The metaverse has emerged as a key component in introducing Web3 and cryptocurrencies to the masses since its rise to prominence in 2021. While the concept of a connected virtual world predates the Web3 era, blockchain technology has enabled participants to become governors and stakeholders of the virtual universe they inhabit.

Driven by mainstream tech giants' efforts to popularize the metaverse in a Web2 fashion and advancements in technology, such as high-speed internet and powerful smartphones, the metaverse is projected to become a $5 trillion business by 2030. However, despite its immense potential, the metaverse currently lacks a unified landscape, resulting in a fragmented user experience.

Over 160 companies are developing their own metaverses across various blockchains and layers, and the absence of interoperability between networks has led to a highly fragmented metaverse landscape. This fragmentation poses significant challenges for creators and developers, as they find themselves confined within the boundaries of individual platforms.

The metaverse, as it currently stands, is divided into numerous separate and incompatible worlds, each operating as its own closed ecosystem. This segmentation hinders the flow of innovation from developers and restricts users and creators to the limitations of individual platforms. Key assets, such as nonfungible tokens (NFTs) and Web3 game elements, are locked within these siloed environments.

The consequences of this fragmentation extend beyond creative limitations, imposing substantial financial burdens on those who wish to build and offer experiences within the metaverse. Developing these digital landscapes and interactions requires a hefty investment, yet the primary financial benefits disproportionately favor platform holders rather than creators.

As the metaverse continues to evolve, the necessity for a framework that supports seamless interconnectivity and empowers creators becomes increasingly evident, suggesting a pivotal area for innovation and collaboration in the digital frontier.

Somnia, a layer 1 (L1) blockchain and a suite of omnichain protocols, aims to address these challenges by creating a scalable virtual society that can potentially attract millions of users into a unified metaverse. By unifying the fragmented metaverse, NFT, and gaming landscape, Somnia seeks to give value and creative control back to the users and creators.

Unlike decentralized finance-focused blockchains, which are often slow and expensive, Somnia is built from scratch to provide a unified metaverse experience. This results in an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible L1 network that supports hundreds of thousands of transactions per second at minimal costs.

Developed by the Virtual Society Foundation (VSF), a nonprofit organization initiated by Improbable and received initial funding from MSquared, Somnia utilizes Improbable and Msquared's experience to host the next wave of users in the metaverse. The platform is designed to function as a "metaverse computer," offering a comprehensive ecosystem for creators and users.

Creators can leverage Somnia's toolkit to move assets, commerce, and avatars across different experiences. The omnichain protocol enables creators to participate in a decentralized economic structure where accrued value benefits the actual innovators and creators, rather than being concentrated in the hands of platform holders.

As the metaverse continues to evolve and gain traction, initiatives like Somnia play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by fragmentation and empowering creators and users. By providing a unified and scalable virtual society, Somnia aims to unlock the full potential of the metaverse, fostering innovation, collaboration, and value creation for all participants.

However, the journey towards a truly unified metaverse is not without its obstacles. Overcoming the technical, regulatory, and cultural barriers that currently hinder interoperability and seamless user experiences will require the concerted efforts of developers, creators, and stakeholders across the Web3 ecosystem.

As the metaverse continues to shape the future of digital interactions and experiences, platforms like Somnia serve as a testament to the transformative potential of blockchain technology in creating a more inclusive, empowering, and interconnected virtual world.