Warren Spector is a world-renowned developer who has shaped the science fiction genre in gaming like few others. Now, the creator of fantastic worlds has spoken about trends surrounding the metaverse, social media, and NFTs – Spector is not enthusiastic about them at all.
Who is Warren Spector? Spector has worked on significant game titles throughout his career and is particularly recognized for his pioneering work in science fiction.
His career as a developer and producer includes titles like the space combat revolution Wing Commander (1990), the groundbreaking sci-fi shooter System Shock (1994), and the dystopian Deus Ex, which combines shooter, RPG, and adventure mechanics.
In a major interview with VentureBeat (in English, via venturebeat.com), the sci-fi visionary discussed new technologies like the metaverse, NFTs, and also social media. Spector has a rather negative view of them.
“Why would anyone want to get involved?”
What does Spector say about the topic? The developer and producer is highly critical of the latest developments in internet technology.
He says of NFTs: “NFTs are ridiculous. I don’t understand why anyone would want to get involved. Ownership of virtual goods that could be reproduced in unlimited quantities. Who thinks that’s a good idea?”
It’s about a lot of money and many gamers fear that their favorite hobby will become a speculation object where everything revolves around money, even while playing.
Regarding the metaverse, Spector is not as harsh, but he does not see the breakthrough of the “virtual world” happening immediately: “The metaverse, sure, maybe one day. But only when I’m long gone. And I’m happy about that.”
Spector elaborates: “I like living in the real world. I don’t find it great to put on a headset and interact virtually with other people, not knowing if my wife is coming up behind me with a baseball bat – I just don’t like that.”
Everyone has their unique avatar, all applications and items are compatible with each other, and you can work, live, and meet friends in the metaverse, as well as meet strangers.
Spector sees the metaverse as an evolution of social media and is skeptical whether people even want that: “It’s not like we’re looking at the current social media landscape and saying ‘Hey, this is great!'”
His assessment of social media: “I haven’t been on social media for two years, for almost three years. I’ve just given up. I had enough of the people who troubled me, I had enough of the time I spent on it. It didn’t add anything to my life.”
Where does Spector see the future of gaming? He hints that he is the wrong person for predictions. VR and the metaverse generally have the potential to shape the future of gaming.
But he also believes that other technologies have yet to be sufficiently explored. However, he does not want to be driven by developments and states: “Just let me make my games. […] I think we have so many innovations ahead of us, especially with flat-screen games.”
The complete English interview with Warren Spector can be found on VentureBeat.com.
