What Is a Metaverse Engineer and What New Professions Will Emerge in the Virtual World?

The Metaverse: A New Reality and Opportunities for Work

The metaverse is rapidly evolving, transforming into a space where people can not only have fun but also work and earn money. In the near future, many new professions will emerge within this virtual realm. Even now, more tasks are arising that require skilled professionals to solve them. In this article, we'll explore key professions that will thrive in the metaverse, from creating virtual objects to ensuring cybersecurity.

What Is the Metaverse?

Our modern lives are increasingly intertwined with digital services: video chats for work, online theaters, educational platforms, and internet shopping. However, the quality of interaction with these virtual services still pales in comparison to real life. We are bound by screens, computers, or handheld devices.

Imagine being able to “try on” clothes directly in an online store or meet colleagues from different cities in a VR office. Companies developing metaverses aim to provide precisely such experiences. While the term "metaverse" was first introduced over 20 years ago by science fiction writer Neal Stephenson, it gained widespread attention in 2021 when Facebook rebranded to Meta.

Matthew Ball, a former head of strategy at Amazon and a leading thinker on the metaverse, identified several key elements that set the metaverse apart from traditional VR games:

• The metaverse operates continuously, without pauses or downtime.
• Events occur in real-time, allowing users to attend meetings, make purchases, and engage in other activities instantly.
• There are no limits on the number of users.
• The metaverse has its own economy where people can work and earn virtual currency.
• The virtual and real worlds are interconnected.
• Content and data can be shared across different platforms without compatibility issues.
• Both users and companies can create content within the metaverse.

Responsibilities of a Metaverse Engineer

The primary goal of a metaverse engineer is to design immersive ecosystems that engage users. These engineers integrate new technologies to enhance the user experience.

The metaverse brings together different types of virtual environments: Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). Each approach requires different tools and techniques. For instance, VR relies on devices like headsets and controllers, while AR can be accessed through smartphones. Microsoft has explored MR with its Windows Mixed Reality project, utilizing devices like the Microsoft HoloLens.

Metaverse engineers are responsible for developing these devices and ensuring they meet the demands of users. Their key tasks include:

1. Planning and outlining the project.
2. Managing the project according to client needs.
3. Designing devices that are both technologically advanced and user-friendly.

Companies Developing Metaverses

Several major companies are already working on building metaverses for various purposes:

• Microsoft introduced the Mesh for Teams VR service concept, which allows users to interact in virtual offices using digital avatars. Initially, they plan to release an enhanced messaging service and later expand it into a full-fledged metaverse.
• Epic Games is transitioning Fortnite into a full-fledged metaverse. In December, they launched Party Worlds, a mode where users can socialize and play mini-games without engaging in combat.
• Nike and Roblox teamed up to create Nikeland, a virtual world where users can wear Nike apparel and participate in virtual sporting events. This platform allows users to test products while Nike gains insights into consumer behavior.

Key Professions in the Metaverse

Building the metaverse requires a complex infrastructure and a team of specialists with diverse skills. No single individual can design and implement an entire virtual world alone. Here are some key professions that will be essential in the metaverse:

1. CG Artists and Concept Artists — responsible for creating visual concepts for characters and environments. These artists design the atmosphere and settings within the metaverse, similar to their roles in video games.

2. 3D Artists — tasked with creating 3D models of characters, objects, and environments. They need skills in both modeling and rendering, as well as familiarity with game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.

3. 3D Animators — bring the virtual world to life by animating characters and objects. They work on making movements and interactions feel realistic and immersive.

4. Developers for Unity and Unreal Engine — responsible for the technical execution of the content. Their job is to ensure that objects in the metaverse load correctly, move properly, and respond to user actions.

5. AI and Machine Learning Specialists — create intelligent systems and characters that enhance user interaction within the metaverse.

Prospects and Salaries

Metaverse engineers represent a profession of the future, and demand for these specialists will grow as the technology advances. Currently, engineers working on VR devices can earn salaries starting at $8,000 per month. As metaverses gain mainstream acceptance, professionals in this field can expect their earnings to increase proportionally.

Where to Learn?

There are already numerous courses available that teach the necessary skills for metaverse development, such as 3D modeling, animation, programming, and game engine usage. More comprehensive programs for artists and animators, such as Maya or Blender, are also available.

Conclusion

The metaverse presents numerous new opportunities for both businesses and professionals. Developing virtual worlds requires a diverse team of experts, from artists and programmers to engineers and AI specialists. The future of the metaverse is on the horizon, and those who acquire the necessary skills early on will find themselves in high demand in this rapidly evolving industry.