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Top metaverse projects for 2023
Keep an eye out for the most promising metaverse projects and what they bring to the table.
When Facebook rebranded itself as Meta, the term “metaverse” took the tech and crypto space by storm — putting a spotlight on the top metaverse projects and igniting new initiatives.
Take a look at some of the most promising metaverse projects in development to find out which immersive digital space to step into.
What is a metaverse project?
The metaverse is a network of highly immersive, 3D virtualized worlds focused on social interaction, where users gather and engage in activities through their avatars, such as playing games, attending a concert or even working.
Simply put, the metaverse is a virtual realm that parallels our real lives, in which almost anything is possible.
At its current stage of development, many metaverse aspects remain abstract. However, some components, such as blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are already playing a foundational role in shaping its internal infrastructure and economy.
Types of Metaverse projects
Metaverse projects are fulfilling early-stage goals, including building mainstream online activities — gaming, online communities and commerce — on top of Web3 technologies. Metaverse projects can be broadly classified based on their strategy and technology:
Blockchain-based metaverses
The version of the metaverse that took the crypto space by storm are platforms such as Decentraland and The Sandbox, which strive to inject real-world value into their virtual worlds through blockchain, NFTs and decentralized financial technologies.
Collaborative virtual environments
The second group, such as Facebook, Fortnite and Roblox, use the term metaverse to refer to virtual worlds more generally, which is simply a massive interconnected virtual space where people can meet up for business or recreation.
These projects may not necessarily utilize Web3 technologies at the moment, but they may eventually move towards the direction of the blockchain metaverses with an increased preference for decentralization.
Metaverse project characteristics
While this computer-generated space is still in development, some of the key characteristics that we can expect in a complete ecosystem that replicates real life includes:
- Open world exploration.
- Evolving user profiles and avatars.
- Real-life activities in digital form, such as social interaction, gaming, and commerce.
- Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
- Synchronicity (existing in real-time).
- Interoperability (ability for systems to operate in conjunction with each other).
Top metaverse projects
Here’s a list of the most popular metaverse projects with the strongest social signals and active users:
| Project | Summary | Key project details | Blockchain(s) and token(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
The Sandbox | Decentralized, community-driven virtual metaverse where players can build, own and monetize their gaming experiences. | Status: Alpha live Expected release date: TBA Genre: Open world, mini games, metaverse Developer: Pixowl Inc, Animoca Brands Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain: Token: SAND |
Decentraland | A 3D virtual world platform allowing users to create, experience and monetize their content and applications. | Status: Live Genre: Open world, mini games, virtual reality Developer: Ari Meilich and Esteban Ordano Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain:  Token: MANA |
Somnium Space | An immersive, blockchain-based VR world offering communication, e-commerce and entertainment. Users can purchase digital land, build homes, participate in hyperrealistic experiences and more. | Status: Live Genre: Open world, virtual reality, virtual world Developer: Somnium Space LTD Supported platform(s): Windows, Oculus, VIVE, Steam | Blockchain:  Token: CUBE |
Bloktopia | A VR-powered 21-level mega skyscraper that acts as a central hub for users to socialize, own businesses, play games and more. | Status: Development Genre: Building, virtual world Developer: Bloktopia Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain(s):  Token: BLOK |
Upland | Buy, sell and trade virtual properties mapped to real-world addresses on Earth’s metaverse. Users can own businesses, play and connect with other Uplanders. | Status: Live Genre: Building, open world, virtual world Developer: Uplandme, Inc Supported platform(s): iOS, Android, web | Blockchain(s):  Token: UPX |
NetVRk | A metaverse equipped with powerful creation tools and infrastructure for users to create, share, experience and monetize creation easily. Explore games, education content and virtual workspaces. | Status: Development Expected release date: TBA (early access live) Genre: Open world, virtual reality Developer: Xmod Supported platform(s): Android, Windows, Oculus, HIVE, web | Blockchain: Token: NTVRK |
ERTHA | Own real estate, develop land, build companies and expand your global influence in this futuristic metaverse NFT game. | Status: Presale Expected release date: Q2 2022 Genre: Action, building, open world Developer: ERTHA, URAGA Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain:  Token: ERTHA |
Polka City | A 3D and AR-powered NFT multichain platform game. Earn profits by owning virtual city assets, such as taxis, gas stations and services. | Status: Development Expected release date: TBA Genre: Augmented reality, DeFi Developer: Polka City Supported platform(s): Windows, Mac, web | Blockchain(s):  Token: POLC |
Wilder World | A community focused 5D platform that houses games and NFT-based projects. Users can buy properties and cars in Wiami — a Miami-inspired virtual city. | Status: Development Expected release date: TBA Genre: Open world, collectible, racing Developer: Frank Wilder Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain(s): Token: WILD |
RFOX | A massive virtual space focused on providing fully-immersive retail experience alongside elements from gaming, media and digital finance. | Status: Development Expected release date: TBA Genre: Open world, Developer: RFOX Labs Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain(s): Governance token: RFOX Utility token: VFOX |
Portals | A browser-based shared city environment that offers users endless opportunities to explore and create immersive virtual spaces with easy-to-use tools. | Status: Development Expected release date: TBA Genre: Open world, metaverse Developer: Portals Labs, Inc. Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain:  Token: TBA |
Note: Information provided in the table is accurate as of March 8, 2022.
Most popular metaverse projects: How we selected the titles for this list
This list consists of metaverse projects that fulfill at least two of these criteria:
- Offers the widest range of experiences, e.g. social, gaming and commerce
- Active community on social media channels
- Multiple partnerships with A-list investors
- Fully detailed roadmap and whitepaper
- Completed a number of significant funding and presale rounds
- Strong market prominence and frequent media coverage
- Advanced 3D environments
- IDO-completed and tokens are typically available for trading
- Partially launched features with ongoing/upcoming alpha tests
- Frequent updates on project development progress
- Lowest rug pull risk
Top metaverse game projects
Instead of collaborating with external partners and individual creators to offer various experiences, these metaverses are typically designed around the project’s main game.
If gaming is your thing, these are some of the top game-focused metaverses you don’t want to sleep on:
| Project | Summary | Key project details | Blockchain(s) and token(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
Star Atlas | An MMO grand strategy game enabling players to fight for resources, embark on territorial conquest, political domination and more. | Status: Development Expected release date: TBA Genre: DeFi, MMO, space Developer: Star Atlas Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain: Governance token: POLIS Utility token: ATLAS |
Illuvium | An open-world RPG, monster collector and sci-fi adventure game. Explore graphically rich landscapes to help your crash-landed crew survive and flourish. | Status: Development Expected release date: Q1 2022 Genre: DeFi, RPG, autobattler Developer: Kieran and Aaron Warwick Supported platform(s): Windows, Mac | Blockchain(s):  Token: ILV |
Axie Infinity | A turn-based card battle game in a Pokémon-inspired universe allowing players to collect, breed, raise, battle and trade creatures known as “Axies.” | Status: Live Genre: Breeding, card, PvP Developer: Sky Mavis Platform(s): iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | Blockchain(s):  Governance token: AXS Utility token: SLP |
MOBOX | A community-driven GameFi platform with a series of in-house developed games, e.g. Block Brawl, Token Master, Tactical Party Slayer that utilizes interoperable MOMO NFTs in the MOMOverse. | Status: Live Genre: DeFi, RPG, metaverse Developer: Mobox Digital Co. Supported platform(s): iOS, Android, web | Blockchain: Token: MBOX |
Vulcan Forged | A premium multi-dApp ecosystem that offers play-to-earn fantasy games, including VulcanVerse, Berserk and Forge Arena. | Status: Beta Expected release date: TBA Genre: Fantasy, minigames, open world Developer: Vulcan Forged Supported platform(s): Windows | Blockchain(s): Governance token: PYR Utility token: LAVA |
SIDUS | Next-generation AAA+ browser gaming metaverse. Explore, duel, build battle legions and seek out adventures in this futuristic MMORPG. | Status: Alpha Expected release date: TBA Genre: MMORPG, sci-fi, PvP Developer: NFT STARS, PLAYDISPLAY Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain: Token: SIDUS |
Blankos Block Party | An MMO set in a vibrant online world. Collect unique Blankos, explore and participate in user-created minigames called Block Parties. | Status: Beta Expected release date: TBA Genre: MMO, party Developer: Mythical Inc Supported platform(s): Windows, Mac | Blockchain(s):  Token: N/A |
Alien Worlds | A decentralized metaverse where players mine NFTs, vote for planetary governance, send spacecraft on missions to compete against other explorers for rewards and more. | Status: Live Genre: Card, DeFi, space Developer: Dacoco GmbH Supported platform(s): iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, web | Blockchain(s):  Token: TLM |
StarLink | An expansive 3D social-universe filled with exploration, discovery and creation. Test your skills, earn rewards, create, explore and battle alongside or against other users. | Status: Development Expected release date: Q1 2022 Genre: MMORPG, open world Developer: STARL Metaverse Project Supported platform(s): Windows, Mac, Linux | Blockchain: Token: STARL |
Evaverse | A multiplayer, immersive digital world for players to socialize and earn. | Status: Development Expected release date: Q1 2022 Genre: MMO, party Developer: Evaverse Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain(s): Token: EVA |
Troverse | Explore, gather, craft, discover, fight and hunt your way through a galaxy of 10,000 unique playable planet NFTs in a metaverse with visuals powered by Unreal Engine. | Status: Development Expected release date: Q3 2022 Genre: Open world, space, metaverse Developer: Troverse Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain(s): Token: TBA |
Nakamoto Games | A play-to-earn gaming ecosystem made up of dApps, offering both gamers and developers lucrative earning opportunities. | Status: Development Expected release date: Q2 2022 Genre: Minigames Developer: Nakamoto Games Supported platform(s): Web | Blockchain(s): Token: NAKA |
Note: Information provided in the table is accurate as of March 8, 2022.
Game-focused metaverse projects: How we selected the titles for this list
This list consists of metaverse projects that fulfill at least two of these criteria:
- A metaverse built around the project’s main game
- Active community on social media channels
- Multiple partnerships with A-list investors
- Fully detailed roadmap and whitepaper
- Completion of significant funding and presale rounds
- Strong market prominence and frequent media coverage
- Advanced graphics and gameplay
- Play-to-earn mechanics
- IDO-completed and tokens available for trading
- Fully or partially launched game features
- Frequent updates on project development progress
- Low rug pull risk
What to watch out for
Avoid getting taken advantage of in any metaverse you plan to engage in by looking out for these scams.
- Tokens with the same name/abbreviation. One of the most common exploits in the crypto space are scam tokens maliciously designed to mislead traders by using the same name or abbreviation as the official token. Always check the project’s official website for the token contract address before buying.
- Fake NFT minting scams. Never open suspicious links — especially direct messages on social media channels — or connect your wallets to an unknown site. Scammers often supply fake websites with a seemingly identical link to the official project’s to trick unsuspecting victims into “minting” or “staking” their assets.
- Potential rug pulls. Rug pull scams involve developers abandoning a project abruptly and taking off with investors’ funds. It’s good practice to join alpha groups — a community of cryptocurrency enthusiasts discussing upcoming projects — and seek opinions on projects you’re interested in.
Compare NFT marketplaces
Want to learn more about the world of NFTs? Check out our NFT hub here.
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