Research suggests that the development of Metaverse technologies will create over 23 million new jobs worldwide by 2030. Let’s try to figure out what professions will be in demand in the near future following the evolution of the Metaverse concept.
GameDev Specialists
First of all, the development of Metaverses requires many competent IT specialists, who have been in high demand over the past few years.
Modern Metaverses are based on online games. The level of graphics, the comfort of the interface, and the general quality of the gameplay mostly determine their success. That’s why creating a virtual world requires skilled game designers and a wide range of digital artists: from 3D designers and illustrators to interface designers and calligraphers. We shouldn’t forget about programmers: game engine developers and technical specialists in blockchain technologies.
The development of Metaverse technologies will depend on their professional skills. The higher the quality of graphics in Metaverses, the more convenient and exciting the gameplay will be and the more users will be interested in virtual worlds.
VR Engineers
Engineering achievements play a big role in Metaverse popularization. An immersive experience in virtual space is provided by VR equipment, which is so far rather cumbersome. For example, the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset weighs about 500 grams, making long-term use problematic. Scientists also proved that using modern VR headsets is harmful to eyesight and contributes to overall deterioration. Therefore, lightweight and harmless Metaverse headsets are a priority for engineers developing VR equipment.
Such specialists are also working on new ways to improve the immersive experience of virtual space users. For instance, American VR engineers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, improved a virtual reality headset by adding ultrasonic sensors. These sensors help simulate contact with the user’s lips and teeth during virtual walks.
VR engineers at bHaptics, a manufacturer of VR suits, announced the launch of haptic VR gloves in a wireless package later this year. The TactGlove device will provide a realistic virtual touch.
Realtors & Interior Designers
Due to the use of NFT technologies in Metaverses, it’s now possible to buy and then resell digital real estate. Analysts predict the Metaverse real estate market will be up to $5 billion by 2026.
Thanks to the development of the digital real estate market, various professions are appearing, the existence of which seemed impossible to imagine just a couple of years ago:
- Digital realtors. Like in the real world, they offer prospective buyers virtual plots of land in different Metaverses and help select and buy them.
- Digital interior designers. Properly designing the space on a purchased plot of land in the Metaverse will help the owner resell the digital property at a higher price or attract more users to the virtual store, for example.
There are already quite a few large companies that offer their services in this field. For instance, Metaverse Group, a subsidiary of Tokens.com, acquired 116 virtual plots in Decentraland in 2021 and became the leading realtor of virtual real estate. The company offers digital rental services and assistance with organizing the space.
Digital Marketers
Metaverses are becoming more and more popular, bringing leading brands into virtual space. The scale of using Metaverse technologies in marketing strategies is actively growing. So, digital marketers are mastering Metaverses as well.
Ads in virtual space have so far had a rather simple appearance. For example, they look like a banner on a website in Decentraland. However, the demand for Metaverses for brand promotion is increasing day by day, therefore, promotion strategies will be perfected.
Tim Parkin, President of Parkin Consulting, stresses the upcoming change in advertising paradigms. He believes marketers should start developing strategies for promotion in Metaverses now because virtual worlds will soon be the key area of their professional activities.
Digital Lawyers
Metaverse technologies make it possible to create an absolutely new type of financial and legal relations between users of virtual worlds. Even though the legal framework for Metaverses hasn’t been developed yet, practicing lawyers, attorneys, and specialists of consulting companies seek to acquire knowledge in the sphere of digital law. For example, such courses are available at Australia’s Monash University or on Coursera, an online university.
Digital lawyers are especially needed because of NFTs used in Metaverse projects. The professional skills of such specialists are primarily in demand in regulating disputes related to copyright infringement in virtual space.
Some companies have already initiated legal assistance in matters related to virtual reality. Morgan and Morgan, one of the largest law firms in the U.S., which specializes in personal injury lawsuits, offers its services to Metaverse users. The company’s experts can help sue for injuries sustained in virtual space. Though it may seem absurd at first glance, this kind of lawsuit may soon become commonplace.
Cybersecurity Experts
Virtual space, like the rest of the Internet, remains a vulnerable environment poorly protected from cyberattacks and scams. Therefore, cybersecurity specialists are in high demand.
For instance, a statement by Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President for Security at Microsoft Corp, can signal the increased need for specialists in this field. According to him, it’s necessary to create protection from hackers and scammers in Metaverses now, while the related technologies are in their early stages of development. Bell argues that the development of basic security tools for the virtual environment at the stage of its formation will help to ensure user confidence in Metaverse technologies in the future.
Digital Fashion Designers
Studies show that the fashion industry segment in the Metaverse will reach $6.6 billion by 2026. The progress of the fashion industry in the Metaverse will boost the demand for virtual clothing designers and digital stylists.
There will always be a lot of people willing to make their avatars stand out in virtual space, just like in the real world. For example, Decentraland allows any user to change their avatar’s appearance using the Wearables feature. Users can change clothes, hairstyles, and accessories. However, without 3D modeling skills, it’s impossible to make something remarkable. This is where the demand arises for the services of digital fashion designers.
Closet items for avatars can be created and sold, and this is a great way to become famous and earn money. For instance, one of the world’s first digital dresses sold for $9,500, and a kimono created by digital designer Hiroto Kai brought him $20,000.
Event Manager
Metaverses are actively used as a place to hold various events: exhibitions, concerts, fashion shows, and much more. Specialized agencies are engaged in organizing such events in virtual space.
For example, the event company EventX offers its customers a full range of services for organizing virtual events: from launching the product to its full support. There are many more of these types of companies in the market, so the demand for event managers to work in virtual space is actively growing.
Other Professions
Metaverse technologies are used in most different spheres. For example, a study proved that virtual reality is an effective tool for treating post-traumatic stress disorder for survivors of the 9/11 attacks in the U.S. That’s why a profession such as VR psychotherapist already exists.
For instance, psychologists from the PsyTech VR project have developed a “VR exposure therapy” method for overcoming phobias and fears instead of traditional real-life exposure. It helps patients come to terms with their phobias “face to face” to cope with them.
The virtual tourism industry requires tour guides. They lead digital space tours and assist new users in navigating “on the ground.” The travel company Brown + Hudson already offers virtual travel on par with traditional tourism.
There are also several seemingly hilarious professions that virtual space generates. For example, the Napoleon IT company was looking for a pet nanny to work in the Metaverse, whose duties included taking care of virtual pets.
It’s worth noting that virtual space has no limits, and a vast number of specialists from various fields can apply their professional skills to a greater or lesser degree. So far, this is most clearly seen in the UAE. For instance, police officers in Ajman already work in the Metaverse, providing services to the public in virtual space. The Thumbay Group company plans to create a virtual hospital that will host real medical specialists. In total, as part of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, the UAE government plans to create over 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030.
