The metaverse seems to have created its own job market. With companies like Meta, Nike, or Gucci investing millions into their metaverse brands, the need for metaverse workers is on the rise. Because the metaverse is based on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) aspects.
Few people currently have the proper backgrounds to fill these open positions. Just like the quantum workforce, many are beginning to worry that there may be a metaverse worker shortage. With many companies already desperately hiring, this shortage may prove to be the case. This in turn may limit which companies can extend their metaverse reign, and the ones left behind in the real world.
Big Companies are Hiring Metaverse Workers
Meta, previously known as Facebook, began the hiring trend when they stated that they would hire around 10,000 people in Europe over the next five years to develop the metaverse. In reality, Meta’s current job listings only include a handful of postings. Mostly based within the U.S. focused on the metaverse. They will clearly need to ramp up their efforts to hopefully hit their goals.
Similarly, Nike has also posted job openings for positions like a metaverse engineer, a senior 3D game designer, and a virtual material designer. These postings come months after Nike filed trademark patents to sell NFT sneakers. These sneakers can be sold thanks to Nike’s recent acquisition of RTFKT studios, which creates NFT shoes. These shoes will be sold in Nikeland, a Roblox platform created by Nike, where users can play virtual games and create their own avatars. For this to happen though, Nike needs to build up its ranks of metaverse workers.
Disney, a big name already in entertainment media, is looking to acquire the talent needed to move into the metaverse. Disney is looking to slowly transition into the virtual world, starting with a patented “virtual world simulator,” which would be used around its entertainment parks. Using this projector, guests may have more customizable experiences and more interactions with iconic characters. Currently, Disney has posted a job for a business development manager. Who will “help to lead Disney’s efforts in the NFT space.”
The Metaverse is Open to all
Other companies currently hiring metaverse workers include some big names in fashion. Both Balenciaga and Gucci have already opened metaverse locations, and are looking for experts to fill positions. Such as a meta business coordinator or a Web3 manager. Both companies are creating NFT products from their clothing to sell to users, and need more workers to help expand their virtual empires.
Even the NFL is also looking to hire individuals to help them move into a virtual environment. In a job position for a “senior manager, content partnerships,” the company added that the candidate was expected to “identify opportunities in emerging technology sections, including, but not limited to, NFT and crypto projects and AR/VR strategy and development.”
With the Great Resignation still occurring, the metaverse may start to see an influx of new employees. As the markets have already grown significantly over the last couple of years. Many individuals may find new lucrative positions within this industry. For those looking to get into this industry, there are many ways to learn more about the metaverse and technology. With varying predicted positions from metaverse storyteller to metaverse planner, there is no one way to enter the job market. One website explains what sort of background an individual may need to join the metaverse industry, which includes a lot of gaming or knowledge about VR/AR. Because the metaverse is remote, individuals of any age or background are welcome to help build/develop the virtual future. It will only be a matter of time before more of these jobs go on the market.