Web3 & Blockchain·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Newzoo
The metaverse is evolving gaming into a persistent, scalable platform for social interaction and non-gaming activities, with 70% of gamers anticipating increased playtime in these virtual hubs.
The industry is shifting toward a direct-to-avatar economy where digital identity and creator-led markets drive engagement on platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Avakin Life.
Blockchain technology is facilitating decentralized economies and play-to-earn models, with the sector currently transitioning toward scalable, green Layer 2 protocols to address transaction costs and environmental concerns.
Achieving a true metaverse requires overcoming technical barriers to massive concurrency, specifically moving beyond sharded instances to support thousands of simultaneous users through cloud-native infrastructure.
Cross-platform collaboration and the Web 3.0 digital supply chain depend on the adoption of open standards, such as Pixar’s Universal Scene Description, to enable interoperable digital identities and player-owned assets.
The industry must address significant structural risks, including regional regulatory fragmentation, modernized IP law requirements, and ethical challenges like deepfakes and unmoderated content.
The metaverse is evolving gaming into a persistent, scalable platform for social interaction and non-gaming activities, with 70% of gamers anticipating increased playtime in these virtual hubs.
The industry is shifting toward a direct-to-avatar economy where digital identity and creator-led markets drive engagement on platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Avakin Life.
Blockchain technology is facilitating decentralized economies and play-to-earn models, with the sector currently transitioning toward scalable, green Layer 2 protocols to address transaction costs and environmental concerns.
Achieving a true metaverse requires overcoming technical barriers to massive concurrency, specifically moving beyond sharded instances to support thousands of simultaneous users through cloud-native infrastructure.
Cross-platform collaboration and the Web 3.0 digital supply chain depend on the adoption of open standards, such as Pixar’s Universal Scene Description, to enable interoperable digital identities and player-owned assets.
The industry must address significant structural risks, including regional regulatory fragmentation, modernized IP law requirements, and ethical challenges like deepfakes and unmoderated content.