Metavers, new territories of Internet

by Institut français - 11/2023

At the origin of many fantasies and questions, the metaverse has been on everyone's lips in recent months. It could be described as a set of immersive virtual spaces in which one can interact with others. But what exactly is the metaverse? What are its opportunities and threats? Many French actors are mobilizing and structuring themselves.

IFdigital
4 creations
13 pros

 

Discovering the metaverse

The word "metaverse" was first used in American science fiction novels to describe a universe beyond imagination. The concept was then used in video games like Second Life, Minecraft, Fortnite and Roblox to designate virtual worlds. In 2021, the word came back into the light following Mark Zuckerberg's announcement to rebrand Facebook, the web giant, to Meta and massive investments on this matter. Many virtual collaborative spaces have now emerged. French actors invite you to dive into the Metavers through immersive experiences. Festivals also decrypt this universe.

 

The word "metaverse" was first used in American science fiction novels to describe a universe beyond imagination. The concept was then used in video games like Second Life, Minecraft, Fortnite and Roblox to designate virtual worlds. In 2021, the word came back into the light following Mark Zuckerberg's announcement to rebrand Facebook, the web giant, to Meta and massive investments on this matter. Many virtual collaborative spaces have now emerged. French actors invite you to dive into the Metavers through immersive experiences. Festivals also decrypt this universe.

 

New forms of concerts

In France, the metaverse inspires many artistic and cultural initiatives. This is the case of VRrOOm, a French event start-up that is reinventing the concert experience in the metaverse. Working in collaboration with renowned musician Jean-Michel Jarre, VRrOOm has already been able to welcome more than 600,000 people online in the VRChat metaverse, a great first for France. At the beginning of 2022, Arte and the company Atlas V also organized a virtual concert on the American platform Horizon Worlds by Meta, the first in Europe!

In France, the metaverse inspires many artistic and cultural initiatives. This is the case of VRrOOm, a French event start-up that is reinventing the concert experience in the metaverse. Working in collaboration with renowned musician Jean-Michel Jarre, VRrOOm has already been able to welcome more than 600,000 people online in the VRChat metaverse, a great first for France. At the beginning of 2022, Arte and the company Atlas V also organized a virtual concert on the American platform Horizon Worlds by Meta, the first in Europe!

Towards other horizons?

The metaverse terrifies as much as it fascinates and raises real questions about its existence in contemporary society. French artists offer reflections through their works.

The metaverse terrifies as much as it fascinates and raises real questions about its existence in contemporary society. French artists offer reflections through their works.

Cultural Network Initiatives

Espace V

Establishments of the cultural network abroad are also using this new tool to offer immersive experiences to the  public. In Canada, the Alliance Française of Vancouver has developed Espace V, a virtual world to to connect and discover French-speaking and international cultures. This year, during the 2022 edition of Digital November (Novembre Numérique), the Alliance Française of Vancouver will host a digital art exhibition, V-Unframed within Espace V.

Discover Espace V