What is Decentraland and how can you be a part of it?

The virtual universe, Decentraland, allows players to be a part of a platform allowing them to create and visit places

Decentraland is a global network software that operates on a shared virtual world with buying and selling of digital real estate, user interactions, exploration of the virtual platform and playing games. The software runs on Ethereum blockchain and requires specific crypto currency for the purchase of property assets, which allows users to vote on policy updates,land auctions, and subsidies for new developments.

Founded in 2015 by Esteban Ordano and Ariel Meilich, Decentraland operates on two tokens, NFTs (Non-fungible tokens) and MANAs, a cryptocurrency used for the purchase of NFTs, and virtuals goods and services on the software.

Decentraland works for everyone, even those who wish to explore and be a part of the virtual universe. The website allows users to sign-up for free and create their own favourite avatar, which they can use to explore the platform. Decentraland allows users to visit open house parties, exhibitions and events virtually. You can use your avatar to visit properties owned by MANA users.

Much of the property purchased is decorated and styled just like Sim City, with an exclusive display of the purchased NFT art pieces on the property. Players are able to attend sponsored events by real brands in the virtual universe, play games and interact with other users present. The marketplace serves as an integral component of the platform, allowing users to buy and sell items such as collectibles and wearables.

The platform grants access to everyone who signs up to start buying land and build all sorts of properties like virtual cinemas and art galleries. On purchased land, owners can publish interactive games for everyone to play or display their NFT collection. The Decenteralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) governs the policies in the virtual world, and owns the most important contracts, assets and MANA tokens part of the platform. Participants of DAO can decide on votes and discuss issues like upgrading land to add more features.

Decentraland is not an online game that most people may be used to, it allows users to explore the virtual world in real-time and even visit places like Sothbey’s to check out their NFT collections. Once you own a piece of land, you can build on it and create it into anything, like a gallery, commissioning artwork on display to visitors. Moreover, various theme parks around Decentraland will allow players to ride a bus or just explore the vast endless world.