Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JUN 2022年6月 亞博匯 68 Baidu recently launched the first Chinese metaverse app, Xi Rang. 百度於近期推出了中國第一個元宇宙產品希壤。 Chinese technology companies laying the groundwork for future applications, which will likely first involve AR/ VR-supported games and interactive environments. Tencent has unveiled plans to expand computer gaming and gamification into the metaverse, and this approach is mirrored by Bytedance’s recent acquisition of the VR headset manufacturer Pico to complement the company’s development of its social gaming offering. Meanwhile, the first Chinese metaverse app, Xi Rang, was launched in December 2021 by theChinese technology company Baidu with three experience scenarios that are linked to Baidu’s VR platform – although it will likely take several years before Xi Rang and competitor metaverses reach full potential and a sophisticated offering. An important characteristic of the Chinese metaverses is the centralized nature of the platforms which are entirely developed and controlled by the operators themselves. The platforms do not track the decentralized, community-based (DAO—decentralized autonomous organization) structures and self- build approach which are intrinsic to metaverse platforms in other regions. Hence, for brands to feature within one of the Chinese metaverses in the future, it seems likely that they will need to contract directly with the platform operator to establish their presence, similar to the current mechanics for creating a mini-program and official account within WeChat, Alipay or Douyin. ALL-IN DIGITAL