The Rise of No-Code and Low-Code Platforms in Metaverse-Style Virtual Worlds
We’ve witnessed the increasing popularity of no-code and low-code platforms across various applications and use cases. But what if this concept was applied to metaverse-style virtual worlds? This article explores the potential possibilities that could emerge from such an application.
Renewed Interest in the Metaverse
With Apple recently announcing the release of the Apple Vision Pro headset, there has been a renewed interest in the metaverse. As a result, investors are once again turning their attention to startups in this sector, which is experiencing a rebranding as the era of “spatial computing.” One noteworthy development is the launch of Immersed’s Visor XR headset, which has garnered positive feedback.
Introducing VLGE
Amongst the newly revived interest, VLGE, a startup based in France, has secured $4 million in funding from notable investors like Venrex VC and L’Oréal. VLGE aims to provide the tools necessary for industries like fashion, beauty, and art to build immersive and scalable digital worlds. Instead of relying on giants like Meta and Mark Zuckerberg, these industries can now create and monetize their very own worlds.
VLGE is currently developing V-Suite, its proprietary, no-code world-builder and asset management tools. The company has opened applications for creators and brands to gain access to their software development kit (SDK). This move aligns with the industry’s push towards standardization and advancement through the use of SDKs.
Investors supporting VLGE include Venrex, BOLD (L’Oréal’s venture capital fund), the British Fashion Council, and the VR Fund. Additionally, VLGE has sought guidance from advisors at esteemed companies like Wave, Sandbox, and Paper Magazine.
Evelyn Mora, VLGE. Image Credits: VLGE
The Visionary Behind VLGE
VLGE was founded by Evelyn Mora, an innovative Finnish entrepreneur and sustainability strategist who is currently based in France. Mora, a former fashion photographer, has deep roots in the fashion industry and has even spearheaded Finland’s first sustainable fashion week and the world’s inaugural 3D Fashion Week. Her vision for VLGE is centered around fostering a diverse ecosystem of world-building solutions.
Mora explained, “We firmly believe that in our industry, it is not about adopting a winner-takes-it-all mentality. Instead, we are genuinely excited to operate within a diverse ecosystem of world-building solutions.”
She continued, “Existing platforms are prohibitively expensive, and not user-friendly or scalable. VLGE aims to empower creators and brands to turn their visions into destinations by creating immersive virtual experiences in a scalable and affordable fashion.”
Mora concluded, “My dream is to push the boundaries of the virtual experiences that we all engage in. We want to find unique monetization models using immersive online experiences with which brands can reduce their physical footprint while upholding their well-earned reputations as cultural leaders, artistic trendsetters, storytellers, and innovators.”
Simplified World-Building with VLGE
In line with their objectives, VLGE intends to simplify the world-building process for creators. They aim to achieve this by allowing world builders to upload their own assets and connect integrations through V-BLDR, which is a no-code drag-and-drop design tool within the VLGE platform. Users will also have access to various templates, such as beachfronts, forests, and cities, to kickstart their creative journey.
Furthermore, VLGE plans to implement monetization features, including the use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It is worth noting that other players in the industry are also exploring this approach. Spatial, for example, has raised $47.3 million and offers NFT creators the ability to customize virtual spaces for events, exhibitions, and brand experiences. They also provide a free meeting app, which has received positive reviews.
Additionally, Exclusible is a web3 partner for brands, similar to VLGE’s aspirations. Their digital collectibles platform caters specifically to luxury brands and has raised €2.2 million in seed funding.
The Metaverse Market Rejuvenation
Despite the growing uncertainties surrounding the Zuckerverse and its shifting priorities, VLGE appears to be targeting a resurgent metaverse market. Their commitment to empowering creators and brands through easily accessible tools and monetization options positions them as key players in the evolving landscape.
Editor Notes
In conclusion, VLGE’s foray into building no-code virtual world-building tools is a significant step forward for industries like fashion, beauty, and art. By providing a scalable and affordable solution, VLGE allows creators and brands to bring their visions to life in the metaverse. This shift towards immersive virtual experiences presents new monetization opportunities and the potential to reduce physical footprints. As the metaverse continues to evolve, platforms like VLGE will play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital worlds.
For more news and updates on the latest developments in VR gaming and the metaverse, visit VR Game News.