The ComCo Theatre in the Metaverse 
Exploring Metaverse Software: Game Engines
Description: This video delves into the role of game engines in creating metaverse experiences, using the analogy of a coffee shop to illustrate their significance. It begins by introducing the speaker, Louisa Spring, as a gamer and founder of Sam Immersive, a consultancy specializing in the metaverse. The analogy of ordering a coffee at a coffee shop is used to explain the role of game engines in shaping specific experiences within the metaverse.
1. Coffee Shop Analogy: The video likens ordering a specific coffee drink to experiencing a particular aspect of the metaverse, with the barista representing the game engine that brings the experience to life. This analogy highlights the customization and expertise involved in creating metaverse experiences.
2. Timeline of Game Engines: A brief history of game engines is provided, starting from the 1980s when game developers created their own software engines for each game. The emergence of 3D games in the mid-90s led to the development of dedicated game engines like Unreal Engine, which allowed developers to customize games without starting from scratch.
3. Role of Game Engines in the Metaverse: Game engines control various aspects of metaverse experiences, including graphics, physics, sound, networking, input, memory management, streaming, and AI. Unreal Engine and Unity 3D are highlighted as major players in the metaverse game engine space, offering developers the tools to create immersive 3D experiences.
4. Accessibility and Pricing: Both Unreal Engine and Unity 3D offer a range of pricing options, including free licenses for students, personal use, and small creators. This accessibility allows developers of all sizes to build experiences in the metaverse.
5. Examples of Experiences: The video showcases various experiences built on Unity 3D and Unreal Engine, including the Expo Dubai Explorer, Hydras, the LGBTQ+ VR Museum, Fortnite, Street Fighter, The Blue animated short film, and the digital replica of Co-op Live in Manchester, England. It also mentions Epic Games’ announcement of a metaverse for kids built on Unreal Engine in partnership with the LEGO Group.
6. Interoperability Standards: The video briefly touches on the importance of interoperability in the metaverse and mentions the Metaverse Standards Forum, formed in 2022 to develop interoperability standards for the metaverse.
7. Conclusion: The video concludes by teasing the next lesson, which will explore different levels of immersion in the metaverse, encouraging viewers to stay tuned.
Hashtags: #GameEngines #MetaverseSoftware #UnrealEngine #Unity3D #ImmersiveExperiences #Interoperability
