The Web 3.0 Report - 27/07/23
The Web 3.0 Report is our bi-weekly newsletter helping readers keep their fingers on the pulse of everything Web 3.0 whether that be AI, developments in the web3 industry, or of course, AR/VR. Today we focus on Google bringing Space Invaders to the streets, Mirrorscape revitalizing tabletop with AR, Netflix seeking machine learning experts amid strikes and Meta's boost to stock performance.
Google Brings Space Invaders to the City Streets
Google and Taito, the creators of the original Space Invaders game, have collaborated to release a new augmented reality (AR) version of Space Invaders. The game allows players to defend their neighbourhoods in the real world using AR tricks on their mobile devices. Players will view the invaders through their device's camera, making the aliens appear to fly behind real structures and emerge from warp holes on buildings. Similar to Pokémon Go, players are encouraged to explore their neighbourhoods, discover new invaders, and score points by defeating them. They can also share their achievements on social media with AR selfies, making it look like they are piloting their own virtual spaceship. This experience is a fantastic example of how we can level up classic games utilising web 3 technologies such as augmented reality and VPS.?
Mirroscape Revitalises Tabletop Gameplay with AR
Mirrorscape has announced the open beta launch of its augmented reality (AR) tabletop gaming platform for mobile devices and Apple Vision Pro. The platform is designed for role-playing games and digital tabletop experiences, with plans to adapt it for Apple's XR device, Vision Pro, set to debut in 2024. Mirrorscape is also working on compatibility with various AR glasses and headsets, including Qualcomm's Snapdragon Spaces platform. The platform has been in development for four years and garnered significant support during its testing phase, attracting over 4,000 active users and eight times its funding goal from Kickstarter. The company aims to provide an immersive and accessible virtual platform for roleplay gaming, blending physical tabletop games with AR imagery and offering an authentic experience. The Mirrorscape platform supports popular games like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder and encourages user-generated campaigns. It will be initially available on iOS and Android devices, with later support for AR glasses and headsets. The company's CEO, Grant Anderson, emphasises the platform's focus on user creativity and encourages the tabletop gaming community to embrace digital tabletop experiences. As a tabletop fan this has been one use of AR that could revitalise tabletop RPG’s for new generations
Netflix Seeks Machine Learning Experts Amidst Actors Strike Over AI Impact
As actors and writers strike for fair compensation and protection from AI's encroachment in Hollywood, Netflix has listed a machine learning product manager position with a salary ranging from $300,000 to $900,000 per year. The use of AI in film and television production has been a contentious issue in negotiations between the Alliance of Motion Picture and the Screen Actors Guild/Writers Guild of America. Netflix's new machine learning product manager role aims to increase the leverage of their AI platform, which will play a crucial role in the company's future innovation. The company is also seeking a technical director for generative AI at its gaming studio, with a salary of up to $650,000 a year. Disney has also listed AI-related positions, reflecting the industry's growing interest in AI integration. However, AI has become a contentious issue in the ongoing strike, with concerns raised about potential misuse and exploitation of performers' likenesses without proper compensation. The emerging challenge with AI will be finding the balance between its ethical use and misuse in creative industries.?
Meta Stock Rallies under new AI efforts
Meta's stock experienced a rally as the company reported an 11% increase in revenue, surpassing Wall Street's expectations. The revenue growth in the quarter ending in June reached $32 billion, driven in part by the success of Meta's short-form video product, Reels. The positive earnings sent the stocks soaring by 7% in after-market trading. Despite recent challenges, including a re-brand and layoffs, Meta's earnings report indicates a turnaround for the company, buoyed by the launch of new products and a focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, expressed optimism about the future, emphasising the company's commitment to the metaverse vision and its investment in new AI efforts. However, Meta's Reality Labs unit saw significant operating losses, raising concerns among analysts. The company faces competition in the AI space but it will be interesting to see Meta’s AI roadmap during the upcoming Meta Connect event in September.