“The most important thing to understand about the metaverse is, for most of us, our virtual existence is already more important than our physical one,” says Siu. “If you’re detached from the online world, you’re a lesser human today: you can’t connect with people or promote yourself.”
Animoca Brands, the game producer and venture capital company of which he is executive chairman and managing director, has pivoted dramatically in recent years towards blockchain, NFTs and the metaverse, meaning a network of fully functioning 3D virtual worlds, accessed using VR, in which users can live a second life. The company is doing so armed with a valuation in the billions and a war chest that has allowed it to invest in more than 150 related companies— including one, open-world game The Sandbox, which has blown up spectacularly of late, and which is currently looking like a good bet for the first fully functioning metaverse environment.
“We’re living in a kind of pre-metaverse. Then the question is: how do I ensure, in this digital nation, that I have rights? The problem is you don’t actually own anything; Facebook can take it away from you at any time,” Siu says. “But through this concept of Web 3.0, we can now own part of the internet. Creativity can be rewarded with equity. That’s our north star, our mission.”
Denne historien er fra March 2022-utgaven av Tatler Hong Kong.
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Denne historien er fra March 2022-utgaven av Tatler Hong Kong.
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THE LAST WORD
Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Gulf Kanawut lays it bare
WOMEN AT THE WICKET
Asia's women's cricket teams from outside the Indian subcontinent have been rapidly rising up through the ranks, creating opportunities, breaking barriers and changing the game as they go
TIME TURNER
A 2024 Turner Prize nominee, British Filipino artist Pio Abad talks to Tatler about carrying on family legacy, unearthing historical connections and why the Philippines is always at the core of his work
ROYAL RICHES
Ahead of the opening of Prince and the Peacock, Black Sheep Restaurants' latest establishment, Tatler joins the hospitality group on a culinary pilgrimage to India
MAKING HER POINT
Foil fencer Daphne Chan is happy to see the rising interest in her sport since Cheung Ka-long's historic win, and is headed to the Games with impressive wins behind her. But she's not allowing the pressure to get to her, and is most excited about who she might meet in Paris
IN IT TO WIN IT
Hong Kong freestyle swimmer Ian Ho, whose Instagram handle @Amphlb_ian playfully alludes to his aquatic prowess, competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and won silver in the men's 50 metres freestyle at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. This month, he will represent Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics. He talks to Tatler about making Hong Kong proud, life as a student and professional athlete-and why relaxing is the way forward
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Two-time Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng thought Tokyo 2020 would be her last Games, but competing in Paris was too big a draw for the French Chinese athlete
INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES
Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni takes us through his elaborately designed poster for the Olympics and Paralympics in his home city this month
Crafting a New Legacy
Nicholas Lieou, creative director of high jewellery at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, is reimagining jewellery, as the brand celebrates its 95th anniversary
A Lasting Legacy
Tatler explores Cartier's latest Watches and Wonders novelties with the maison's image, style and heritage director, who explains how the luxury house continues to create designs that are relevant today, yet rooted in legacy