Decentraland vs Sandbox: What Metaverse Platforms Will Succeed in 2023?
An analysis of the progress made by Decentraland and Sandbox, including what we think is the stand-out factor for the metaverse to succeed.
Photo Source: Decentraland via Wired
In 2022, the metaverse popularized with high expectations… that weren’t quite met. In 2023, progress is being made to get the metaverse back on track, but which platforms are top performers?
We are on the search for platforms that are attracting and maintaining users, as well as what stand-out factor they are using to keep users. Here’s what we’ve gathered.
First, let’s do a quick summary of the most well-known platforms. Decentraland has risen in the ranks with recent interoperability initiatives while hosting Metaverse Fashion Week 2023. Sandbox is a community-driven gaming platform that attracts users, but is it hindered by its reliance on crypto? Roblox is another gaming metaverse, but have you heard about any new features on the platform? Neither have we. And of course, Meta Horizon Worlds, which probably had the highest expectations and most disappointments of 2022. Meta has shifted to making progress in Horizon Workrooms for employee collaboration. For an overview of these platforms and more, check out the list below on which metaverse platforms you need to know in 2023.
Decentraland
In our latest metaverse article, we discussed the importance of metaverse interoperability and why we think this is an essential factor for the metaverse to succeed. Decentraland has already started making progress in this field, which we think sets it apart from other metaverse worlds. For more information on this, check out the article below.
Aside from this, Decentraland is now available in virtual reality (VR) for Meta Quest and PC VR. A new feature also enables video in VR, which allows users to embed video content or stream live events.
Linked wearables became available in June 2022 in Decentraland, and this was large part of the interoperability initiative for fashion week, in which users could transport their wearables across different metaverse worlds. For even more personalization, users will soon be able to choose the eye and hair colors of their avatars.
Decentraland utilizes the Ethereum Blockchain with MANA currency. In addition to the ability of purchasing wearables with NFTs, users can buy land and assets in the Decentraland marketplace. In 2022, Decentraland had 2.7 million NFTs minted and 1 million unique active users. We think this platform is on track to surpass these numbers in 2023.
Sandbox
Sandbox is a gaming metaverse, like many others, but it is set apart by its foundation on the Ethereum blockchain. Players can trade in-game NFTs through the Sandbox marketplace or third party NFT marketplaces.
Personalization in sandbox refers more to assets and land, as opposed to ways to customize an avatar. Assets include wearables, equipment, art and blocks. Wearables are available, but must be minted or bought as NFTs. LAND NFTs are plots of virtual real estate. These are for users to host customizable games, create experience, throw parties or rent out land to other users.
Sandbox has a stand-out factor from other gaming-specific platforms as a crypto-based platform with land and assets available. Decentraland is also crypto-based and has land and assets available, but focuses more on events than gaming.
If we are looking for a true “wow” factor, Decentraland is making more progress than Sandbox and other metaverse worlds. By opting for metaverse interoperability, VR, and hosting events in collaboration with other realities and well-known real world companies, Decentraland has already made great strides in 2023. The real hope is that one day all of these platforms will be interoperable, but in the foreseeable future, they must take individual steps toward success.
Best,
Ariana for the Don’t Count Us Out Yet Team