The Metaverse Handbook: Innovating for the Internet’s Next Tectonic Shift, reviewed

We look at this topical book by QuHarrison Terry and Scott “DJ Skee” Keeney. Foreword by Paris Hilton ISBN: 9781119892526 .Published June 2022 by Wiley in paperback and ebook, priced £21.99. See more about the book here.

The Metaverse Handbook: Innovating for the Internet’s Next Tectonic Shift, reviewed

We enjoyed the previous book by these authors, about NFTs. It makes sense that they then wrote this highly topical book about the metaverse too. They take you on a concise, clear headed and intelligent analysis of what the metaverse is, what it could be, and where and how it could, potentially add value. We liked all of this, and yet, and yet.

The authors also snagged a great introduction by Paris Hilton too, which makes sense and was a smart thing to do. However, to hone in on our ‘and yet’ concerns, when Hilton says she held a virtual party in the metaverse and that she had more fun than any real party she had ever been to, this truly felt like the moment to check who has been drinking deeply from the Koolaid.

Real life, real food, real people, real kisses, or a virtual simulation of all of this, which would you chose? Maybe, for some people, virtual trumps real, but how, really, does it, can it? Does the emperor have no clothes and yet no one is calling this one out.

As we read the book we tried to look around us, here, in the physical world, at the experience economy, and the things that people like to do with their time. Does the majority want to, or is even able to, drop all of this, and experience it all virtually instead? We have a batch of metaverse books to review, so it is clear that it is a hot and trending topic, but, as with the acclamations for Second Life all those years ago, is  this actually going to take off anytime soon. And, why would people prefer it over doing many of these things for real.

To be fair to the authors they do a good job of discussing why we are so early into what the metaverse is or could turn out to be. They discuss the lack of compatibility between different metaverses – you can’t take or even wear your jet pack from one metaverse and bring it, with your avatar into another universe. They also discuss actions that some people have taken to make an investment and commitment into one metaverse even though it is still unclear what the value might be, and if it will ever pay off.

In terms of capturing the state of play currently, we found this book very useful and informative, but it does still feel that we are very early into exploring how and even if metaverses may come to influence our lives. An interesting read, but, for now, the appeal of the real world still feels stronger.

More about the book ->

More than just the hottest new trend in tech, the metaverse promises to fundamentally reshape the way we interact with machines and each other and in The Metaverse Handbook, authors QuHarrison Terry  and Scott “DJ Skee” Keeney provide readers with a discussion of the technologies that make it possible, and the limitless potential it offers to companies and individuals who participate in it.

Readers will discover how Web3 development is shaking up traditional websites with blockchain-based innovations, and how digital asset creation through non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is revolutionising what it means to own something in the digital realm. The book also explores immersive gaming and social environments to help readers understand the building blocks of the metaverse, even as they’re still being created.

The authors highlight over 120 digital creators building new tools that are changing the way we look at the world and show readers how to harness these innovations in their commercial ventures, community-building efforts, and personal digital experiences. They also point out some of the pitfalls experienced by metaverse participants and demonstrate how to avoid these obstacles.

With a foreword by Paris Hilton, The Metaverse Handbook highlights dense, futuristic topics with easy-to-understand examples, approachable language, and concrete practical applications, providing a blueprint for the implementation of tech’s latest and most ground-breaking innovations. It will be of interest to anyone who must continuously think about digital innovation and strategise about new ways to reach consumers.

About the authors:

QuHarrison Terry is the bestselling author of The NFT Handbook, a detailed guide on how to create, sell, and buy non-fungible tokens without the need for a technical background. He is also a notable entrepreneur and growth marketer who has advised Mark Cuban and his portfolio of 200+ venture companies. In addition, QuHarrison is a 4x recipient of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology award.

Scott “DJ Skee” Keeney is an award-winning creator, producer, entrepreneur, media personality, investor, philanthropist, and futurist. As a driving force behind some of the most influential brands and artists over the past two decades, he is a pioneer in the metaverse operating multiple experiences as the founder of DXSH.mv Studios and also serves as the Chief Metaverse Officer at TSX Entertainment. Visit djskee.com for more information.

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