3D Web and Standards | The Future of the Metaverse

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Opening up the future of the metaverse! What are "3D Web" and "Web Standards"? A complete guide for beginners

Hey everyone! I'm John, a veteran blog writer. You've probably heard the word "metaverse" a lot recently, and you're probably thinking it sounds complicated. But don't worry! Today, I'm going to talk about something that's extremely important for the future of the metaverse."3D Web"と"Web standards (common rules for creating websites and web technologies)"I will explain it in simple terms so that even beginners can understand. After reading this article, you will definitely be excited about how the Internet will change in the future!

Basic information: The future of the web: What is the 3D web metaverse?

Let's start with the basics: What on earth is the "3D Web Metaverse"?

A quick review: the Internet is expanding space

Currently, the Internet is a 2D (flat) world that mainly consists of text, images, and videos. However, the "3D Web" is, as the name suggests, a world where the InternetThree-dimensional space (three-dimensional space with length, width, and height)It's like something from a science fiction movie, right?

And the "Metaverse" will be created using this 3D web technology.Shared virtual space (a computer-generated world that many people can experience at the same time)It's about using avatars (characters that represent you) to interact with other people, play, and work.

The important thing here is"Web Standards"This is like a universal rulebook for creating websites and web services. For example, languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are examples of this. Let's apply these web standards to 3D space to make it accessible to everyone and connect different metaverses! That's the crux of the story.Spatial Web"Or"Webiverse (a combination of the words web and universe)"It's also called "

Problem to be solved: "Interoperability" to connect disparate metaverses

The current metaverse is like a bunch of isolated islands. It's common that avatars and items created in Company A's metaverse can't be used in Company B's metaverse. That's inconvenient, isn't it?

The solution to this problem is"Interoperability (the ability of different systems and services to work together without problems)"Yes. If the metaverse is built on web standards, we may be able to seamlessly carry our avatars, data, and items between different metaverses, just like we can access all websites with the same browser! Establishing this interoperability is a big key to the metaverse becoming truly popular.

That’s why organizations like the Metaverse Standards Forum exist, whose mission is to “foster and guide the development of interoperability standards” (Apify Results 1, 3).

Unique feature: an open and connected future

The unique features of the metaverse based on the "3D Web" and "web standards" are as follows:

Openness: The aim is to create an environment that is easy for anyone to participate in and develop in, without being tied to a specific company.
Accessibility: In the future, you can easily access it from a web browser without any special equipment. W3C (World Wide Web Consortium – an international organization that promotes the standardization of web technology) also places importance on accessibility (Apify Result 8).
Interconnectivity: Different metaverses and 3D spaces will be seamlessly connected, just like web pages are linked together.Linked Spatial Experiences" (Apify Result 2).
Standardized 3D data: Standard 3D graphics file formats such as X3D and glTF, promoted by the Web3D Consortium and others, make it easier to exchange data (Apify Result 2).

If this were to come to fruition, we would see the creation of a vast, connected 3D space that could truly be called the "World Wide Webiverse" (Apify Result 1).

The key to widespread adoption and the importance of standardization: Why do we all make rules?

"Supply" and "circulation" are terms that mainly come up when talking about virtual currencies (crypto assets). The "3D Web Metaverse" is a technology and concept, so there is no direct "supply."

But along similar lines, how much of this new metaverse"worth"How much"Popularization"Whether"Degree of progress in standardization"と"Number of participants"It can be said that it depends greatly on.

Think about it. What would happen if developers all over the world created 3D spaces with different rules? Users would have to learn new ways to operate for each space, and developers wouldn't be able to reuse what others have created. That would make it hard for it to become widespread.

That is why"Web Standards"It is important that everyone works according to the same rules (standards).

It becomes easier for users to use (reducing learning costs)
Developers can work together more easily (easier to reuse and collaborate on technology)
It will become easier to create new services and content (accelerating innovation)

The benefits are that a common foundation of standards will allow more people to participate, which will increase the value of the 3D Web Metaverse as a whole. This will create a healthy cycle of "supply" and "demand" in this space.

An organization called MPAI (Moving Picture, Audio and Data Coding by Artificial Intelligence) is also developing an open metaverse standard called "MPAI Metaverse Model - Technologies (MMM-TEC)" and aims for interoperability between independently designed metaverses (Apify Result 5). Efforts like this hold the key to widespread adoption.

Technical mechanics: How will the web of the future work?

So what kind of technology will this "3D web metaverse" rely on? Does it involve AI?

The first focus is on extending existing web technologies, such as the technologies you use to display websites.HTML (High-level Text Language - the language that creates the framework for web pages),CSS (CSS – a language for decorating web pages),JavaScript (a language that gives web pages movement)There is a movement to make these compatible with 3D space.

Of particular interest is the

WebXR Device API: A standard technology for delivering virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences in web browsers. It enables immersive 3D experiences on headsets and smartphones without the need to install special apps.
WebGPU: A new technology that efficiently utilizes the graphics processing power of a computer (GPU) from a web browser, enabling more complex and higher quality 3D graphics to be displayed smoothly in the browser.

And to express the 3D space itself and the objects in it,Standardized 3D File Formatsis essential. It is developed and maintained by the Web3D Consortium.X3D,VRML, and has been widely used in recent years.glTF(Apify Result 2) These are like a common language for describing information such as the shape, texture, and animation of 3D models.

AI (artificial intelligence) technology will also be used to enrich the metaverse. For example,

Realistic behavior generation for NPCs (Non-Player Characters – AI characters in games)
A natural dialogue system that responds to user utterances
Efficient generation and management of huge amounts of 3D assets (materials)
Providing personalized experiences based on user behavior analysis

By using AI in these areas, a more attractive and interactive 3D web space can be realized. However, the foundation of the 3D web metaverse is stillOpen Web StandardsAnd based on thatinteroperabilitywhat.

Indeed, these technologies combine to form the foundation for "moving from multiple independent virtual worlds to an integrated network of 3D virtual worlds, or the metaverse" (Apify Result 10).

Team and Community: Who is building this future?

Who is building this amazing future? It's not just one company. Many organizations and communities are working together to make this "standardized 3D web metaverse" a reality.

Representative organizations include:

Metaverse Standards Forum:
As its name suggests, it is an international forum established to promote open standardization for the metaverse. Various companies and standardization organizations (SDOs – Standards Development Organizations) participate in it, and it collects practical use cases (Apify Result 4) and promotes cooperation to realize interoperability (Apify Result 1, 3). In particular, through activities such as the "3D Web Interoperability Working Group," it is trying to extend current web standards and realize the metaverse (Apify Result 3).
Web3D Consortium:
It is a non-profit organization that develops and maintains international standards for 3D graphics, especially file formats and runtime architectures such as X3D, VRML, and HAnim (Humanoid Animation) (Apify Result 2). The standards they create can be said to be the foundational technologies for the 3D Web. They also hold events such as the "Web3D Conference" every year to share the latest technologies and research results (Apify Result 9).
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C):
A central organization promoting the standardization of the entire web. They work on the standardization of not only basic web technologies such as HTML and CSS, but also new 3D-related technologies such as WebXR and WebGPU. Without their activities, we would not be able to talk about web browser-based 3D experiences (Apify Result 8).
Khronos Group:
An industry consortium that develops open standards such as graphics APIs such as OpenGL and Vulkan, and the 3D asset format glTF, which is rapidly gaining popularity as the standard for delivering 3D models on the web.
MPAI (Moving Picture, Audio and Data Coding by Artificial Intelligence):
This is an organization that develops data encoding standards using AI, and as mentioned above, it is also promoting the metaverse interoperability standard "MMM-TEC" (Apify Result 5).

Although each of these organizations has their own area of expertise, they are working together toward the common goal of creating an open and interoperable metaverse. It's a huge community that is gathering the wisdom of the world to shape the future of the Internet.

Use cases and future prospects: What will the 3D Web enable?

So, if this "3D Web Metaverse" becomes a reality, how will our lives change? What will we be able to do?

The possible use cases are endless, but here are a few examples:

Social Experience: You can gather with friends as avatars, chat in a virtual space, and participate in events. It allows for more realistic communication, as if you were meeting in person.
Entertainment: New forms of entertainment will emerge, including immersive 3D games, virtual live concerts, and interactive movie experiences.
Education and Training: By conducting work training in dangerous locations in a safe virtual space and learning by recreating historical events in 3D, students can learn more practically and effectively.
Remote work and collaboration: Bring far-flung colleagues together in the same virtual office for meetings or to collaboratively design 3D models.
E-commerce: You can check out products in 3D in a virtual store and have your avatar try them on. Online shopping becomes more realistic and fun.
Digital twin: Real-world factories and cities are reproduced exactly as they are in virtual space and used for simulation and optimization.

And in the future, these different 3D spaces and metaverses will be seamlessly connected through web standards."Linked Spatial Experiences","Web of Worlds"(Apify Result 2). This means you may be able to move from one game world to your friends' social spaces to your virtual stores as easily as you would from one website to another.

This has the potential to democratize access to 2D spatial experiences and create a new economy and culture, just as the current 3D web democratized access to information. It is highly compatible with the concept of "Web3 (the next generation decentralized web using blockchain technology, etc.)" and, by combining it with decentralized IDs and NFTs (non-fungible tokens - technology to prove ownership of digital items), a more open digital society in which users can truly own their own data and assets and use them across different platforms may be realized (Apify Result 6).

It is truly "a new digital paradigm in which physical reality and virtual reality merge through a shared 3D space" (Apify Result 7).

Comparison with existing metaverse platforms: What's different?

You might be thinking, "But aren't there already things like the metaverse, like Fortnite and Roblox?" Indeed, those are also great platforms that could be considered the metaverse in a broad sense.

So what makes the "web standards-based 3D web metaverse" we're talking about different? The main differences are:"Openness"とInteroperabilityIt is an aspiration to.

Characteristics of existing major metaverse platforms (e.g. Fortnite, Roblox, VRChat, etc.):

Closed Ecosystem: In many cases, a platform is operated and managed by a specific company, with its own closed economic sphere and rules (this is sometimes called a "walled garden").
Limited interoperability: Basically, it's difficult to transfer avatars and items from one platform to another.
Unique technology platform: Each platform often has its own development tools and technical specifications.

The vision for a 3D Web Metaverse based on Web standards:

Open Ecosystem: Because it is built on a common foundation of web standards, anyone can freely build and publish 3D spaces without being dependent on any particular company.
High interoperability: The goal is to make it easier to exchange and move data between different metaverses through standardized avatar formats, item descriptions, and communication protocols.
Use of web technologies: Because it is based on existing web technologies such as HTML, JavaScript, WebXR, and WebGPU, it is easy for many web developers to get started.

To use an analogy, if the existing platform is a "theme park," then the metaverse based on web standards is closer to the "Internet itself." Each theme park is attractive, but you can only enjoy it within that park. On the other hand, the Internet allows anyone to create and publish a website, and links connect it to sites all over the world.

Of course, existing platforms are evolving, and there are some efforts to improve interoperability. But the idea of a "3D Web Metaverse" was not even considered from the beginning."An open and connected Internet"The big difference is that we are aiming for a 3D space that is shared by all. This is expected to avoid the concentration of wealth and data in certain companies and realize a more decentralized, user-driven metaverse.

Risks and Caution: Future Technologies Also Have Challenges

The 3D Web Metaverse is a dream come true, but of course it's not all good. There are some risks and things to be aware of before it can become a reality.

Technical challenges:
There are still many technical hurdles to be overcome before many people can experience high-quality 3D space comfortably at the same time using a web browser, such as reducing data size, real-time synchronization accuracy, and display compatibility on a variety of devices.
Difficulties and delays in standardization:
Standardization processes involving many companies and organizations can take time to reach consensus. With technology evolving rapidly, the key is to establish practical standards at the right time. If standards are proliferated due to differences in opinion, this could actually undermine interoperability.
Privacy and Security:
There is a possibility that more personal information than ever before will be handled in the metaverse, including avatar behavior data, biometric information (such as gaze and gestures), and communication content. New rules and technology development are needed to protect this information and prevent its misuse.
Digital Divide:
To enjoy a comfortable 3D web experience, you need a PC or smartphone with a certain level of performance, and a high-speed Internet connection. It is important to consider accessibility so that people who do not have these environments are not left behind.
Legal and ethical issues:
New problems will likely emerge in the virtual world, such as harassment, fraud, and copyright infringement. Society as a whole will need to debate how to apply real-world laws, or whether new rules are necessary.
Content quality and safety:
If anyone is free to create content, there is a risk that low-quality or inappropriate content will increase. The challenge is how to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

These issues need to be considered by everyone, not just engineers, but also lawyers, ethicists, educators, and us users. It is important to make efforts to maximize the benefits of new technologies while minimizing the risks.

Expert opinion and analysis: What do the experts think?

Experts in the field have different perspectives on the 3D Web and the importance of standardization. From the information provided (Apify results), some points emerge:

Interoperability is key (Metaverse Standards Forum):
The Metaverse Standards Forum's mission is to "foster and guide the development of interoperability standards" (Apify Results 1, 3), a reflection of the fact that many experts believe standardization is essential to realizing a connected "spatial web" rather than an isolated metaverse.
Extending existing web standards (Metaverse Standards Forum, W3C):
The Metaverse Standards Forum's "3D Web Interoperability Working Group," which includes W3C researchers, aims to "realize the metaverse by leveraging and extending current web standards" (Apify Result 8, page information). This suggests that an approach that develops based on proven web technologies, rather than creating a completely new technology from scratch, is considered realistic.
The importance of standard 3D formats (Web3D Consortium):
The Web3D Consortium's development and maintenance of international standards for 3D graphics, such as X3D and VRML, shows the importance of creating a foundation for handling 3D data in a common way across platforms (Apify Result 2). Without this, the portability of avatars and items would be a dream.
The vision for "linked spatial experiences" (Metaverse Standards Forum, Web3D Consortium):
As the phrase "Linked Spatial Experiences: The Web of Worlds" suggests (Apify Result 2, in-page information), experts envision a future in which 3D spaces are no longer simply separate, but are linked together to form a vast "web of worlds."
The Need for Open Standards (MPAI):
MPAI's proposal of MMM-TEC as the "first open metaverse standard" (Apify Result 5) also shows that the importance of an open framework in which anyone can participate, rather than one monopolized by a specific company, is recognized.

Taking these opinions together, expertsAn interoperable 3D web (metaverse) based on open international standardsIt seems that they believe that this is the next generation of the Internet that will truly benefit users. There may be a long way to go, but the direction is clear.

Latest News and Roadmap Highlights: Where Does the Future Hold?

This field is constantly evolving, and new developments are constantly happening. It's difficult to put together a specific roadmap, but here are some key trends to keep an eye on.

Ongoing work by standards bodies:
Major standardization organizations such as the Metaverse Standards Forum, Web3D Consortium, W3C, and Khronos Group regularly meet and publish new draft specifications. For example, the Metaverse Standards Forum's working group is working on standards based on specific use cases, and the W3C's Immersive Web Working Group is working on the evolution of WebXR (Apify Result 8). Checking their announcements gives you a sense of technical progress.
Promoting open source projects:
There is also active open source development, such as web-based 3D engines (Babylon.js, Three.js, etc.), open avatar formats such as VRM, and distributed metaverse platforms. These are very important in making standardized technologies usable in practice.
Browser vendor response:
Another important point is how well major web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge will support new 3D web technologies such as WebXR and WebGPU. If these technologies are widely implemented as standard features, anyone will be able to experience the 3D web without special plug-ins.
Exploring collaboration with "Web3":
There is also active discussion about how to combine Web3 elements such as blockchain technology, NFTs, and DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations) with the 3D Web metaverse. New possibilities such as digital asset ownership, decentralized economic systems, and identity management are being explored (Apify Result 6).
More trials and pilot projects:
We are seeing an increase in pilot projects and small-scale projects using metaverse technology in various industries (retail, education, manufacturing, entertainment, etc.) These efforts will likely reveal valuable use cases and issues that need to be standardized.

The overall direction is moreAn open, interoperable and accessible 3D web metaverseIt seems that technological development and standardization are moving forward together to make this a reality. A perfect future won't come anytime soon, but we can say that the construction of the "World Wide Webiverse" is progressing steadily, step by step (Apify Result 1).

Summary: The exciting future of the Internet is coming!

So how was it? Do terms like "3D web," "metaverse," and "web standards" feel a little more familiar to you now?

In simple terms, this is"Let's all create common rules (web standards) and create a 3D Internet (3D Web Metaverse) that anyone can join and connect to freely!"It's a huge project.

It's still a developing technology, and there are many issues to be resolved, but if it becomes a reality, it could completely change the way we communicate, have entertainment, work, and learn. It could truly be called the next evolution of the Internet.

John will be keeping a close eye on this development! You too should keep an eye on the future of the Internet!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Finally, I'll answer some questions that newbies might have!

Q1: So what exactly is the "3D Web"?
A1: The current Internet (websites, etc.) will become more three-dimensional (3D), and you will be able to walk around and touch things like in a game space. It's easier to understand if you think of it as a new form of the Internet that you can access through a web browser.
Q2: How is it different from the "Metaverse"? How is it different from current games?
A2: The "3D Web" is a way to realize the metaverse.Fundamental TechnologyThe "Metaverse" is a space created using 3D web technology that many people can participate in at the same time.Shared 3D virtual spaceMany online games today are closed worlds created by the game company, but the metaverse based on "web standards" aims to connect different metaverses and make the world more open.
Q3: Why are "web standards" so important?
A3: Without web standards, each company that creates a metaverse will have its own way of doing things. This means that things like avatars in Company A's metaverse cannot be used in Company B's metaverse will happen. If there are common rules such as web standards, avatars can be used in the same way in different metaverses, and items can be carried around.InteroperabilityThis is crucial for the metaverse to be truly useful and widespread.
Q4: Who makes these "web standards"?
A4: It's not a single company, but an international group of many companies, experts, and researchers. For example, the Metaverse Standards Forum, the Web3D Consortium, and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) are some of the more well-known groups. They're all working together to create rules for a better future for the Internet.

The Future of the Metaverse! A thorough explanation of the 3D Web and web standards [for beginners]