Michael Jackson in the Metaverse

Everybody is talking about the Metaverse lately and with Notorious B.I.G. getting soon his own hyperrealistic avatar in The Brook, a metaverse recreating the Brooklyn of the 90s. It was created by start-ups Burst and Surreal Events to allow music lovers to immerse themselves in “the world of one of the greatest MC’s of all time – The Notorious B.I.G”. “Step into his world and discover old-school Brooklyn and the roots of hip-hop culture like you never imagined,” the initiative’s official website reads.

But what is the Metaverse? I am glad you are asking as I had the same question when I first heard about it!

In the simplest terms, the metaverse is the internet, but in 3D. It’s a form of digital interaction where connected, virtual experiences can either simulate the real world or imagine worlds beyond it. Many of the metaverse ingredients are with us now – think interacting with lots of people and content made by them, in persistent, immersive worlds across many devices, including virtual reality. The more these components intertwine, the closer we get to a fuller version of the metaverse. It is not quit there yet for a full immersive experience in the metaverse but the possibility of just that is near!

The Brook will be officially launched at the end of the year, although Notorious B.I.G fans will be able to experience it in preview by purchasing NFTs or tickets on Ticketmaster.

Already stars have been launching their own Metaverse-self like Snoop-Dog and Paris Hilton and for sure many will follow…

The technology is currently very expensive and there are still some issues with processors and holding data in the cloud. But with Cryptocurrency, Facebook launching Meta and other Cloud companies currently working towards the virtual world, the possibility to have Michael Jackson avatar in the Metaverse is closer than ever!

But this is not new, if you recall, back in 2010, the Estate of Michael Jackson announce a virtual world based on the King of Pop: “Planet Michael”.

LOS ANGELES – Sept. 21, 2010 – SEE Virtual Worlds, an entertainment company developing a virtual reality universe of connected planets tied to licensed franchises, today announced a collaborative deal with the Michael Jackson Estate to publish Planet Michael, a massively multiplayer online virtual world set to launch in late 2011. Planet Michael will offer fans around the globe an innovative, first-of-its-kind interactive gaming and social experience that truly celebrates Michael Jackson’s extraordinary life as an artist and humanitarian.

The new planet, currently under development and slated for launch next year, will be an immersive virtual space themed after iconic visuals drawn from Michael’s music, his life and the global issues that concerned him. Entire continents will be created that will celebrate Michael’s unique genius in a way that underscores his place as the greatest artist of all time. Michael’s longtime fans will feel at home as they find themselves in places that seem familiar and yet unknown at the same time, and new generations will discover and experience Michael’s life in a way never before imagined. At its core, Planet Michael is a massive social gaming experience that will allow everyone, from the hardcore fan to the novice, to connect and engage in collaborative in-game activities with people worldwide.

Planet Michael is one of the first themed-planets that will be published by SEE Virtual Worlds for the Entropia Universe, a vast dynamic 3D environment created and provided to end users by MindArk PE AB. The Entropia Universe features several existing planets and combines a revolutionary cash economy with cutting-edge graphics. Although Planet Michael is a free-to-download world without monthly subscription fees, the real world in-game economy features gameplay monetization that allows players to take on dozens of different occupations and in certain instances, contribute to a charitable cause at the same time.

“When we first approached the Estate and talked about creating Planet Michael, one of our primary goals wasto build an interactive environment where fans from all over the world come together to affirm Michael’s life-long dedication to fostering global friendships,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Virtual Worlds. “In building a space worthy of those global connections, we envisioned a magical, enjoyable place that will capture that zest for fun and life that was at Michael’s very core. Throughout his extensive career, the King of Pop was well-known for his visionary contributions to music, dance, fashion, entertainment and philanthropy, and it was critical that we somehow incorporate all of those elements into the game.”

“No artist unified the world like Michael Jackson, so it is fitting that in Planet Michael his fans will be able to join together in such a unique way online to celebrate his music, his artistry and his devotion to helping those in need,” said John Branca, co-executor for The Estate of Michael Jackson. “Michael was always exploring creative new ways technology could enhance the experiences of his fans, and for that reason we are thrilled to be working with SEE Virtual Worlds to build a global interactive experience that befits an artist as innovative as Michael Jackson,” added John McClain, co-executor of the Estate.

While the project never came to life, the idea was already there in 2010 and maybe the Estate will review this in a near future. They were too early in the project but now, the technology has arrived and it is maybe time for them to review the project?

But what does it mean for us, the fans?

The possibilities in the Metaverse are endless! The day the Estate will release a Michael Jackson Metaverse, they could not only recreate the King of Pop in iconic locations such as music video sets, Neverland ranch but also release tickets to Meta-concerts; sell virtual merchandise for your avatar or event have a one-to-one with your idol! We could get a tour of Neverland Ranch with no limit access, a personal dance class with the King of Pop…

Fans could actually virtually meet up, talk about their idols with people from all over the world, get virtual MJ Parties and virtual market to exchange or buy virtual collectors. Having meta-album releases… As I said, the possibilities are endless!

As for Michael, The Estate has data from 3D scans made on Michael in the 90s. Unlike the holographic representation done in 2014, they have his face moulded since Thriller. And then his whole body from Moonwalker (the robot transformation), his face and 3D scanning data from GHOSTS.

Michael could have the most realistic avatar from all the stars that have left this world and will give him the immortality he deserves, over his artistry such as his music and dance.

As an old fan, (but still younger than the Estate) it is a difficult concept to grasp, but new generations are all into virtual world, virtual currencies… they all buy their music on platforms, watch videos on their phones, create persona on social media… so like me, hold you seat-belt as the future fandom is coming…