CASE STUDY
Ethereum Towers – Virtual Reality and Web Metaverse
Groundbreaking virtual environment that combines the immersive experience of Virtual Reality (VR) with the convenience of web access. As a leading project in the metaverse, Ethereum Towers allows residents to own and personalise virtual apartments in a high-rise digital community. This project fosters social interaction, creativity, and digital ownership within a secure, blockchain-powered ecosystem.
Project challanges
Ethereum Towers approached us with an ambitious goal: to create a scalable and versatile metaverse that works seamlessly across both VR and web platforms. They needed a solution that could deliver high-quality, immersive experiences in VR, while also being accessible via WebGL-enabled browsers.
The main challenges were:
- Scalability and Versatility: Building a solution that supports a growing user base on platforms like Meta Quest 2, Quest Pro, and Quest 3, as well as WebGL for web access.
- User-Friendly Customisation: Developing a customisation system that feels natural in VR, using a grid system to make placing and aligning objects easy.
- Dynamic Object Placement: Creating a system that lets users freely place and personalise furniture and other items in their virtual apartments. This required an optimised approach to handle the physics and interactions in both VR and web environments.
The Solution
We worked closely with a global team to bring Ethereum Towers to life. Key parts of our solution included:
- Technology Stack: We used the Unity engine to build both the VR and WebGL versions. Our team wrote scalable and maintainable code in C#, using the MVC (Model-View-Controller) pattern.
- Cross-Platform Development: Initially, we focused on Meta Quest 2, then expanded to include Quest Pro and Quest 3. The project was later ported to WebGL, making it accessible from any major web browser.
- Dynamic Placement System: We developed a system that allows users to place and adjust furniture easily. This system used low-poly collision meshes and additional surface geometry to ensure smooth object placement in VR.
- Blockchain Integration: We built the server infrastructure on blockchain technology and managed game servers through Exit Games’ Photon platform, ensuring a secure and decentralised environment.
Implementation
The project took around 20 months to develop, with our UK-based Unity team leading the way. We worked closely with Ethereum Towers to ensure the final product matched their vision, with support from our international team at various stages.
- Collaboration: We maintained close communication with Ethereum Towers, using project management tools to keep the project on track.
- Innovation: A key feature was the free placement system for furniture, which required innovative solutions to work smoothly across both VR and web platforms.
The Outcome
The final product exceeded expectations, providing an immersive metaverse experience accessible via both VR and web browsers. Key results include:
- WebGL Launch: The WebGL version of Ethereum Towers is now available to the public, allowing users to experience the metaverse directly through their browsers. Available here.
- VR Beta Testing: As of August 2024, the VR version is available to a select beta group, offering an immersive experience on the latest Meta Quest devices.
- Client Satisfaction: Ethereum Towers is very pleased with the final product, especially the innovative features and seamless user experience across both platforms.
Conclusion
The Ethereum Towers project highlights our ability to deliver complex, cross-platform solutions that push the boundaries of the metaverse. By overcoming significant technical challenges and using advanced virtual reality development techniques, we created a product that not only meets but exceeds our client’s vision, setting a new standard for virtual environments.
Contact Us: If you’re looking to develop an innovative VR, AR, or cross-platform solution, reach out to our team. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life and shape the future of digital experiences.