others online, yet struggle to translate those relationships into the real world. This duality highlights the complexities of modern social interactions - where the lines between virtual and physical experiences blur, prompting us to reconsider what it means to belong.

Virtual Economies

“What is it like to walk in someone else's shoes? Books allow us to imagine it, and movies allow us to see it, but VR is the first medium that actually allows us to experience it.”

Nick Mokey, journalist

From Second Life to Decentraland and The Sandbox

In our exploration of virtual worlds, we previously examined Second Life, a pioneering platform that allowed users to create and trade virtual goods within its expansive environment. While Second Life introduced the concept of a virtual economy, it operated within a centralized framework where the platform controlled transactions and content creation.

In contrast, Decentraland and The Sandbox represent a new wave of blockchain-based virtual worlds that emphasize decentralization and user ownership. Launched in 2020 and 2021 respectively, these platforms empower users to buy, sell, and develop virtual land and assets as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), ensuring true ownership and the ability to monetize creations.

How Virtual Economies Work

Decentraland and The Sandbox have emerged as promising players in the realm of virtual worlds, each leveraging blockchain technology to create unique ecosystems where users can buy, sell, and develop virtual assets. Launched in 2020, Decentraland is a blockchain-based platform that allows users to purchase parcels of virtual land using its native cryptocurrency, “MANA”. This decentralized environment empowers users to monetize their creations, whether through virtual real estate, interactive experiences, or digital art. Decentraland operates on the Ethereum blockchain, ensuring that all transactions are secure and transparent, while its governance model is managed by a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), giving users a voice in the platform's development.

Similarly, The Sandbox, which launched in 2021, offers a comparable experience where users can create, own, and monetize their gaming experiences. It emphasizes user-generated content and has attracted significant investment due to its potential for crafting unique gaming environments. In The Sandbox, users can build games and experiences using the platform's tools and sell them as NFTs, further driving the concept of ownership in the digital realm.

Both platforms exemplify the concept of virtual economies, which are economic systems existing within digital environments. These economies allow users to trade virtual goods and services, often utilizing cryptocurrencies or blockchain technology for transactions. Key aspects of these virtual economies include:

• Digital Ownership: Users can buy, sell, and develop virtual real estate or assets, creating real economic value. Each parcel of land in Decentraland or The Sandbox is represented as a non-fungible token (NFT), ensuring that ownership is unique and verifiable.

• Monetization Opportunities: Creators can earn income through their digital creations. Whether it's hosting events in Decentraland or developing games in The Sandbox, users have numerous avenues to generate revenue from their efforts.

• Economic Models: Virtual economies challenge traditional economic concepts by introducing new forms of value creation and exchange. Unlike conventional markets where physical goods dominate, these digital platforms allow for innovative interactions that can lead to entirely new business models.

Exploring these virtual economies provides insight into how digital interactions can lead to real-world financial implications and shifts in economic behavior. As users engage with platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox, they not only participate in a new form of commerce but also redefine what it means to own something in a world where physical boundaries no longer apply.

AltspaceVR, Rec Room, and Somnium Space

As we conclude our journey through the evolving landscape of virtual worlds, it's essential to highlight a few notable platforms that further enrich the social and interactive experiences available to users. AltspaceVR, despite its recent shutdown in March 2023, was a pioneering social VR platform that facilitated a variety of events and meetups in immersive environments. From comedy shows to virtual gatherings, it provided a space for users to connect and explore their identities.

Rec Room, another popular social gaming platform, allows users to create games and engage with others in dynamic environments. With its emphasis on user-generated content, Rec Room fosters creativity and collaboration among players, making it a vibrant hub for social interaction.

Meanwhile, Somnium Space focuses on building a persistent virtual reality world with real economic systems. Users can buy land, build properties, and create experiences that can be monetized, echoing the principles of ownership found in platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox.

Conclusion

The evolution of virtual worlds - from Second Life’s early experiments to the blockchain innovations of Decentraland and The Sandbox - illustrates the shifting landscape of digital interaction. As we embrace these immersive technologies, we must consider their implications for identity, community, and economy. The future holds exciting possibilities as platforms like AltspaceVR, Rec Room, and Somnium Space continue to shape our understanding of what it means to connect in virtual spaces.

Oculus Rift VR Headset. Image credit: freepngimg.com

We’re almost done here, but there is one more virtual world we haven’t visited yet: the ‘Metaverse’ as envisioned by Facebook/Meta. This will be the subject of our fifth and final part.

If you enjoyed this exploration into the world of virtual realities and economies, don’t forget to subscribe for more insights! Join the conversation in the comments below - what are your thoughts on the future of virtual worlds?