9 Metaverse Companies You Should Know (+ Jobs, Skills, and More)

Technology is changing rapidly. Some of the latest buzz is around the metaverse. While this concept of the metaverse isn’t new, Facebook’s rebrand to Meta has sparked interest and discussion about the virtual world. Along with Meta, several companies are at the forefront of metaverse technology and making big developments in this interactive space. Learn more about the top metaverse companies and jobs you can explore now and in the future in this industry. 

What is the metaverse?

The metaverse is an interactive virtual world accessed through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Once in the metaverse, users interact through avatars, which are digital representations of people who can socialize, engage in entertainment, and in some cases, live a life within the virtual world. 

While many ways to enter the metaverse already exist through a series of different worlds that all require their own entry, the vision is that it will all come together in the future to form one cohesive virtual world.

Read more: How to Access the Metaverse: A Step-by-Step Guide

Curious about the metaverse? Take this free course from Meta to learn more:

9 popular metaverse companies to know

A number of companies are already leading the way in developing the metaverse, from tech corporations and social media platforms to gaming networks. Each offers innovation and specializations that are transforming the metaverse space. 

1. Meta 

Facebook’s rebrand to Meta has come with the reveal of some big plans to become a space for people to connect via real-life experiences. Meta's plans include creating virtual office spaces so people who work from home can gather with other remote workers, in a virtual capacity. Additional Meta projects include developing ways for people to shop, attend events, travel, and get together with friends and family in the metaverse.

Read more: What Is Facebook Metaverse?

2. Second Life

Second Life is an online game or virtual world launched in 2003, making it a pioneer in the metaverse space. Within the world, users can create avatars and interact with each other. There is no game with a goal; rather, users engage in activities that are popular in the real world, such as meeting, socializing, going to parties, listening to music, and even buying and selling using a special currency that’s traded for US dollars. 

3. Apple

While tech giant Apple reportedly isn't interested in taking a large role in developing the metaverse, it is making headway with AR technology. This will allow users to see a virtual world and the real world simultaneously, rather than focusing on virtual reality, which has been the main focus of some other big players, such as Meta. Apple is looking towards a vision of mixed reality.

4. Roblox Corporation

Roblox has successfully created an online platform where people can play games made by Roblox users. Gameplay is free, but developers can also monetize their games, allowing people to make in-game purchases.

Some of Roblox's games are virtual worlds that allow people to interact and socialize. Roblox Corporation is also working to build a metaverse where people can make avatars, games, purchase items, socialize, and use a real voice chat function.  

5. Amazon

Purchases are already happening within the metaverse so it’s no surprise that Amazon has incorporated metaverse technology into its e-commerce structure. An example is a new function allowing you to see what furniture will look like in your home, using your phone to virtually place the furniture. 

6. NVIDIA

NVIDIA’s Omniverse is a platform designed to connect other worlds or metaverses in a universe. It’s used by designers and creators who need a virtual space to collaborate in, including those involved in real-world building projects and those who need to create simulations.

7. Microsoft

Microsoft has made headway in the metaverse space by providing a business function that builds on Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Mesh allows people to meet virtually through avatars—or, in the future, holograms—to attend events, meetings, and conferences. 

8. Unity Software

Unity Software is game development software used by those in the metaverse space. It provides software to build and run 2D and 3D games, as well as software to monetize creations. 

9. Epic Games

Epic Games is a leading software development company responsible for the creation of games like Fortnite. Epic is now joining the Metaverse movement and creating virtual social experiences within a metaverse where people interact as avatars at events such as dinner parties and music concerts. 

Jobs in metaverse companies

With the new metaverse, technology and innovations come new and exciting jobs in metaverse companies. Many of these require specific skill sets and technical capabilities. Here are some examples:

Metaverse world designer

• Average annual base salary (US): $111,716 [1,2]

• This role may come with slight title variations, but their job is to design the functions and details of a metaverse. This could be games, social spaces, events, shops, offices, and more. As a niche and relatively new position, specific salary information has yet to be readily available. Glassdoor does report that Roblox game designers in the US make an average base salary of $102,000 to $110,000 [1]. Similarly, a designer at Meta has an average annual base salary of $107,060 [2].

Chief virtual officer

• Average annual base salary (US): $168,927 [3]

• A chief virtual information officer (CVO, CVIO, or CIO) is a relatively new position that has moved on from chief information officer (CIO) to be more specific to the virtual landscape. As a CVO, you help companies in the metaverse meet their objectives by developing IT strategies.

Metaverse hardware engineer

• Average annual base salary (US): $86,601 [4]

• A hardware engineer has an important part in the metaverse as the virtual world depends on equipment such as virtual reality headsets, cameras, and the development of new equipment to make the experience more realistic. 

Augmented and virtual reality engineers

• Average annual base salary (US): $115,775 [5]

• AR and VR engineers are in high demand. The skills they have are used to develop virtual reality spaces or to create ways to integrate virtual reality and real life.

NFT partnerships lead

• Average annual base salary (US): Limited information available 

• This is a new position that is appearing in many blockchain and crypto companies and even financial ones. A NFT partnerships lead focuses on building a strategy related to growing the NFT market by recruiting creators and artistic talent and engaging with markets and sales platforms. Glassdoor reports the average salary for a partnerships lead in general as $74,741, but we have yet to see the income this role will bring in the metaverse [6]. 

Blockchain engineer

• Average annual base salary (US): $91,294 [7]

• Blockchain engineers are blockchain technology experts, with expected computer science and engineering background. The role is to design, develop, test, and evaluate applications using blockchain technology. This position is becoming visible in a range of companies outside the crypto space implementing blockchain technology.

Read more: What Is a Blockchain Developer (and How Do I Become One)?

How to get a job at a metaverse company

With the metaverse being new and developing, new roles emerge as technology and interest grow. Companies moving into the metaverse space and breaking ground may want employees who are the best at what they do. Qualifications, experience, and relevant skills are essential to land a role with a metaverse company. 

Get educated.

The educational requirements to work for a metaverse company will vary according to the role. While companies may expect you to have very specialist technical skills, they will also typically expect a certain level of education in a technical field. A bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, computer engineering, or similar will be a good starting point. 

Read more: Computer Science vs. Information Technology: Careers, Degrees, and More

Degrees and certificates for metaverse job roles

Experience and skills learned through technical degrees are highly valid for positions within the metaverse, but it is possible to seek degree courses and qualifications specifically related to blockchain, crypto, and the metaverse. You might be interested in a master's degree in global business with a focus on blockchain technology, a graduate degree in cryptocurrencies and blockchain, or a blockchain strategy certificate program.

Develop your skills.

Developing the right skill set will likely make you stand out. To become a metaverse game developer, you'll need to know the programs and coding languages involved in game development, as well as knowledge of different types of video games and concepts of play. You can develop your skills through a degree program, online courses, personal projects, or an internship with a metaverse, AR/VR, or other technology company.

Here are some skills related to the metaverse you might want to develop:

• Understanding metaverse architecture 

• Understanding blockchain and cryptocurrency technology

• Being passionate about crypto, NFTs, gaming, Web3, and related concepts 

• Having excellent communication skills

• Possessing creativity and self-motivation 

• Maintaining a high level of technical ability and curiosity to learn

Join a community.

Within the metaverse, crypto, and Web3 space, there are communities willing to share tips and ideas, ask questions, and connect on platforms like GitHub. You can find crypto communities on Discord, Reddit, and Telegram. You can also join decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), which are community-owned business groups that meet virtually and often hire talent from within. 

Consider a certification.

Along with degree-level qualifications, certifications and online courses on relevant subjects are also very useful for landing a role with a metaverse company.

Here are two certifications to consider:

• The Certified Cryptoasset Anti-Financial Crime Specialist Certification (CCAS)

• Certified Cryptocurrency Expert (CCE): Blockchain Council

Are metaverse experts in high demand?

The metaverse is expected to create new businesses and new jobs that require in-demand skills. Analysts estimate the metaverse market to be worth $1 trillion, so job opportunities may continue to grow [8]. Getting a head start on all things metaverse, such as learning the relevant skills and concepts, and gaining connections, may give you a competitive advantage.

Prepare for a career in the metaverse

The metaverse has the potential to change our world and how we interact, work, and socialize. With its predicted growth and development come new job opportunities, new technology, and new ways of working. Getting ahead with the technology, understanding the concepts, and learning about future plans may open up opportunities and access to jobs requiring specialized knowledge and experience. Here are some specializations and courses to consider: