Two-dimensional NFT artwork, such as images, music and videos, still dominate the NFT scene. However, NFTs are now expanding into the third dimension thanks to immersive technologies such as AR and VR.
Immersive NFTs allow us to create entirely new experiences in the metaverse. This new class of NFTs allows users to engage and interact with content in unexpected ways. As such, immersive NFTs can take the concept of digital ownership to a whole new level. They will act as bridges between the physical and digital realities and play an essential role in building metaverse applications.
AR and VR are two different technologies.
AR creates an interactive experience by combining the user’s physical world with digital content. On the other hand, VR works in a completely virtual environment. For many of us, accessing AR applications is very easy as all we need is smartphones, tablets or AR-enabled websites. However, to get to the virtual worlds made possible by VR technology, we need to wear headsets like the Oculus Rift.
Because the underlying technologies are different, the immersive NFT applications created with them are also different.
Immersive NFTs powered by AR
Many of our readers will remember when artist Pascal Boyart incorporated a QR code into one of his street murals. It helped the artist receive donations from art lovers paid in Bitcoin. QR is an augmented reality tool and using it allowed the artist to connect the physical world with the digital world.
The use of AR technology in art NFTs is popular. Also, Marc o Matic combines traditional art with immersive technologies to tell compelling stories for audiences. Consequently, people can visit physical art galleries that exhibit his works and enjoy interactive stories on tablets or smartphones that augment reality.
Another use case of immersive NFTs is the virtual try-on applications. They combine fashion NFTs with AR and help consumers make better purchasing decisions. For this purpose, companies create realistic 3D models of their products and add virtual fitting options.
For example, Kivisense introduced a virtual try-on NFT sneaker that offers consumers virtual try-on experiences of wearable NFTs using AR. It is possible to use the same technology for other product categories, such as jewelry and other fashion items. DressX is a company built on the idea of digital-only fashion to reduce the overproduction of physical clothing. It facilitates trying out wearables thanks to AR technology and also offers them as NFTs.
Apart from these applications, virtually any AR experience, for example face filters and world lenses that we are used to using in social media, especially on Instagram and Snapchat, can be turned into immersive NFTs.
Immersive NFTs powered by VR
You can create VR-ready NFTs and use them in a virtual world that is compatible with the blockchain network that NFT is built on. Each asset, real or unreal, can find its place in the metaverse in this way. Nothing is bound by the limitations of the physical world.
For example, consider in-game NFT items used in MMORPGs. They can be designed VR-ready from the ground up and the creators can integrate emerging technologies such as AI and dynamic NFTs to develop new immersive experiences. Here everything really depends on the imagination.
Modeling 3D products for the virtual world is an extensive domain. We also see many examples from architecture and interior design. The designer Andrew Reisinger is a leading figure in this field. He makes surreal furniture pieces like NFTs. Many of his creations are VR ready; you can place them in a virtual world like Decentraland.
We should also mention that many digital sculptors use VR technology. Joshua Skirtich, for example, formed his Jenesis collection in VR and also merged it with AR to create the best viewing experience for Guggenheim visitors.
Final thoughts
The emergence of immersive NFTs is truly setting the stage for a new era in the digital world. Harnessing the power of AR and VR technologies, these NFTs blur the line between our physical and digital realities and enrich the metaverse with new and interactive experiences.
As we look forward to more innovations in this area, immersive NFTs are poised to redefine digital ownership and the way we interact with the digital world in amazing ways.