Best AR and VR Crypto Projects to Watch in 2023

In a groundbreaking event that captured the world's attention, Apple unveiled the Vision Pro at WWDC in June 2023, ushering in a new spatial computing era and bringing mainstream focus to the AR and VR markets. This remarkable development showcased Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining how we interact with digital content. 

As the unveiling of the Vision Pro took center stage, it not only sparked excitement among technology enthusiasts but also stirred ripples in the crypto market, which stands at the forefront of innovation across emerging technologies.

AR & VR crypto tokens have a combined market cap of over $1,5 billion as of November 2023, based on Coinmarketcap data. KuCoin has listed over 30 AR and VR crypto tokens for trading on our platform.

The crypto market, renowned for its pioneering advancements in decentralization, web3, and artificial intelligence (AI), now intersects with AR and VR. 

Blockchain technology is increasingly becoming a cornerstone in enhancing augmented reality (AR) and VR experiences. Its integration into these realms provides a robust framework for ensuring security, establishing verifiable ownership, and creating deeply immersive experiences. Crypto holds the potential to herald a transformative era in digital interaction in VR and AR.

Blockchain technology can provide a secure, transparent, and immersive framework for digital interaction for consumers of AR and VR applications. This integration brings numerous benefits, including enhanced security due to blockchain's decentralized nature and reduced reliance on central authorities. It ensures transparency and immutability by securely recording transactions and interactions in AR and VR environments.

Blockchain also facilitates genuine digital ownership through crypto-powered NFTs, essential for owning unique digital assets like virtual real estate or items in AR/VR environments. It enables interoperability, allowing assets and identities to move seamlessly across various virtual environments.

Estimates from Statista suggest that 98 million consumers could use VR tech in 2023, while advanced AR tech could add another 23 million users. The AR and VR market could grow by almost 50% in terms of users added by 2027.

Trends in AR & VR adoption | Source: Statista 

AR & VR technologies are being applied in various domains, including blockchain gaming, where users can invest in virtual real estate or participate in immersive gaming experiences. The integration of these technologies into the metaverse, gaming, and hardware development highlights the diverse applications and potential of AR and VR in enhancing digital interactions and experiences.

The crypto industry, which has been at the forefront of driving innovation in tech, has several projects in the AR and VR sector to check out and invest in. If you’re looking to get in on the action in the AR and VR space, here are some of the leading AR and VR cryptos you could consider adding to your portfolio: 

Decentraland (MANA) 

Decentraland's virtual reality (VR) platform lets users create, experience, and monetize content and applications. It operates on the Ethereum blockchain and utilizes the ERC-20 and ERC-721 token protocols. 

You can purchase virtual land (LAND) on the platform, establishing an immutable record of ownership on the blockchain. LAND owners have the creative freedom to build houses, businesses, and other experiences within the virtual world. 

Decentraland offers a unique monetization aspect, allowing users to invest in virtual land parcels, creating a virtual real estate ecosystem. You can also develop and deliver services within Decentraland, generating revenue through access fees and virtual goods sales.

CEEK VR (CEEK)

CEEK VR is a platform that facilitates connections between artists, athletes, celebrities, and their fans. It offers a virtual events streaming platform, allowing content creators to monetize their work. By leveraging cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, CEEK VR enables secure and seamless transactions for virtual assets. 

The project aims to create a more democratized and decentralized content creation ecosystem, empowering you with greater control over the content you consume and the creators you support within the CEEK VR ecosystem. 

Highstreet (HIGH) 

Highstreet is a decentralized MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) built around virtual reality. It incorporates blockchain technology to blur the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds. You can earn in-game items and redeem them for real-life products by playing the Highstreet game.  

Highstreet offers two tokens: HIGH, a native play-to-earn token used for governance, and STREET, a utility token obtained through in-game tasks. ERC-721 non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent in-game items, enabling ownership verification and real-life benefits based on NFT ownership.

Victoria (VR) 

Victoria VR is a blockchain-based MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) with realistic graphics in a virtual reality environment. It aims to create a metaverse, a shared virtual realm or the "3D internet," where you can engage in various virtual realities, games, and decentralized applications (dApps). 

The world of Victoria VR is designed to be a universal platform for all virtual experiences. It offers a range of activities such as games, quests, adventure, virtual galleries, and a marketplace for exchanging 3D NFTs.

Victoria VR is one of the popular VR game projects in the blockchain gaming industry. The project aims to provide immersive gaming experiences through VR technology integrated with blockchain elements.

Netvrk (NTVRK)  

Netvrk is a social Virtual Reality platform built on the blockchain. It lets you easily create, share, and monetize your VR creations. 

Netvrk utilizes an accessible in-game editor that allows users to develop immersive VR worlds and experiences without coding or technical knowledge. You can create in-game assets minted as NFTs through a simple drag-and-drop process.

Netvrk was founded by Michael Katseli, who has a background in virtual reality simulation, software development, and augmented and virtual reality. Linus Chee, the co-founder, brings expertise in entertainment design, art direction, and business and finance. The creative team behind Netvrk comprises specialists in various fields, including developers, researchers, and VR experts.

While we've described the above projects in detail, do note that there are more AR and VR crypto projects you could explore. Some include: 

1. Render Network (RNDR): Render Network aims to revolutionize the digital creation process by providing decentralized GPU rendering solutions, which could have significant implications for AR and VR development by enhancing rendering capabilities and reducing costs. 

2. Verasity (VRA): While Verasity primarily focuses on video content monetization and engagement, its blockchain-based platform has the potential to support AR and VR applications by enabling secure and transparent transactions within immersive experiences. 

3. Cudos (CUDOS): Cudos is a blockchain platform that aims to bridge the gap between decentralized and centralized computing resources. By leveraging its infrastructure, Cudos could contribute to the scalability and computational power required for AR and VR applications, enhancing their performance and accessibility. 

4. ARPA Chain (ARPA): ARPA Chain focuses on privacy-preserving computation and secure multi-party computing. While not directly related to AR and VR, its emphasis on privacy and security could be valuable for protecting sensitive user data and ensuring secure interactions within AR and VR environments.

5. Bitcoin ETF Token (BTCETF): This project offers a VR crypto alternative focused on the spot Bitcoin ETF approval by the SEC. It features high staking APY and token burn mechanics, raising over $500,000 in a week. 

6. Somnium Space CUBEs (CUBE): Somnium Space has built a futuristic metaverse compatible with major headsets like Oculus and HTC Vive, offering exploration, socializing, and virtual land purchasing opportunities. 

7. Metahero (HERO): Metahero is focused on scanning technology for virtual worlds, allowing users to have their real-world appearance in the metaverse, appealing to both consumers and businesses. The company has developed hardware capable of scanning real-world appearances for use in virtual environments. 

You can find more VR and AR tokens on KuCoin's Spot Market. Remember to check the box to find the tokens in this category for margin trading to maximize your potential profits!

The convergence of AR and VR with blockchain technology is creating new, exciting possibilities for user interaction, digital asset trading, and application across various industries. For several compelling reasons, investors are increasingly interested in blockchain-based AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) projects: 

Growing Market Size of AR and VR Sectors 

The AR and VR market is rapidly expanding. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global AR and VR market size was valued at USD 16.8 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.0% from 2020 to 2027. This growth trajectory is attracting investors looking for opportunities in high-growth sectors.

Enhanced User Engagement and Experience

AR and VR technologies provide immersive experiences, significantly increasing user engagement. For example, in the gaming industry, titles like "Pokémon GO," an AR game, saw massive success, with over 1 billion downloads by early 2019. This level of engagement presents lucrative investment opportunities.

Integrating Blockchain with AR and VR Technologies 

The integration of blockchain with AR and VR brings added benefits like improved security, decentralized asset ownership, and the facilitation of digital asset transactions. Blockchain enables secure, transparent, and efficient transactions, which is particularly beneficial for virtual goods and services traded within these platforms.

NFTs and Digital Asset Monetization 

The rise of NFTs has demonstrated the potential for monetizing digital assets in virtual environments. Platforms like Decentraland, a blockchain-based VR world, allow users to create, experience, and monetize content and applications, opening new investment avenues.

Innovative Use Cases Across Various Mainstream Sectors 

Beyond gaming and entertainment, AR and VR are being applied in fields like healthcare, education, real estate, and retail. This broad application spectrum ensures that investments are not limited to a single sector, reducing risk and increasing potential rewards.

Strategic Partnerships and Funding in the AR and VR Space 

Many blockchain-based AR and VR projects have secured significant funding and formed strategic partnerships, underscoring investor confidence. For instance, Magic Leap, an AR startup, raised over $2 billion from major investors, including Google and Alibaba, indicating strong investor belief in the technology's potential.

Blockchain-powered AR and VR projects face several challenges:

1. Technical Complexity: Integrating blockchain with AR and VR technologies involves complexities such as scalability, interoperability, and maintaining performance in real-time environments.

2. User Experience Issues: Crafting a seamless and intuitive user experience in these technologically complex and novel blockchain-based AR and VR applications is challenging.

3. High Development Costs: Significant investment is needed for research, development, and skilled personnel to develop advanced AR and VR apps integrated with blockchain.

4. Privacy and Security Concerns: Despite blockchain's security enhancements, its integration with AR and VR raises data privacy concerns, as these technologies often handle sensitive user information.

5. Regulatory Uncertainty: The evolving regulatory landscape for blockchain and AR and VR creates uncertainty that can impede project development and investment.

6. Market Adoption: Widespread adoption is challenging since blockchain and AR/VR technologies are not yet fully mainstream and may seem complex or niche to potential users.

7. Hardware Limitations: The current hardware may not always meet the advanced requirements of blockchain-powered AR and VR applications, affecting accessibility and user adoption.

Future Outlook of a Blockchain-powered AR and VR World 

The future outlook for blockchain-powered AR and VR projects is promising, characterized by several key trends:

1. Increased Investment and Innovation: Continued investment and innovation in these technologies suggest strong future growth.

2. Enhanced User Experiences: As technologies mature, we can expect more seamless and immersive user experiences, leading to broader adoption.

3. Cross-Sector Applications: These technologies are poised to expand into various sectors, including education, healthcare, real estate, and entertainment, diversifying their impact.

4. Technological Advancements: Future advancements will likely overcome current challenges, making these technologies more scalable, efficient, and user-friendly.

5. Standardization and Regulatory Clarity: Market maturation will likely bring about standardization and clearer regulations, fostering a stable growth environment.

6. Collaborations and Partnerships: Strategic collaborations could propel the development of these projects further.

7. Global Adoption and Market Growth: With ongoing improvements and rising awareness, a global increase in the adoption and market growth of blockchain-powered AR and VR applications is anticipated.

Fueled by its tech-savvy community, the crypto market has consistently embraced emerging technologies and has been a driving force behind their adoption. With VR and AR joining the ranks of decentralized finance, smart contracts, and artificial intelligence, crypto investors have yet another compelling reason to stay ahead of the curve. The advent of Vision Pro signifies a new avenue for investment opportunities within the crypto market, as it intertwines with the expanding ecosystem of AR and VR.

The journey into the world of AR and VR crypto is just beginning. The advancements in blockchain-powered AR and VR technologies promise a future replete with innovation and growth. As these technologies evolve, the key takeaways lie in their potential to transform our digital interactions and experiences.