Expert Takes: Rob Whitehead

Hi Rob, can you describe the technologies of the metaverse and why distributed systems are so important?

The development of the metaverse is a complex, multi-layered challenge that hinges on advanced technologies, systems and models. It relies on a convergence of technologies such as gaming, AI, cloud computing, and open-source standards. Creating a high-fidelity, interactive virtual world requires more computational power than a single computer can provide. This is where distributed systems become essential. Distributed systems enable many computers to work together, sharing the computational load needed for a seamless virtual experience. Unlike websites, where multiple servers handle isolated tasks, virtual spaces need all servers to communicate continuously to maintain connectivity and synchronisation. These systems manage data for simulation, AI, and computation, forming the backbone of large-scale virtual worlds. The complexity and unpredictability of these systems mirror the challenge of coordinating numerous individuals to achieve a common goal. Therefore, distributed systems technology is crucial for the scalability and functionality of the metaverse.

It’s worth mentioning that blockchains are also complex distributed systems where instead of scaling to increase computational power, they scale for security reasons. We’re finding high-performance distributed system development is also an area of value to this space too.

What does interoperability and composability mean in practice, and where are we at?

Interoperability in the metaverse means people and things can seamlessly be used across different products and technologies.

This is a multi-layered problem it’s not just enough to know you own something, you need to know what it is, how it behaves, and what it looks like!

1. Ownership: Managed by NFTs and blockchain, ensuring that digital assets are uniquely owned and transferable.
2. Semantic Understanding: Defining what an item is, such as distinguishing between a hat and a tree.
3. Behavior: Ensuring items function consistently across different virtual environments.
4. Visualisation: Making sure items look the same regardless of the platform.

Currently, we see progress in visual and behavioral interoperability, with standards being developed. However, economic interoperability, which allows seamless transactions and value transfer between different systems, is still emerging. For interoperability to be fully realised, all these layers must work together effectively. And making the glue is quite challenging.

Composability, akin to Lego blocks, allows different creators to build upon each other’s work, enhancing creativity and economic value. For instance, in blockchain technology, one person creates a token, another builds an exchange, and another develops a marketplace for that token. On TikTok, creators are constantly remixing and stitching together existing content to make new forms of related media.

These interconnected components exponentially increase value by integrating seamlessly. This principle is crucial for creating rich, dynamic virtual environments where diverse contributions can combine to form something greater than their individual parts.

Why is decentralisation so important for the metaverse?

Decentralisation is vital for the metaverse because it democratises creation, ensuring diverse and organic growth. It allows different pieces of the metaverse to be developed independently and then integrated, much like how decentralised finance works on blockchain. Each component, from tokens to marketplaces, adds value by connecting and integrating with others.

It also preserves the open metaverse, preventing monopolies by large corporations from dominating the space. Decentralisation fosters grassroots cultural development, allowing innovative ideas to flourish at the fringes and gradually influence the mainstream. This cultural evolution is essential for creating meaningful, authentic virtual spaces.

Lastly, it supports economic composability. It will enable the economic frameworks of the metaverse to evolve, expand, and integrate new functionalities, enhancing the overall value and utility of virtual environments. This flexibility is crucial for the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the metaverse.

To sum up, decentralisation ensures that the metaverse remains open, inclusive, and adaptable. It allows for a diverse range of contributions, fostering innovation and creativity. By decentralising creation and economic frameworks, we ensure a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable metaverse that can grow organically and inclusively.

This interview is from our first opus, released in June 2024. You can read the full opus here on our website.