- Yuga Labs is developing an expansive metaverse called Otherside with 5 distinct regions, quests, NPC interactions, and resources to harvest. It aims to combine gaming and blockchain-based metaverses.
- Otherside will launch in phases, starting with demo events in 2022 and a beta version in 2023. Key features include Otherdeed NFT land plots, Koda avatars, community-driven worldbuilding, developer tools, and partnerships.
- Otherside has sparked debate within the NFT community, as its massive Otherdeed mint caused gas fee spikes and mandatory KYC was controversial. But its bold vision makes it a fascinating case study for the metaverse future.
Yuga Labs, creator of the immensely popular Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection, is developing an ambitious metaverse project called Otherside. This immersive virtual world aims to combine the possibilities of traditional gaming and blockchain-based metaverses. But what exactly is Otherside, and what makes it stand out?
The Otherside Metaverse
Otherside is designed as a rich, expansive world with its own lore and narrative. Divided into five distinct regions, each with unique environments and cultures, Otherside will enable players to go on quests, interact with NPCs, and harvest resources. Its interoperable nature also allows assets like NFTs to be used across different platforms.
Launch Timeline
While an official launch date is still unconfirmed, Otherside is clearly in active development. Successful demo events in 2022 hosted thousands of concurrent players. The beta launch of its persistent gameplay mode is slated for 2023.
Otherdeeds and Kodas
To access Otherside, players need Otherdeed NFTs representing virtual land plots. Rare Koda creatures can also be found on some deeds. These can be used as avatars or playable characters.
Dynamic Worldbuilding
Otherside emphasizes community-driven worldbuilding, with game narratives and environments evolving based on players’ actions. The native APE token also enables community governance.
Developer Tools
Otherside will provide developer kits to facilitate interoperability and asset composability across different games and platforms. This allows player-owned NFTs to be utilized in diverse ways.
Partnerships
Collaborations with gaming veterans like Improbable enable advanced features in Otherside like massive concurrency, real-time physics, and complex AI.
Controversies and Criticisms
While Otherside is highly anticipated, it has not been without issues. Its massive Otherdeed mint caused major gas fee spikes on Ethereum, angering users. Mandatory KYC requirements have also proved controversial in the community.
Joining the Metaverse
Players need to acquire Otherdeeds, either from primary mints or secondary markets. Each plot has unique traits affecting its value and gameplay. With an Otherdeed, you can start building, exploring, and connecting.
The Future of the Metaverse
As one of the most ambitious metaverse projects out there, Otherside is poised to shape the space in significant ways. Its features and design choices challenge norms and spark intense debate within the NFT community. Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, Otherside’s bold vision provides a fascinating case study for the future of virtual worlds.
