Metaverse Simplified – Scope and Skills Needed
I recently had a very interesting conversation with a Metaverse Coach. I wanted to understand more about this buzzword. And Rrahul Sethi, helped me log onto Decentraland (https://decentraland.org/), create my Digital Avatar and take a tour of the Metaverse (absolutely fantastic; blew my mind). Mind you, till this stage I did not have a VR headset and I did not punch in my card details.
So that’s two myths busted right away:
- Metaverse can be accessed through web and mobile; VR Headset not necessary (though headsets will enable a superior experience, am sure)
- It is possible to tour the Metaverse initially without creating a wallet, though you may need to do it once you want your avatar to have branded accessories and get rewarded/paid for various activities performed on Metaverse.
What is Metaverse
Metaverse is an immersive experience, a parallel, virtual world where people across the globe can come together to collaborate, engage, and enjoy. Metaverses built on decentralized chain also called blockchain, do not have payment gateway integration with Visa or a MasterCard. You need to have an identity to engage with other players in the metaverse. ( For this step, you may want to create your own Meta Mask or any other crypto wallet account). This is because when you transact on Metaverse, different metaverses have their own cryptocurrencies, which are credited or debited to your wallet. It is a trend that is predicted to cause greater disruption that what the pandemic has caused.
The nature of workforce has already started getting impacted. Many tech firms pivoted to metaverse as firstly there are major overlaps in competencies required for Metaverse and secondly, they perceived greater opportunity in designing for metaverse.
Certainly, not every metaverse has to be on decentralized chain or blockchain. There are metaverses that are central in nature. A centralized metaverse is hosted on a server that is owned by a company whereas a decentralized blockchain is not hosted by one company but managed by a whole lot of nodes. (To know more about nodes, please refer to blockchain course on website).
How emerging technologies enable Metaverse
- 3D Design: Metaverse depends on 3D reconstruction of objects to make them vivid, create something that will excite, create thrill amongst its users; has adventure or mystery in it, so possibilities are immense here.
- Some metaverse experience are built around an actual site like Temples, museums etc which are also called digital twins.
- AI makes it possible to create Avatars in the Metaverse.
- AR/VR knowledge aids in designing virtual workplaces incorporating interactive activities, spontaneity, fun and providing a great experience overall.
How will Metaverse impact our Workforce?
Scope
Metaverse is to be worth a $679 bn industry by 2030, according to the latest Everest Group research. It offers numerous opportunities to enterprises, such as improved work productivity, interactive learning environment, investments and trade in digital assets – NFTs and cryptocurrency etc. It is not just the tech titans like Google, Meta (Facebook changed its name to Meta to focus on building the Metaverse), Microsoft etc, who are investing billions of dollars to building their own metaverses, there are a number of smaller companies that have jumped into the fray and are doing extremely well. So what are the skillsets that companies building their metaverses are looking for?
Basic Skillsets required
Rrahul explained, “Every metaverse has its own SDK (Software development kit). Not just STEM graduates, but even graduates can get opportunities in Metaverse provided they have the right skills:
- Scripting skills: The aspirant should be skilled in a scripting language (for e.g. C#, Java script etc)
- 3D Modelling: The learner should take time to learn any one of these software solutions (Maya, 3DS Max, Blender)
- Business Analyst: This is a professional skill which involves skills in problem solving and analytical thinking.
- Storytelling skills: A part of Communication skills
Get the right skill sets and jump onto the bandwagon. While as a website designer you could be making x amount of money, if you upskill in Unity Programming etc, you can double or even triple the amount of money you make.”
Rrahul Sethi is a serial entrepreneur and metaverse coach. He has coached over 500 professionals and 1000+ students in Metaverse and runs a very successful Metaverse 911 for Business Leaders program.
About nasscom FutureSkills Prime: FutureSkills Prime started as a platform with a vision to upskill/reskill every Indian citizen in emerging technologies. A novel skilling program initiative of Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and National Association of Software and Services Companies (nasscom), it incentivizes the cost of the eligible course(s), providing authentic and accredited certifications acceptable in the industry.
Written By Kaamna Jain, nasscom FutureSkills Prime