Metaverse App Development in 2023: Key Features, Tech Stack & Cost

21 September 2023 • 12 min read

Co-Founder at Softermii

It seems everyone’s obsessed with metaverse app development. Yet, it’s much more than a buzzword; it is a real innovation in the technology world.

Many people believe in the metaverse’s prospects and, thus, increasingly invest in it. As a result, from over $47 billion in 2022, the global market for this technology will reach almost $679 billion in 2030. It’s an unprecedented annual growth of more than 39%.

Imagine meeting your colleagues through 3D avatars or going on a virtual walk with your friends. All these and even more day-to-day activities are possible in the metaverse.

Want to contribute to this growing industry as well? You can do this by taking up metaverse app development. If you are wondering how to build a metaverse app, Softermii will help you with this by providing a detailed guide on creating a metaverse application.

Today, we’ll discuss the main metaverse’s technological components, the role of crypto and NFTs, and considerations to take before developing your metaverse app project. We’ll also share the main features, tech stack, UI/UX tips, and the approximate cost of such a product.

For its part, Softermii has more than 8 years’ experience developing top-notch products to our customers with NFT marketplaces and crypto exchange platforms among them. Thus, we can share valuable insights on creating metaverse applications based on our profound experience in the tech field and metaverse development.

Is Metaverse App Development Different from VR App Development?

The metaverse is an open, shared, and permanent three-dimensional online world. This world is full of various virtual spaces, objects, and avatars of real people.

So, isn’t that the same thing as virtual reality? VR is just a technology that makes it possible to build three-dimensional worlds. The metaverse, in turn, unites all these worlds in one accessible virtual space.

There are other factors that distinguish a metaverse from VR. The metaverse is a system that leverages various technologies to ensure proper operation. Virtual reality is just one of those technologies.

The very approach to metaverse application development is different. The metaverse is an ever-existing virtual world, and the interaction with VR ends after you turn off your computer. The metaverse, however, will keep your avatar and other info even after you leave it. Therefore, it is more interesting to create a metaverse app than to use VR technology. Next, we will look at the main technologies that are used in metaverse software development.

Technologies That Underlie Metaverse Apps

Developing the metaverse app takes multiple different technologies. All these tools are necessary to ensure a fully immersive experience in the virtual space.

So let’s see what technologies the metaverse software consists of and how to make a metaverse app:

Blockchain

The metaverse closely intertwines with the blockchain. This technology provides an opportunity to implement an advanced level of security on the platform. The cryptography that underpins the blockchain also ensures secure transactions.

Given the popularity of the virtual world and the increase in people interacting with it, blockchain development for metaverse is the best way to ensure security. This technology uses decentralization principles, which correspond to the metaverse’s values.

3D Reconstruction

We’ve mentioned that the metaverse is three-dimensional. Therefore, to provide an exciting and immersive experience, you need specific technology — 3D reconstruction.

Thanks to this innovation, you can scan objects from the real world and transfer them to the virtual one. Moreover, 3D reconstruction is so advanced that it allows you to create environments that are as close as possible to those in the real world.

With 3D reconstruction, you can recreate almost anything. It can be buildings, locations, furniture, or everything you can physically experience in the real world. You can also scan living creatures.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality makes the metaverse accessible to users. This technology allows the creation of various virtual environments users can experience through specialized VR devices.

Virtual reality technologies have significantly progressed and can transport users to almost any location. Whether it is a business meeting with colleagues in the office or a trip to space with friends, VR is responsible for all such places.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality is a technology that allows you to combine the real world with digital visual objects. AR uses computer vision to recognize entities in the real-life environment and adds additional elements to them.

Augmented reality technology uses a camera and a screen to work properly. The first device is for monitoring the real environment, and the second is for overlaying additional objects.

What is the application of AR in the metaverse? Thanks to augmented reality technology, you can get unforgettable sensations, viewing the real world supplemented with additional elements. For example, you can see how the furniture will look in your interior, even before its purchase.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is a technology that uses devices and sensors to connect physical objects to the Internet. Once devices join the network, they send and receive various data.

IoT will help collect data about real-world objects and use them in the needs of the metaverse. For example, thanks to this technology, it will be possible to create more accurate digital twins, i.e., virtual copies of real things.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Since the metaverse is an environment for everyone, it’s a large amount of data. Artificial intelligence can process this data and do it incredibly quickly. How exactly can the processed information be used?

Artificial intelligence helps develop more natural and intelligent non-player characters. For example, this technology can make NPCs correctly perform various tasks or support conversations. You can also create more realistic 3D avatars thanks to AI.

The Role of Crypto & NFTs in the Metaverse

The metaverse goes hand in hand with crypto and NFTs. Let’s find out why.

The metaverse gives freedom in virtual objects’ ownership. Non-fungible tokens, in turn, implement this right through smart contracts. Along with NFTs, a metaverse user can gain exclusive ownership of artwork, game items, virtual real estate, and other things.

Cryptocurrencies are virtual assets users can leverage in the metaverse. If you are interested in exploring the development of a metaverse application, it's important to understand the underlying technologies and design principles. They are necessary to support its economy, and now we’ll explain why:

Cryptocurrencies support decentralization.
These virtual assets provide anonymity and security for users of the metaverse.
Crypto enables high-speed transactions.
It is a safe and transparent payment method.

Both crypto and NFTs use blockchain technology. Therefore, consider its importance before creating the metaverse app.

Things to Consider Before Building a Metaverse Application

Not sure if you should start with metaverse development? Let’s look at some considerations to help you decide.

Beginnings

It might be challenging to build a metaverse platform from scratch. Just think about how much technology you have to use and how much time it will take. We advise you to start your journey by joining an existing virtual world and only then develop your idea into something much bigger. So, the metaverse platform development will become more optimal.

Earning Opportunities

The first option is to create your own metaverse, attract users, and offer them memberships or use other monetization options. If you need less time- and resource-consuming development, you can build a metaverse world based on the existing infrastructure. Also, consider investing in other projects or crypto.

The Need for Metaverse Creation

First, you cannot make such a decision on the spur of the moment. Developing a metaverse requires a lot of input from you, so it’s not something that can be solved in a second. Do a deep analysis of the market, your business, and your potential audience, and start with small steps.

Metaverse Development Stages

We’ve simplified metaverse creation to a few fundamental steps. Here they are:

Build the infrastructure for the metaverse.
Define the operational standards of your metaverse.
Create content for your metaverse.

Key Features of a Metaverse App

Let’s say you realized that you want to build your own metaverse. You must include the following features in this product:

Infrastructure

The peculiarity of building a metaverse is to work on its infrastructure. It refers to the technological infrastructure that will support the proper functioning of the metaverse. In particular, these are cloud computing or 5G, graphics processors, and Wi-Fi.

As the metaverse potentially grows more extensive, you need to take care of the scalability of your infrastructure.

Human Interface Technologies

Human interface technologies are tools that allow users to join the metaverse. For example, this is AR and VR.

Digital Avatars

Digital avatars are the calling card of the metaverse. Every user who joins the virtual space can create an avatar for himself.

Decentralization

Decentralization is another integral feature of the metaverse. It allows you to create a regulation-free virtual space where users can easily interact with each other. Decentralization also means the ability for people to take full ownership of their assets.

Experiences

You must also consider the relationship between real-world and virtual experiences. The possibility of mutual interaction in the metaverse makes it so engaging.

Security

Cybersecurity is another feature of the metaverse. You must take care of advanced security standards at the development stage.

Persistence

Persistence is the feature that distinguishes the metaverse from ordinary VR. Your metaverse app developers must ensure that your virtual universe continues to operate even after the user disconnects from it.

Creator Economy

It is one of the most specific features of the metaverse. It provides the possibility of creating your digital assets and trading them.

Steps to Build a Metaverse App

Creating a metaverse app involves a seamless blend of innovation and technology. Here's a condensed guide to simplify the process:

Ideation

Start by envisioning the purpose of your metaverse app. Whether you're aiming for a social hub, an interactive game, or an educational space, it's essential to have a clear concept tailored to your target audience.

Discovery Stage

Delve deep into research. Choose the right development platforms, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, based on your app's needs and expertise. Engage with potential users, assess competitors, and understand the market demand.

Design

Craft the virtual environment of your app. It involves mapping the world, defining the user experience, and creating interaction points. Consider the integration of VR and AR elements for a richer immersion.

Development

It is the stage where your idea comes to life. Incorporate the features, interactivity elements, and social tools planned during the design phase. Emphasize security measures, ensuring user data remains protected.

Quality Assurance

Before launching, test your app rigorously. Identify and rectify glitches, performance issues, or any usability concerns. Consider running a beta test to gather preliminary user feedback.

Launch

Once you're confident in your app's stability and features, introduce it to the world. Promote it, ensuring it reaches your target audience and stands out in the vast metaverse landscape.

Support

Post-launch, stay engaged. Gather user feedback, address concerns, and regularly update your app based on user needs and emerging metaverse trends.

In this digital age, the metaverse is a realm of boundless opportunities. With a clear roadmap and dedication, you can create an app that stands out and offers users an unparalleled virtual experience.

Metaverse Platform Security

One of the most common queries among startup owners is: how to develop a metaverse app with top-notch security? Along with this question, there are also often concerns about data leakage, user privacy, etc.

By taking the blockchain as the basis of the metaverse, you can provide an advanced level of security on your platform. Of course, this is not a 100% guarantee against malicious actions in your app, but blockchain significantly reduces the risks of such interventions.

We advise you to seek expert metaverse development services to leverage blockchain for cybersecurity in your metaverse.

Recommended Tech Stack for the Metaverse Platform

Let’s now see the metaverse technology stack that your developers will need to build a metaverse platform from scratch.

Backend development: Java, Python, Node JS

Frontend development: React, Angular, Vue JS

Mobile development: Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), React Native (cross-platform dev)

Database: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database

Cloud infrastructure: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud

It is worth noting that this is far from an exhaustive list of technologies and components that are needed to create a metaverse platform. In each project, the set of technologies can be individual, so the final list is approved jointly with the metaverse development team.

UI/UX Design Value in Metaverse Applications

Your metaverse’s success among end consumers directly depends on the design. Modern users are picky about the digital products they use, so you should take good care of UI and UX.

As for the user experience, your team must develop a detailed system information structure. Designers also optimize user flows.

After the UX of your platform is ready, your specialists can move on to creating the user interface. In the end, you will get a prototype, a visualization of what your product will look like.

The last thing you need to know about how to build a metaverse virtual world is the development cost. The price of such services will vary significantly depending on which solution you choose: create a platform from scratch or develop on a ready-made infrastructure.

If this is the development from scratch, you should be ready because metaverse app development is a very skill, time, and resource-consuming process. The metaverse requires experts well-versed in various innovative technologies, so it is not a cheap product.

In addition, the metaverse development cost of development is affected by the number and complexity of features and the hourly rates of the partner company. So expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 up to $300,000.

Final Thoughts

We talked about how to create a metaverse app above. Currently, metaverse app development is a promising endeavor. Many brands and businesses are already trying to make a presence in this trending niche and are investing a lot of money in it.

If you also want to innovate in this field by offering your metaverse solution, Softermii is ready to support you with its metaverse software development services. As a metaverse app development company with eight years of experience, we can leverage our expertise to build your perfect product. So, feel free to contact us.

How to build a metaverse virtual world app?

You have to build a metaverse infrastructure first. Then, you can come up with standards and protocols for your platform. After that, move on to UI/UX design, and after you get a working prototype, continue with frontend and backend development. Then test your platform, take care of marketing, and launch.

How long does it take to develop a metaverse application?

Metaverse app development is generally a time-consuming process. Even the simplest product will take you about six months.

What are examples of successful metaverse apps?

There are some of them in today’s market. Look through Second Life, Horizon, Axie Infinity, and Decentraland.

Can I hire Softermii to create the metaverse app?

Yes, you definitely can. Our eight-year background in software development makes us a perfect partner to hire.

What are the top companies investing in metaverse development?

You’ve probably heard of them. These are Meta, Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia.

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Written by:

Andrii Horiachko