The Gatekeepers
Proprietary Metaverse File Formats are like Elitist Digital Passports.
I am writing this from Essaouira, Morocco. Morocco is a developing country, in the North-West of Africa. Many Americans, myself included, would have (had) a difficult time pointing it out on a map. On December 20, 1777, the Kingdom of Morocco became the first country in the world to recognize the United States as an independent Nation, “which was translated years later, in 1787, into a treaty of friendship, which is still in force today.”
Thing is, they were the first to accept our new self-proclaimed standard, and have generally remained allies ever since. The privilege itself is a stark comparison because this traversal does not flow equally both ways. In fact, none of the people I have met over these last few days would be able to return to visit me. I can enter their space, but they can not enter mine, without undergoing years of work.
Systemically, it is a problem much larger than one organization, one nation, or one race. Things are the way they are because of lines in the sand, in the name of economic protection, privacy, and public safety. Despite being “friends,” they aren’t invited to the party.
I met an amazing couple at our Riad here is Essoaria. T is American, and she moved to Morocco to be with her husband. L is a native Moroccan. Both are kind-hearted, hard-working, inclusive, and adventurous. Despite being married, they have been trying for two years (and have “about 1-2 more”) just to get him into the States to introduce him to his new American family in person. He can’t even visit, much less get a green card. He has no history of violence, poses no risk, and frankly, does not want to live in the United States long-term.
Gatekeeping the Metaverse
Just as passports grant people access to different countries, file types and standards in the metaverse determine the extent of interoperability within the digital realm. Much like the disparity between the power of a United States passport and a Moroccan one, the accessibility of various file formats depends on the companies that create them. Corporations like Apple use proprietary file types as a means to control market dominance and restrict the freedom of users within the metaverse.
The Power of the Passport: A World of Haves and Have-nots
International passports serve as a symbol of national identity and a key to global mobility. The strength of a passport often reflects the country's geopolitical standing, with some passports offering access to a vast number of countries while others are met with limited acceptance. For instance, US passport holders enjoy access to numerous countries, while Moroccan passport holders face more restrictions.
This disparity in passport power is mirrored in the metaverse, where file types and standards determine the level of accessibility and interoperability for digital assets. Dominant companies strive to create proprietary file formats, establishing themselves as gatekeepers and limiting the reach of smaller competitors.
Apple's Walled Garden: A Proprietary Playground
Apple is a prime example of a company that strategically employs proprietary file types to assert its dominance in the market. By using exclusive file formats such as the .pages for documents or .aiff for audio files, Apple effectively creates a walled garden, locking users into its ecosystem and ensuring that their devices and software are necessary for accessing specific content.
This approach not only helps Apple maintain control over its user base but also hinders the growth of competitors, as it can be challenging to gain traction in a market dominated by a company with exclusive file formats.
Metaverse Interoperability: A Call for Digital Democracy
As the metaverse continues to expand and evolve, the need for interoperability becomes increasingly crucial. Just as a passport enables travel between countries, users should be able to navigate the metaverse freely and without restriction. By embracing open standards and promoting cross-platform compatibility, the digital realm can become a more inclusive and diverse space, fostering innovation and collaboration.
However, this can only be achieved if industry giants like Apple relinquish their hold on proprietary file types and opt for a more collaborative approach. By adopting universally accepted file formats, companies can pave the way for a more interconnected metaverse, ensuring that users can freely explore the digital landscape, regardless of the devices or platforms they use.
It’s not all self-less, Apple could benefit from relinquishing control too:
Increased Market Share and Revenue: By relinquishing their hold on proprietary file types, big companies like Apple can potentially tap into a broader user base, especially those who were previously deterred by the limitations imposed by exclusive formats. This expanded market share would ultimately lead to increased sales of their products and services, driving higher revenue. Additionally, embracing open standards can also promote third-party developers to create compatible software and applications, further enhancing the value of Apple's ecosystem and attracting even more customers.
Reduced Development Expenses: By adopting open standards, Apple can cut down on expenses related to the development and maintenance of proprietary file types. Open standards are often supported by a vast community of developers who actively contribute to the improvement and optimization of these formats. As a result, Apple can leverage the collective efforts of this community, reducing the burden on their internal development teams. This reduction in development costs can then be allocated to other projects or innovations within the company, increasing overall efficiency and competitiveness.
Enhanced User Experience: Relinquishing proprietary file types would lead to greater compatibility and interoperability across platforms, which would undoubtedly make Apple's users happier. The ability to seamlessly share files and collaborate with others, regardless of the devices or software they use, would contribute to a more streamlined user experience. This increased satisfaction would not only foster brand loyalty but also promote positive word-of-mouth, attracting new users to Apple's ecosystem. By prioritizing user happiness, Apple can ultimately build a stronger and more loyal customer base.
Conclusion:
The metaverse has the potential to redefine how we interact with the digital world. However, the future of this virtual realm lies in the hands of companies that either choose to promote interoperability or maintain their market dominance through proprietary file types. To unlock the true potential of the metaverse, we must advocate for digital democracy, where open standards and collaboration reign supreme, much like a world where passports grant equal access to everyone.
Otherwise, I fear that we will see a similar exclusion for Metaverse users who cannot afford Apple devices, or simply do not want Apple devices. If you are building a Metaverse startup, and claim to be building for the “open Metaverse,” you have to use open standards.
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