The Gundam Build Fighters series is based on the theme of "build and battle," in which various characters build Gunpla and use them to battle. A new installment, "Gundam Build Metaverse," is scheduled for release this year in 2023! The first thing that drew attention about the release of this work was its incorporation of the much talked-about "metaverse." The metaverse has become a buzzword in recent years, heard in various contexts outside of Gundam, but how much do you know about it? For Gundam fans who have been following the Gundam series for a long time but struggle to keep up with the latest social trends, we'd like to introduce the much talked-about metaverse to you today. The metaverse is a hot topic that could potentially be seen not only in the Gundam series but in various other anime works in the future, so be sure to check it out!
A Space More Free Than Reality
First, what is the metaverse? Simply put, it's a "cyberspace beyond the real world where you can access complex information more freely than in the real world."
Practical VR Space
To put it simply, using VR devices, which have previously only been used for games, people can engage in virtual spaces where they can also perform practical tasks.
From Entertainment to Communication
The most distinctive feature of the metaverse is its broad reach. Unlike previous VR games, the Metaverse offers a comprehensive experience that allows users to enjoy not only games but also various forms of entertainment and communication.
Further evolution of humanity?
The emergence of the Metaverse may significantly evolve human society. If we could perform all our activities solely through movement in the Metaverse, rather than being constrained by movement in the real world, we could reduce various wasted time, such as commuting to work, going out to shop, and traveling to hang out with friends, potentially transforming society into a more efficient one.
Accelerating Metaverse Business
As you can see, the metaverse offers a variety of benefits, and various companies are currently participating in the metaverse business. From here, I would like to introduce some examples of this booming metaverse business.
Facebook Goes Meta
At a time when the metaverse was just beginning to gain public recognition, Facebook, the company behind the pioneering social networking platform, was one of the first to pivot to the metaverse business.
Launch of Meta Quest
In order to become a leading company in the metaverse industry, Facebook has changed its name to Meta and is launching "Meta Quest," a groundbreaking tool that allows anyone to experience the metaverse.
Apple Announces Vision Pro
Apple, the IT giant that has revolutionized the world countless times with the release of the world's first PC with a mouse and the first smartphone with a multi-touch display, also announced its first spatial computer, Vision Pro, this year in 2023.
The price is an astonishing ¥400,000.
The astonishing ¥400,000 price tag has attracted attention, but Apple's bold product launch could also be a sign of their firm confidence that the metaverse industry is set to boom!
The metaverse is also a factor in job hunting? ?
As such, the metaverse trend is emerging in countries around the world, including American IT companies. Some Japanese companies are even conducting new graduate recruitment activities in the metaverse, so many readers may have already experienced social activities in the metaverse. (In fact, I myself attended a company information session in the metaverse during my job search last year.)
Who will take the lead?!
As various companies launch their own metaverse businesses, it's important to keep an eye on who will emerge as the dominant force. Just as Google dominated the search business, currently the IT industry's main battlefield, and quickly became a global company, it's not surprising that a new company will take off in the new metaverse business.
The Metaverse and Gundam
In this climate, the Gundam series has also expressed its intention to fully participate in the Metaverse. In fact, the Gundam series is said to be the Japanese content most forward-thinking about the Metaverse.
The Gundam Metaverse "Gunpla Colony" has begun!
This is because Bandai Co., Ltd., which develops various Gundam series content, has announced the launch of "Gunpla Colony," a Gunpla-themed metaverse space. Gunpla Colony's service launch is scheduled for October of this year, so there's still some time left, but this is very exciting news.
Providing Added Value Beyond Just Making Things
By linking Gunpla, figurines, and other merchandise that previously could only be collected, the Metaverse can add new value to these merchandise that has never been experienced before.
Expanding the Fun of Gunpla
If you could battle with Gunpla you built yourself and exchange various information about Gunpla, wouldn't that further expand the appeal of Gunpla?
Gunpla's popularity spreads worldwide
In fact, Gunpla is currently gaining popularity worldwide, with approximately half of all Gunpla shipments apparently going overseas. While Gunpla building was once thought of as a hobby exclusive to Japan, overseas demand has grown dramatically in recent years. We'll be keeping a close eye on Gunpla's future developments, including the synergistic effects of the Metaverse.
Let's Learn About the Metaverse Through Anime
So far, we've provided a brief explanation of the Metaverse, but for anime fans, the quickest way to learn about it might be to watch anime. So, from here on, we'd like to introduce some anime that will help you easily learn about the Metaverse, even if you're not familiar with it.
Gundam Build Metaverse
First up is Gundam Build Metaverse, the latest installment in the Gundam Build Fighters series, the subject of this article. As the title suggests, this work offers an easy-to-understand portrayal of the recent metaverse market. For those familiar with Gundam but unfamiliar with the metaverse, this is an ideal introduction to the metaverse.
"Sword Art Online"
The "Sword Art Online" series is one of the works that clearly depicts the Metaverse. This work depicts a world where people can access the cyberspace using special devices called NerveGear and play various games. If you're interested in how not only work and communication, but also games, will develop in the Metaverse, this is a must-see.
Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell is a groundbreaking work that predicted the metaverse even before computers became so advanced. The series depicts a highly developed world in the 1980s and 1990s, and provides a detailed portrayal of the crimes that would occur if the metaverse (referred to as the cyberworld in the story) were to develop. While some scenes are a little scary, the vivid depiction of the metaverse is perhaps its unique strength.
Summary
What did you think? This time, we've introduced the metaverse depicted in Gundam Build Metaverse. The metaverse is a keyword not only in the anime industry, but in many other industries in the future, so please be sure to keep an eye on metaverses other than anime as well. Perhaps in 10 years' time, it will be commonplace to watch anime in metaverse spaces and share your thoughts on anime with many other users. I don't know if anime writers like me will still be around in such a society, but no matter what kind of society we live in, I would like to continue working hard to spread the word about the appeal of various anime works together with everyone! Above all, the metaverse will make anime even more enjoyable! There is no doubt about this, so please make sure you all actively take advantage of the metaverse!
