The Metaverse may just sound like a virtual world, and so you may think, “Well, we already have that with Virtual Reality, right?”, and whilst you are correct on the concept of a virtual experience, both the Metaverse and Virtual Reality are actually very different.

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In fact, there’s not only just one difference between both Virtual Reality (VR) and the Metaverse, there’s actually a fair few around that makes them both unique to each other, so with that said, let’s dive into some of the differences between them both.

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Ownership: This is a main difference. When you access Virtual Reality, you are playing on a system owned by a brand, and enjoying content owned by a brand. You technically have zero possession other than the equipment, but you don’t own that, unless you’re the owner of the brand then fair enough, you’ve got us, but with the Metaverse, you own everything you have, everything you have is your asset, so you have full ownership.

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Technology: The Metaverse and Virtual Reality are both incredible advancements of technology, but Virtual Reality has limitations and can only go so far, because after all it’s solely about experiencing a virtual adventure, however, the Metaverse really has no limits, as it combines various forms of technology like Augmented and Virtual Reality, and more, and is a full on virtual world that you have ownership in and can build on.

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Shared Experiences: Both Virtual Reality and the Metaverse let you enjoy a virtual experience with other people, but there’s a big difference in the reach of this virtuality. Virtual Reality typically is limited to a set amount of people, such a games choice of player size, whilst the Metaverse is an open virtual world where we all can go to, experience, and connect with others at, across the entire internet, with no limits.

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Reality: When you wear a Virtual Reality headset, you know you’re wearing it and you know it’s a screen covering your eyes letting you experience a virtual environment with a controller or some lasers to let you control the experience, but the Metaverse is a virtual universe, and lets you combine the great tech of Augmented Reality with Virtual Reality and more, letting you live just like you do in real life, but with a virtual-form and sense.

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Life Blend: Virtual Reality is great for experiences, but as soon as you turn off the system, it doesn’t do much for you, however, the Metaverse is always on the go and blends real with virtual, bridging the gap between virtual-experiences and real-experiences with things like Augmented Reality, and other tech, giving you a true real life feel in a virtual-style that is always around and has real life outcomes in various formats.

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They are the main differences between Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse. Put simply, it’s like thinking of the difference between a PC and the Internet. The Metaverse, in a basic sense, is apart of the next generation of the Internet, and VR is a way of experiencing it.