Do you remember Ralph, (Wreck it Ralph) who could teleport himself in and out of videogames? Almost like Ralph, one can switch scenarios and live numerous experiences in a dovetailed virtual universe called – Metaverse.
The term “metaverse”, was originally coined by Neal Stephenson in his novel Snow Crash to represent a virtual reality environment connected through the internet and accessible from any device. ‘Meta’ means beyond, and Verse is something like a universe. So, in short, a parallel world of virtual and augmented realities. No matter how sci-fi its sounds like but reality is catching up fast. Metaverse is likely to alter the way we connect, learn, do business, or watch cartoons.
I was wondering how it would change animated movies /series and will it open space and opportunities for more creative content for children.
One complaint that I always have had with Television is, most of it vices come from the fact that the viewers are just spectator or bystanders. Let me put that in perspective. Our brain is a muscle that needs exercising, if we don’t flex it won’t grow stronger. Learning happens with coordination of all sense organs i.e. hear, see, touch, feel and speak. Isolation and inactivity that watching TV while slouching in sofa creates, can be detrimental. That is the reason doctors recommend not more than an hour for watching TV.
Metaphorically, metaverse for me is like- technology stepping up to work on the feedback which has been given to it by ‘human-touch’ and ‘face-to-face’ agencies.
How ‘Metaverse’ will change the way we watch our favourite cartoon shows?
Firstly, its highly likely that our TV sets will become 3D space, supplemented with VR goggles and motion capture gloves, where our digital avatars can step in and step out as per wish.
Maybe, we will have a chance to sit in the audience to watch Quidditch World Cup and cheer Harry Potter as he flings and hinges on his broomstick to catch the Golden Snitch.
Or our digital avatar gets a chance to bring a twist in the plot or change the beginning or climax.
Similarly, we may get to experience walking into The Lion King’s jungle to talk and touch Simba and ask questions to Rafiki.
So many kids every year ask Santa to send them to Disneyland, with Metaverse that experience may be lived, pulling down all time-zones and geographic barriers.
Imagine, superheroes fan clubs buzzing with a real like interactions of children from all over the world in metaverse.The audience will get better voice and presence to express what themes they would want to watch and experience in their superhero’s stories.
Technology creates ability to achieve limitless possibilities. How Metaverse is going to alter and enhance animated movies format and experiences is yet to be seen. But for sure, there is a huge opportunity to make it better and meaningful.
Toony Mum 