What I Read This Week
What I Read This Week
"Pixar" for the AI era; Roblox's impact on the US economy; Meta is challenging Apple's vision for mixed reality.
Listen to Into The Metaverse #98 (with Cathy Hackl).
Read my Deep Dive on the Rise of Avatars Online
Caught My Attention…
Jonathan Lai, a partner at A16Z’s Game Fund, wrote a terrific piece about the evolution of storytelling through technological advancements and predicts the rise of a new "Pixar" in the era of generative AI and interactive video. Historically, technological innovations like Disney’s multiplane camera, Marvel and DC's comic printing techniques, and Pixar’s 3D graphics shaped iconic storytelling formats. Today, Lai claims, a shift towards interactive media—driven by generative AI—opens new avenues for deep, dynamic storytelling that blurs the lines between video games and TV/film. The potential of interactive video lies in its ability to generate content in real-time, offering personalized and immersive experiences. Lai writes that as generative AI advances, interactive storytelling could become more scalable and cost-effective, enabling the creation of new forms of transmedia experiences that go beyond traditional media. According to Lai, this next-generation "Interactive Pixar" would merge storytelling, game design, and AI technology to build immersive worlds and narratives that redefine how stories are experienced and shared.
Roblox's first economic and social impact report reveals its contribution to the U.S. economy by raising a new generation of creators and developers across the US. The report shows that between 2017 and 2023, Roblox’s Developer Exchange (DevEx) program generated nearly 18,000 full-time job equivalents and contributed $1.2 billion in GDP. The platform has empowered creators, many of whom are located outside traditional tech hubs, to monetize their creations, with 38% stating they wouldn't have earned income from interactive content without Roblox. The report also highlights success stories like MrWindy in Utah, who turned his passion for game development into a full-time career on Roblox. With accessible tools and low entry barriers, Roblox continues to foster an inclusive environment for creators of all backgrounds to build careers and businesses, fueling economic growth and technological innovation across the U.S.
Meta is reportedly developing a new pair of mixed-reality glasses, codenamed "Puffin," aimed at challenging the Apple Vision Pro’s dominance in the augmented-reality market. Scheduled for a 2027 release, these glasses are expected to be significantly smaller and more affordable than Meta's current Quest headsets and Apple’s Vision Pro, which costs $3,500. "Puffin" will likely resemble smart glasses rather than a bulky headset, featuring hand gesture controls, holographic displays, in-built cameras, microphones, and speakers. Despite substantial investment losses in its Reality Labs division, Meta is committed to advancing its AR technology, hoping to appeal to a broader audience with this sleek, new offering.
Other Reading…
Metaverse, Social Etiquette, and Societal Norms (HackerNoon)
We’ve been waiting for tech to ‘democratize creativity’ – now, Apple is getting close (The Drum)
Can Barbie help beat teen smartphone addiction? (BBC)
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