Virtual world

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Base Info
Term	Virtual World
Synonyms	Cyberspace, Metaverse
Related Articles	Cyberpunk, Avatar

A virtual world is a world constituted by electronic data in which users from all over the web can go to, and a concept in ACG works. It is also referred to as Cyberspace or Metaverse, although the meaning is slightly different, these terms also refer to a virtual world.

Introduction

Generally speaking, a virtual world is created on the basis of the Internet, inside computers. It runs on powerful servers and it is powered by virtual reality (VR), to create scenarios that resemble real-world locations. Real users around the world connect to this virtual world via the Internet and interact with other users. A specific terminal is needed as means to connect to the virtual worlds, for example, VR headsets or goggles.

Just as one doesn't use their real name when navigating through the web, real people basically have another appearance in the virtual world. There are also differences between real and virtual society.

In addition, society and the media usually refer to things such as the internet and video games as "virtual worlds". It is commonly urged that people (especially youngsters) do not overindulge in the virtual world, and that the focus on life should be put on reality.

Common settings

Terminals

The devices needed to enter the virtual world, generally with Internet connectivity, VR and other features. Generally, each person has their own dedicated terminal. Usually VR goggles, a headset, or a cellphone, it is even a direct modification of the body.

Avatars

The characters inside the virtual world. In ACG works, the avatar of a character usually resembles their real self, easily identified by the audience.

MMORPG

Short for Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. The virtual world in most works is an MMORPG, therefore, there will be similar concepts such as classes, levels, weapons, etc.

AI

Short for Artificial Intelligence. In the virtual world, in addition to avatars of real people, there are also AI as well. It may be an ordinary NPC, but it could also be the ultimate AI that controls the operations of the world.

Real world

The world inhabited by humans in ordinary proportions. In most ACG works, there will be episodes in which characters are trapped in the virtual world, unable to return to reality, and the main character's goal is to get everyone to the real world safe and sound.

Virtual worlds in pop culture

VTuber lore

Considering the sense of protection of privacy and cyberbullying, many VTubers will set a fictional world as their origin place. These are also known as "virtual worlds", some will add the world "virtual" to a location, for example, "Virtual Kansai", "Virtual Shanghai", and so on.

It is important to note that despite the term "Virtual YouTuber", not all of the worlds they come from are virtual worlds. They sometimes come from another world, a parallel universe, a fictional universe, and there are differences between these concepts.

In the media

With the development of technology, virtual worlds have become an important part in many works, as many episodes take place in the virtual world, and sometimes the virtual world reacts to the real world. In these works, there will also be portrayals of the real world. In other words, this virtual world is more like an MMO where characters are often free to enter or leave the virtual world, and as the plot requires, the scene will switch back and forth between the virtual world and the real world.

• Ghost in the Shell: The work is set in the year 2034, where many people undergo electronic brain transferring, and the brains can be directly connected to the Net. The work will occasionally show the dive into the bridge of this space.
• Code Lyoko: The main characters inadvertently discover a supercomputer running a virtual world called Lyoko, which is inhabited by AI. They also discovered the possibility of transporting matter into the virtual world, and in turn materializing data.
• Summer Wars: In the movie, "OZ" is a large virtual space used by one billion people, each user of OZ can create their own avatar, and can conduct activities related to entertainment, education, competition, commercial trading, etc.
• Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: VRAINS, a virtual space for Duelists of Den City, is operated by the SOL Corporation.
• Bofuri: The main story takes place in the VRMMORPG NewWorld Online.
• Belle: "U" is a virtual network world with more than 5 billion online users worldwide, and it is known as an "alternate reality". When users first register or log in, they simply wear a special device on their bodies, the system then scans their personal information, and creates the "AS" virtual image in the world of U. In "U", it is possible to engage in social, entertainment, communication, competition, and business trading activities, among others. The user's emotions, physical responses and reactions in the real world are also projected onto the U avatar. Since there are no policies set up in U, there is a self-policing group named "Justice", who maintain order, and the leader of "Justice" even has the authority to take away the AS avatar and reveal the real user inside.

Works and lore

• Sword Art Online: VRMMORPGs are the main element of the work. 10,000 players are trapped in the VRMMORPG Sword Art Online, developed by Akihito Kayaba, the only way to return to reality is to complete the game.
• Princess Connect! Re:Dive: The world in which everyone lives is a VR game world called Astrum. Because Kaiser Insight changed the game data, it caused all the players, including her, to be unable to log out of the game.
• ANONYMOUS;CODE: The game takes place in the Earth simulator. The identity of the player is the observer, not the game's main character.

Virtual worlds in real life

Society and the media also like to refer to things such as the internet and video games as "virtual worlds". In addition to this, some platforms match the description of virtual world more narrowly.

• Second Life: A virtual world developed by Linden Lab.
• VRChat: A type of VRMMORPG, players can use VR images to interact with others in the VR world. This game is also popular with VTubers.