Summary

Even though the most talked about metaverses are just plans (Microsoft), unavailable (Facebook/Meta, or limited (NVIDIA), the concept of a metaverse is getting a lot of media attention. 

In this Research Note, Aragon Research defines five types of metaverses. The goal is to help clients understand how they might use a metaverse and some of the challenges.

Introduction

Even though the most talked about metaverses are limited in availability (NVIDIA Omniverse) or unavailable (e.g., Meta Metaverse and Microsoft Mesh Teams), they represent an emerging technology and business model that is important to understand. In this Research Note, we define five different types of metaverses as well as the foundational technologies used to support them. 

Please note that Aragon Research’s definitions and classifications are not an endorsement of any services, or of metaverses in general. However, they are emerging, and clients must understand how they are different. In subsequent research, we will explore the strategy, strengths, and challenges of each offering. 

Also note, a service/product may fit into one of more of these types due to its marketing, branding, and pricing characteristics, as much as its functionality.