NFTs have been around for quite a while now. To be more precise, the first NFT was minted in 2014. Although adoption on a large scale was not present at the time, the past few years have seen a massive uptick in the NFT industry. Thanks to the NFT boom in 2021, NFTs have now become relatively mainstream. Pretty much everyone has at least heard of the term and many have already invested in it. This was the power of NFTs in 2021. However, not even the most hardcore of NFT enthusiasts can hide from the fact that the trade and adoption of NFTs did witness a minor downswing during the crypto winter of 2022.
But the new year dawned with new hope for the NFT sector. Now, NFTs are stronger than ever with quite a dazzling number of use cases to their benefit. From NFT gaming marketplaces to branding and real estate in the Metaverse, several fields have incorporated NFTs within their working for a more efficient and technology-backed approach. With many industries already using NFTs, it stands to reason that the Metaverse, too, will integrate them. And at the start of 2023, that certainly seems to be the case. It would seem that 2023 will be the year where the Metaverse will receive a huge impetus with the integration of NFTs to aid it. Here are but a few use cases we can expect to see this year.
Use Cases of NFTs in the Metaverse
As we have already mentioned, NFTs are on a roll this year. And experts believe that some trends and applications might just be more in the limelight than others. We have listed the top …. Use cases of NFTs in the Metaverse below.
Art Galleries:
Anyone who has been following news from either the tech world or the art world would know that NFTs are definitely enhancing art. For one thing, artists have the chance to completely own and monetize their work without the interference of third parties. In 2023, we can even expect NFTs to be the foundation of art galleries in the Metaverse. Right now, NFT marketplaces are primarily listing art NFTs. However, if art galleries were to enter the arena, then artists could display their work to potential buyers in the Metaverse itself. Not only could they oversee the buying and selling of their creation, but the Metaverse would also offer them the chance for a more realistic and holistic experience. And as NFTs evolve to become more dynamic, one may even be able to interact with the piece itself! Wouldn’t that be a revolution?!
Blockchain Gaming:
One cannot simply list out trends in NFTs without at least mentioning blockchain gaming. Several people all over the world, especially those in developing countries have been using play-to-earn NFT games to supplement their income . In fact, there has been speculation that NFT gaming marketplaces may even offer an alternative to traditional 9 to 5 jobs! Unlike Web2 games where assets you paid for are lost should the game developers decide to discontinue the project, Web3 games give you complete ownership. NFTs which are unique in the sense that they can give you total and verifiable ownership over a digital asset facilitate this mechanism. This is certainly helpful in the case of in-game assets. Not to mention that Metaverse-based NFT games would offer a layer of immersion that has not been seen till now!
Marketplaces:
NFTs and secure trading go hand in hand. With NFTs in the picture, one can safely trade digital assets on virtual marketplaces in the Metaverse. Another advantage is that NFTs can give you the chance to own rare and unique assets. And you can always verify the origin so that its authenticity is never in doubt. How does this help the sellers, you may ask. Well, NFTs that are extremely rare go for enormous prices, yes, even in the millions! And if they are scarce or limited in number, well, you can imagine how many people would flock to that marketplace!
Interaction with other users:
The great thing about NFTs is that they can be anything. Sure, you have the usual images, video, mames, and audio.. But did you know that NFTs can even be used as avatars that represent you in the Metaverse? These avatars can also grant you entry to certain events in the Metaverse. And the best part is that you can use these avatars to replicate a real-life interaction even within the confines of the virtual world. Social media that integrates NFTs, too, can be made that much more secure. It would be very difficult to tamper with a user’s data, giving you top-notch privacy and security with every additional feature you could ever wish for. Chat rooms and forums, too, could take on another level as even geographical boundaries woul never be a consideration in the Metaverse. A great feature of the Metaverse that would enhance social interaction is the fact that it has the potential to be so much more diverse and inclusive than even real-world spaces.
Real Estate:
The concept of virtual “real” estate can definitely be hard to wrap one’s head around. But several platforms are already doing it and doing it well. NFTs can represent pieces of land in the Metaverse. You can buy them, trade them, and even customize them. Think of all the possibilities! Owners could host parties, rent out land to others for events, and even conduct large-scale concerts. All without even leaving their home. NFTs can help you get complete and immediate control over your property. You decide the rules and what you can do on your land.
Closing Thoughts
Technology is evolving at a rapid rate and the world as a whole is hurtling towards the future that Web3 promises. With an interoperable Metaverse being the pinnacle of that future, NFTs are surely the foundation on which it can be built. NFTs, even right now, are extremely versatile and the only limit to the possibilities is your creativity! With that being said, we cannot wait to see how the amalgamation of NFTs and the Metaverse will emerge in the coming year!
