Web3 and the Metaverse: Differences and Interactions

The Early Days of Web3

To understand how Web3 emerged, it's useful to briefly review the evolution of the Internet over the past few decades. Web1 originated in the early 1990s and lasted until roughly 2004. During this period, the Internet was just beginning, and most websites operated in a "read-only" mode. Users mainly consumed information hosted by companies on their platforms.

Shortly after the new millennium began, social media platforms became increasingly important, ushering in the era of Web2. This phase went beyond simple browsing, actively encouraging content creation. It marked the start of the World Wide Web's "read-write" phase, allowing users to generate content hosted on various servers. However, despite user contributions, large corporations retained control over this user-generated content.

At this point, Web3 entered the scene. Launched by Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum, Web3 is built around the principle of decentralizing the Internet. This approach addresses concerns from many who believed that a handful of private companies held too much control and power over the existing Internet, requiring significant trust in these institutions for the system to function properly. The solution is a fully decentralized structure that empowers Internet users to read, write, and own their content.

In essence, Web3 introduces four key features that are set to transform the web. First, its infrastructure is decentralized, ensuring that no single company or small group of corporations can own any portion of the Internet. Second, Web3 is permissionless, enabling everyone to participate and access the Internet without barriers. Third, it operates on a trustless system, eliminating reliance on third parties. Instead, economic incentives encourage participants to act in the collective interest. Lastly, to support these incentives, Web3 integrates its own native payment system through cryptocurrencies, removing the need for intermediaries like banks and payment processors.

The Rise of the Metaverse

While Web3 has sparked significant discussion since its emergence around 2014, another concept has also drawn widespread attention in recent years: the Metaverse. The term originates from the 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash and was further popularized in other media, such as 2011's Ready Player One.

Today, "Metaverse" generally refers to persistent, interconnected virtual environments where users can interact with each other and their surroundings using devices like VR and AR headsets and systems. Viewed by many companies and developers as the next phase of Internet evolution, the concept has expanded to cover a much broader spectrum of technologies.

The vision has evolved into an integrated virtual world where interconnected platforms let users move seamlessly through digital environments with their personalized avatars. From entertainment spaces to workplaces and retail stores, the Metaverse aims to mirror our daily physical lives in a digital setting.

While many of these features are still some distance from reality, we already see Metaverse-like experiences built with current technology. Examples include music concerts in Fortnite, adventures in World of Warcraft, and collaborative work in platforms like VR Chat and Meta’s Horizon Workrooms. These virtual spaces bring people together for activities typically held in physical environments. The key difference is that these spaces operate independently and are more like separate metaverses than a single, unified Metaverse.

Several tech companies have started developing their own metaverses, including Meta (formerly Facebook), Microsoft, Nvidia, Roblox, and Epic Games. Instead of one universal Metaverse like the Oasis in Ready Player One, we are likely to see multiple, competing metaverses striving for adoption and popularity across industries. If you advocate for a more decentralized web, you may recognize the same concerns that arose with Web2—a handful of companies exerting excessive control over the Internet. The answer to these challenges, bringing us full circle, is Web3.

Distinct but Complementary

At first glance, Web3 and the ideal Metaverse represent two future visions of the Internet, each focusing on different aspects. Web3 aims to create a more democratic web structure, while the Metaverse seeks to make online experiences more immersive. Their focus differs: Web3 centers on liberating the overall system, while the Metaverse emphasizes the end-user experience. A decentralized World Wide Web does not automatically result in a Metaverse, and building a Metaverse does not necessarily democratize the Internet. Yet, as you may have noticed, Web3 and the Metaverse are well-positioned to complement each other.

As previously discussed, one fundamental challenge facing the Metaverse (or multiple metaverses) is that a few dominant players could retain control over the Internet. Developing a true Metaverse with Web3 technology addresses this challenge by giving users control over the virtual world. By building a universal, decentralized 3D digital space, users can move freely across different environments while securely managing their identities, data, and contributions.

There are additional points of interaction between the two models. The Metaverse depends on digital currencies for exchanges of goods and services. Web3 technologies, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies, provide secure asset ownership and value storage. Decentralized applications (dApps) and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) can expand the Metaverse and enable entirely new experiences. Meanwhile, creators and users maintain control, collectively deciding how development progresses. In this way, Web3 is essential to democratizing the Metaverse.

The Future of the Internet

By harnessing the features of Web3, the Internet can evolve into a Metaverse free from censorship and monopolistic control. Despite both models for the Internet's future having existed for several years, we remain in the early stages of development, and widespread adoption will take time. However, as the technology sector continues to advance, a new system could soon emerge that revolutionizes the global economy and the way we interact as individuals.

FAQ

Web3 and the Metaverse: What’s the Difference? Are They the Same?

No, they are not the same. Web3 is a decentralized, blockchain-based Internet, whereas the Metaverse refers to immersive virtual worlds. While separate, they are interconnected—blockchain and NFTs drive Metaverse economies.

How Does Web3 Technology Support Metaverse Development?

Web3 powers the Metaverse through decentralized architecture, allowing users to truly own digital assets and exercise autonomy. Smart contracts handle transactions, blockchain provides security, and tokens enable economic activity in virtual worlds.

What Does Using Web3 in the Metaverse Mean? What Are the Practical Applications?

Using Web3 in the Metaverse means leveraging decentralized technology and blockchain to enable secure transactions and identity verification. Practical applications include digital asset trading, decentralized social platforms, and self-sustaining virtual economies.

What Role Do Blockchain, NFTs, and Smart Contracts Play in the Metaverse?

Blockchain ensures transparency and security for transactions. NFTs verify digital asset ownership. Smart contracts automate agreements, empowering users to own, trade, and monetize virtual goods in a reliable, decentralized way.

Will Web3 and the Metaverse Together Change the Future of the Internet?

Yes—the convergence of Web3 and the Metaverse will transform the Internet. This shift will boost user control, deepen virtual interactivity, and create new decentralized economies, redefining the global digital landscape.

Which Projects Currently Combine Web3 and Metaverse Technology?

Projects merging Web3 and the Metaverse include gaming, Metaverse social networks, VR, AR, XR, digital avatars, and 3D content. These sectors are rapidly growing and innovating.

How Do Web3 Metaverse Platforms Ensure Security and Privacy?

Web3 Metaverse platforms enhance security through decentralization and multi-factor authentication. Anonymity strengthens user privacy. Data encryption and blockchain technologies maintain data integrity. Security measures continuously improve alongside technological evolution.

What Are the Requirements and Costs to Access the Web3 Metaverse?

To access the Web3 Metaverse, an initial investment ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yuan is usually enough. As blockchain technology matures, transaction fees are expected to drop significantly and may eventually become negligible.