It’s been over a year since we first germinated the idea which is now OMA3. There have been many press articles on us, but we’d like to explain in our own words why we created OMA3 and what we’d like it to be.
What is the Metaverse?
Unlike the Internet, there is no universally recognized definition of the metaverse so let’s get this out of the way first. For our purposes, the metaverse is:
Persistence has already been achieved, by both Web2 and Web3 companies. The second characterization is still a figment of the imagination, and will continue to be until interoperability between platforms is achieved.
OMA3 Principles
If interoperability were the only hurdle to a fully realized metaverse, OMA3 may not be needed as other organizations are tackling this issue. However, there are two other principles OMA3 was created to promote- decentralization and user ownership.
A decentralized metaverse is not controlled by one single all-powerful entity. In a decentralized metaverse, even the companies providing the platform (e.g.- OMA3’s founders) do not have complete control over a platform. Users typically have tools and instruments to influence and impact - e.g. via voting mechanics - what happens on a platform for the metaverse. By using blockchain technology, it is possible to enable so-called true ownership of assets for users or - said differently - users are in control of their digital assets for which they own real-life property rights.
Decentralization and user ownership are also two principles espoused by the greater Web3 community, and these principles (along with others we will write on later), powered by blockchain technology, are what sets OMA3 apart from other metaverse collaborations.
Our Metaverse
Besides decentralization and user ownership, there is one other OMA3 principle worth mentioning here- inclusivity. We want to ensure all companies (and eventually all individuals) can participate in OMA3 if they align with our principles. Although the majority of our current membership is Web3-native firms, we continue to welcome all companies and institutions that buy into our principles and vision- including traditional (big) tech companies, foundations, associations, and investors interested in driving the open metaverse vision forward together. OMA3 is not about “us vs. them”.
Why are we - as the initiators of OMA3 - doing all this? Because in addition to being company founders of metaverse platforms we are users just like you. And from that perspective we want to ensure that our digital lives are not arbitrarily changed without our input, our assets aren’t confiscated or nerfed, or our metaverse freedom is not held back by any artificial barrier. Collectively we can create the user-centric metaverse we all want as consumers, and if we do this we can also be successful as founders.
Sincerely,
Dirk Lueth, OMA3 Chairperson
Batis Samadian, OMA3 Vice Chair
