In today’s turbulent economy, everyone is looking for new ways to make a little extra cash on the side.
And while there are many side hustles you can take advantage of to help pad your wallet…
…the list of unique markets and methods gets thinner and thinner every day as more people scramble to use them.
Finding a niche for yourself can be a potent tool for securing a long-term revenue stream!
But in this day and age, where everyone is seizing opportunities at a breakneck pace… where can you find the competitive edge?
How about in one of the latest and new-age digital spaces, whose possibilities for growth climb daily?
That’s right! We’re talking about the Metaverse.
Metaverse services, which are ever expanding and still under development, have plenty of untouched and untapped potential for helping you make money!
This means if you can be one of the first to jump in and get involved, the better the payout in your future!
To aid you in getting started on financial independence…
…We’ll be going over 13 ways you can use Metaverse platforms for your moneymaking revolution!
1. Metaverse Crypto Tokens
To have a meaningful conversation about generating income for yourself in augmented reality, we should briefly cover the topic of Cryptocurrency.
You’re undoubtedly already familiar with the term and its common abbreviation, “Crypto.”
While this guide is not a detailed explanation of the market, it is essential to note that the future of Cryptocurrencies and the Metaverse is almost inherently linked.
Some Metaverse platforms, like The Sandbox and Decentraland, have their own Crypto tokens that power their economy in and out of their digital landscape.
The easiest way to get directly involved with making money tied to the Metaverse may be to research the tokens bound to Metaverse projects and invest in them.
Crypto itself is a fickle market, with constant rises and dips. Metaverse popularity and success plays into this rise and fall.
However, should you spend and save wisely, do your research and hold onto the tokens that appreciate value, you could come out way ahead! And if you join that particular Metaverse, you’ll already have some tokens to spend.
Moreover, some popular decentralized exchanges, such as SushiSwap or Uniswap, allow you to “stake” your coins and collect a passive percentage on your holdings.
2. Play-to-Earn (P2E) Games
The concept of a game enthusiast making money by playing their favorite games once seemed like it only belonged in the realm of fantasy.
However, as the gaming subculture has become more and more popularized over the years, so has the hobby’s legitimacy… and its ability to generate income for players!
When it comes to mainstream gaming, you may have heard stories of prominent pro gamers winning cash prizes for performing well in tournaments for games like Overwatch or League of Legends.
While those competitions don’t exist in the Metaverse to the same grand scale, there are some more accessible avenues and alternatives!
Blockchain-based games, such as Axie Infinity, Pegaxy, and Thetan Arena, all revolve around virtual economies that reward players in various cryptocurrencies in exchange for their talent and time. And none require you to be a part of any elite organizations or teams!
Hone your skills, and you can start earning revenue while having fun!
Please Note: P2E Game Models and Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new and volatile development and investment space. Always research the game developer’s validity and Crypto token before going all-in!
3. Creating VR Game Assets
As we’ve already discussed, playing free and P2E Games is a popular pastime within AR. Such games will undoubtedly gain more traction as established Metaverse projects expand in functionality.
With user bases growing (as well as the potential amount of players), more games will need to be created to keep up with demand and provide entertainment.
This means additional game assets are required to forge new experiences and supply users with collectibles, content, and equipment!
Think of any computer game you’ve recently played. Every object and item you see and interact with…
…From a flower to a barrel, a fancy sword or helmet, a building to a beast…
…They all need to be designed by someone before they can enter the game!
Metaverse platforms like The Sandbox already offer users incentives for creating digital assets! Payment for such creations happens via purchases made with Cryptocurrency tokens in the Marketplace.
Many of these creation tools are entirely free, meaning you have no overhead cost!
So long as you can learn how to make these highly sought-after items, the possibilities are as near-endless as the Metaverse itself!
4. Monetization of VR Games
Building off of the point above, not only do individual assets need to be created to form the building blocks of online games within the Metaverse…
…So do the games themselves!
Having complete control of a VR game’s end-to-end design process means you can dictate how the game is played; and how you are paid!
For example, suppose you are highly involved in the Metaverse services space and perhaps own a Land Parcel (which we’ll touch on later).
In that case, you could launch this game on your digital property to earn Crypto fees directly from other players.
Alternatively, suppose you have a knack for game development but don’t hold any Land Parcels.
You could create the game and then sell it to other users who do and get paid per project!
Though experience with coding and scripting can be a plus with this method, building a VR game doesn’t necessarily require advanced technical knowledge.
Metaverse platforms like the Sandbox have built-in and free-to-use game maker tools that can take a lot of heavy lifting out of the functional aspects of your design. And even simple storytelling and walking adventure simulators can be a great introduction to this field!
5. Hosting Metaverse Events
Gaming isn’t the only form of entertainment in the Metaverse!
Socialization has long been a central selling point for virtual reality spaces, especially in the era of social distancing.
Connecting with anyone, anywhere, has enormous potential for the events industry!
Prominent labels and artists have already taken notice of this fact and are taking advantage of the opportunities!
Big-name celebrities like Snoop Dog and Lil Nas X have already partnered with Metaverse platforms like the Sandbox to put on spectacles such as private parties and concerts.
Warner Music has even established its own digital music hall!
Other superstars, such as David Guetta and Armin van Buuren, are rumored to be in talks to join this growing trend.
Real estate logistics like physical space, distance, security precautions, and other real-world complexities might bog down real-world events, but they are no concern for augmented reality!
As such, parties, concerts, and e-sport events will inevitably attract larger and larger swaths of fans.
This means promoters and organizers will be just as vital in the Metaverse as anywhere else.
Whether you’re hosting, coordinating, or managing ticket sales… there is potential income to be made in helping to bring Metaverse events to life!
6. Advertising, Crowdsourcing & Sponsorships
As Metaverse services improve and become a more accurate simulation of life, so will other modern business practices that wish to integrate as digital versions of themselves.
Now that we know huge celebrities and showtime events are making their way to AR…
…it only makes sense that advertisers and sponsors will be sure to follow!
In fact, in many ways, they already have!
There is no shortage of brands that have maneuvered themselves into the Metaverse. To name a few, Nike, Wendy’s, Samsung, Hyundai, Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, Adidas, and Gucci have already made the leap.
This means all the usual brand partnership programs are alive and well in VR!
For example, focusing on events again, you could organize a virtual get-together with free participation for attendees, where sponsors would pay you for audience outreach.
You could perhaps broker deals with companies to showcase their logos, images, items, and services within your own augmented reality creations or world spaces for a fee.
And on a smaller scale, you could use crowdfunding platforms like Patreon to get regular contributions by fans and supporters of assets and work!
Marketing is already a significant player in the Metaverse, and it only has upwards to go.
7. Freelance Metaverse Jobs
Advertising will not be the only field that has a digital iteration in the Metaverse!
Nearly every other industry will likely have some augmented reality equivalent on a long enough timeline.
Those events we spoke of earlier will need individuals to coordinate them at an organizational level… but also an individual one!
As much as Metaverse services need promoters and facilitators, it also needs users with functional and interpersonal skills to keep people engaged and ensure things run smoothly.
Just imagine the world we live in today: retailers, service workers, interpreters, bankers. All these professions and more will have variants in the Metaverse (some already exist)!
Suppose you’re not confident in your coding or design skills. Why not act as a referee for users playing an interactive game? A tutor in a socially-distant, online classroom? An admin or security personnel for a private social club?
The idea of “virtual labor” and a “digital workforce” may seem alien to us now…
…But, as Metaverse services become more accessible and integrated with our everyday lives, the necessity of such roles will be inevitable.
8. Buying & Selling LAND
If you’re reading this guide here, there is a good chance you’re already reasonably financially savvy and looking for ways to expand your earning potential.
Those who study ways to build independent wealth are likely familiar with the principles of buying, holding, and selling real estate and other physical properties.
Considered one of the most powerful ways to grow your fortune in our brick-and-mortar world…
…it’s no surprise that owning digital land can make you richer in the Metaverse!
Even massive institutions like JP Morgan have shown interest in this unconventional, growing market.
But what is “digital land?” And how do you get it?
In short, Metaverse real estate is essentially parcels of programmable pixels representing areas where people can chat, play, and engage in countless other virtual activities.
Using Cryptocurrency, you can purchase deeds of ownership on Metaverse platforms that offer land parcels (Decentraland and the Sandbox are two popular options).
Once you own it, there’s no shortage of things to do! But simply holding the space until it appreciates in value and then selling to the highest bidder (“flipping” the land) is a valid and effective strategy.
With some empty land parcels purportedly selling for millions of dollars, you don’t even need to develop them to cash out!
9. Renting & Brokering LAND
Now that we’ve touched on the basic foundation of land in augmented reality and how it can net you earnings, we can expand our moneymaking methods!
Let’s pretend for a moment that you’ve taken action on the above step and purchased yourself some land. Congratulations!
Suppose you’re looking to do more than idly waiting until its market price increases to turn a profit.
In that case, we need to look no further than some real-life business models to help us make the most of our land.
Now that you have some experience in the AR real estate exchange, you can convert your knowledge into income!
For example, you could leverage your real estate skills into brokering; offer advice and counsel to new prospective buyers,
Or, perhaps you could negotiate commissions between other buyers and sellers as a mediator and prospector.
We can even use contemporary rental business structures to model monthly earnings for ourselves!
With land in the Metaverse being such a hot commodity, you could choose to rent the space out to developers who wish to design or host games on it.
Large companies will pay good money for the valuable event and advertising space!
If you’re lucky enough to grab land in a high-traffic area with a lot of visibility…
…You could arrange a generous rental fee to support you monthly!
10. Developing & Designing LAND
Suppose you are still interested in making money by keeping ownership of your land and have a knack for digital design.
In that case, this next suggestion is definitely for you!
Above, we mentioned those game developers and event companies would pay a handsome price to set their stages on prominent pieces of land…
…but with enough technical skill, why not cut out the middle man and collect that cash yourself?
Imagine you have honed your augmented reality creation skills and can build compelling and engaging locations.
You could deploy these attractions on your own land parcels to charge for attendance!
Earlier, we discussed game monetization in augmented reality.
By learning to script and sculpt your games, you could double your earnings by placing those income-generating games in your ticketed world space!
With complete authority over the land parcel’s creative direction and real estate, you have tremendous freedom in maximizing its earning potential!
And let us not forget that your creative powers can net you external design jobs!
You could be the next freelance AR architect, getting paid to shape the geography and construction of land parcels for high-paying clients!
11. LAND Management
In the real world, companies with multiple properties and individuals with many real estate investments need help overseeing their operations and planning the future of the space.
In the Metaverse, this will be no different!
When you factor in the speed at which Metaverse land parcels can be sold and interacted with… they may even have a more pressing need for canny management!
Outside of augmented reality, a Real Estate Manager’s duties revolve around the practical aspects of properties.
They supervise the activity and application of land owned by their clients, who may have more money than they do time to manage it personally.
Their responsibilities include preparing financial statements, supervising maintenance workers, and negotiating with contractors, suppliers, and vendors. They may also decide on rental income rates.
We’ve already touched on how iterations of each of these services exist on Metaverse platforms.
This means that a digital real estate manager’s expertise will be as necessary as anywhere else!
Buying land in AR is still a relatively new market (although, as we mentioned, a still-lucrative one).
So, cementing yourself as a specialist on these matters early on can go a long way in locking down your financial security!
12. Travel & Tourism
Another business opportunity that exists within the Metaverse but may feel like a work of fiction is that of tourism.
In a world where lockdowns and social distancing are the established norm, and the promise of travel is never guaranteed today…
…Providing people with this much-needed escape is a unique niche in the Metaverse services sector!
You could play a part in someone’s globetrotting journey across every continent to sightsee the 7 Wonders of the World!
Even more remarkably, because of the creative power of augmented reality, you could even transport yourself or others to these same places, either forwards or backward in time to experience a different way of life. Or you could explore scenes from movies and television!
Historical sites and recreated famous (and infamous!) events would take on a whole new meaning on this platform!
World designers will be needed to craft wondrous adventures. At the same time, travel agents and tour guides help plan routes and itineraries and lead users to fun and exciting locales.
Not to mention exclusive merchandise and avatar customizations like souvenirs and costumes made to fit the theme of these odysseys can be sold to digital nomads.
You could also apply real-world talents to your travels by offering language exchange programs or classes in the countries simulated in the Metaverse!
If you’re into the idea of purchasing and developing land on Metaverse platforms, consider making tourism a part of your business plan.
13. Enter the NFT Market
Saving one of the most notable topics for last; another way of making money through Metaverse services is by creating, trading, and selling NFTs.
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are essentially cryptographic assets held on a blockchain that possess unique identification codes and metadata that distinguish them from each other.
Because Crypto is so prevalent in the Metaverse, it only makes sense that NFTs (which follow similar principles and trends in their function to Crypto) are equally prized.
Metaverse enthusiasts and NFT creators are natural allies. In addition, many NFT groups have their own private clubs and world spaces across various Metaverse platforms, which are used to help facilitate sales and exchanges.
When you think of an NFT, you may immediately think of digital artworks like Bored Ape Yacht Club or CryptoPunks. But in truth, any 3D assets made in and for the Metaverse can be considered NFTs within this economy.
With some NFTs selling for prices in the millions, their minting and transacting are integral to the hype surrounding the Metaverse.
So much so that some users even design art galleries, museums, and auction houses to display their purchases for decorative value and to showcase them to potential buyers!
Learning the ins and outs of the NFT Market and how to make and trade your own can be a path to wealth in AR!
And There You Have It!
After thoroughly examining nearly all facets of Metaverse services… we’ve done it!
We’ve covered 13 methods you can use to begin your new financial ventures in the Metaverse!
As you can see, there are ways for anyone and everyone to get involved TODAY, no matter their level of technical skill or prior knowledge of Metaverse platforms.
Though for some tasks, like designing games or assets, a bit of systems proficiency is always welcomed… it’s important to remember that the Metaverse phenomenon is still reasonably new!
This means many people are just learning the tools NOW. Augmented reality programmers know this as their creation kits are often intended to be beginner-friendly.
Don’t let a lack of technological expertise hold you back from exploring these cutting-edge avenues! You might just surprise yourself with what you can accomplish, and your capacity will only grow alongside the Metaverse in time.
Even if you don’t wish to enter the development sphere…
…Consider what real-world skills and proficiencies you already have and how they can be translated into the digital world.
As we’ve discussed, there are many exciting ways you can put aptitudes you already possess into play within the Metaverse!
We dove pretty deep today regarding possibilities, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. As Metaverse services expand and evolve, so too will the opportunities.
So while we hope you’ve enjoyed reading along and learning with us today, make sure you stay in tune with Upreal Digital!
Because we’ll be revisiting this topic (and many others!) in the future.
Until next time, be well! And see you soon… in the Metaverse!
