Bored Ape Yacht Club Returns as a Thriving Metaverse Community
The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) is set to enhance its presence in the metaverse with the launch of a new platform called Otherside. This ambitious project is backed by Yuga Labs, which recently announced the official release date of November 12, 2023, during the ApeFest event in Las Vegas.
About Otherside
Otherside aims to create an interoperable, gamified, and decentralized virtual world. Yuga Labs first revealed its plans for Otherside after raising $450 million in funding in 2022. The goal is to combine elements from popular platforms like Roblox and Fortnite with cryptocurrency aspects. Users can explore virtual environments and utilize NFTs as avatars.
Accessing the Metaverse
To access Otherside, players can log in using a crypto wallet, but ownership of an NFT is not required for participation. Users can also join through traditional means, such as their email. This approach aims to lower the entry barrier for new users.
- Release Date: November 12, 2023
- Funding: $450 million raised in 2022
- Types of Avatars: NFT representations and custom creations
Community Features
Otherside will not only be a single community space but will also feature various experiences. The virtual environment includes The Swamp, and a hub known as the Nexus. There will be community-created games, including:
- Bathroom Blitz – Competitive shooter game
- Otherside Outbreak – Zombie-themed game
Players can create ‘Bubbles’, a social audio space, offering another level of communication within the platform.
Avatar Partnerships and Marketplace
Yuga Labs has announced partnerships for avatar creation, including a collaboration with digital artist Daniel Arsham and Amazon. The Boximus avatar, designed from Amazon boxes, will be available for purchase directly on Amazon’s website.
Although pricing details are not yet disclosed, Yuga Labs promises that costs will be reasonable and affordable. Montages of avatars will also allow for resale on the blockchain, offering a unique advantage over traditional metaverse platforms.
Market Position and Future Prospects
While Otherside aspires to rival other established platforms, skepticism exists regarding its immediate appeal. Unlike engaging games such as Fortnite and Roblox, the current offerings seem limited. However, there’s potential for growth, inspired by the evolution of prior successful platforms.
As Yuga Labs continues to develop Otherside, the hope is that it will become a vibrant community for users to socialize and interact within a thriving metaverse ecosystem.
