ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Metaverse: The Next Digital Frontier and Its Impact on Art and Culture

digital · 2026-04-27

The metaverse represents a digital realm that merges technologies such as Roblox, Minecraft, VR, AR, and cryptocurrencies. Significant investments are being made by prominent figures, including Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who is pouring millions into its prospects. Within five years, it seeks to revolutionize social media and human-computer interactions, transitioning from traditional 2D applications to a mixed reality multiverse. Anticipated activities encompass virtual shopping, concerts, and meetings using cryptocurrencies. Notable examples include Travis Scott's Fortnite concert in April 2020, which attracted 12 million viewers, and Gucci's virtual bag sales on Roblox in May 2021. Brands like Tesla and Balenciaga are also unveiling digital collections. Facebook intends to create 10,000 jobs in Europe for metaverse development, while Epic Games secured $1 billion, indicating a major technological shift.

Key facts

  • The metaverse integrates Minecraft, Roblox, videoconferencing, cryptocurrencies, VR, AR, social media, education, and live streaming.
  • Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other tech giants are investing millions in the metaverse.
  • A paradigm shift in social media and human-computer interaction is expected within five years.
  • Travis Scott's Astronomical concert on Fortnite in April 2020 had 12 million attendees.
  • Gucci's Gucci Garden on Roblox in May 2021 sold virtual bags for $4,115 (350,000 Robux).
  • Balenciaga, Ralph Lauren, American Eagle, Maserati, Aston Martin, and Tesla are launching digital products in virtual worlds.
  • Facebook plans 10,000 new jobs in Europe for metaverse construction.
  • Epic Games raised $1 billion for its metaverse; Nvidia, Microsoft, and TikTok are investing millions.

Entities

Artists

  • Travis Scott
  • Elisabetta Rotolo

Institutions

  • Facebook
  • Epic Games
  • Nvidia Corp
  • Microsoft Corp
  • TikTok
  • Tencent
  • Gucci
  • Balenciaga
  • Ralph Lauren
  • American Eagle
  • Maserati
  • Aston Martin
  • Tesla
  • MIAT – Multiverse Institute For Arts & Technology
  • Artribune
  • Fortnite
  • Roblox
  • Minecraft
  • Game for Peace

Locations

  • Europe

Sources