[Sponsored article] The metaverse became one of the top buzzwords of 2021, as Facebook changed its name to Meta and the media started speculating about the many possibilities the metaverse has to offer. But what, exactly, is it? The metaverse is an expansive network of global virtual interconnected worlds that may incorporate augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D holographic avatars, video and, in the future, other means of communication. People will be able to live out virtual lives in these worlds, similar to that of an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game). Transactions of digital art, avatars, land and more will be tied to the blockchain, and transferable non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that represent ownership of these items are to form the building blocks of the metaverse. Cryptocurrency exchange Huobi Global is making strides to bring people into the metaverse this year. As part of its Lunar New Year campaign, dubbed “Prime Fest: Tiger Year”, the company is inviting millions of users to register for on-chain decentralised identifiers (DIDs), or personalised virtual identities that act as a gateway to the metaverse. Those who register are eligible to win tiger-themed NFT avatars, in addition to special access to new token listings, high-yielding asset management products and special blind-box draws. DIDs are widely considered a prerequisite for users looking to access the metaverse. DIDs offer security, ownership and interoperability, enabling users to connect all of their virtual assets and NFTs. Different companies may encourage users to sign up for DIDs by providing access to exclusive NFT releases, airdrops and other benefits. Huobi Global’s DIDs are designed to provide users with a simple onboarding point between Web2 and Web3, and users can sign up for one on the Huobi Global website or mobile app. In addition, these identities will also act as a gateway to future Dapps, or decentralised applications and games. These identities and the virtual assets linked to them, including the tiger-themed NFT avatars, will be transferable and usable on Dapps. To further build out this metaverse ecosystem, Huobi has worked with numerous GameFi projects – which brings the metaverse to life through content that users can generate themselves – including Nextype’s Mining Tycoon and Reborn, an episodic drama-type blockchain game, and Plato Farm, where users can grow crops and raise livestock on a virtual farm. With Plato Farm, players can earn tokens to buy NFTs that can transform their farms into bustling cities. Each of these games contain their own in-app economies that will be connected to a broader metaverse in the future. Huobi Global’s Lunar New Year campaign lasts until February 14. To learn more, click here . The views and opinions expressed are those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of South China Morning Post Publishers Limited. Any content provided by our sponsors are of their opinion, and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.