Prints, action figures, tourist guides, event invitations, and even a seal are physical manifestations of virtual worlds. Objects in high demand with a high market value.
The metaverse’s virtual territories are one of the most intriguing examples of contemporary culture; they are places with a strong vocation for the future. But, in reality, the metaverse has a long history, and, as is customary, where there is an idea of the past, there is also a collection: from the 1970s, when M.U.D was born, to the 2000s, when Second Life boomed and the first epic challenges of World of Warcraft, almost every virtual world has seen the proliferation of various merchandise items. Today, those physical testimonies, which may seem a little anachronistic in the age of NFTs, are highly sought after and sometimes fetch high prices.
M.U.D. Multi User Dungeon
01
M.U.D. Multi User Dungeon
Materials related to the first real-time multiplayer virtual world, created in 1978 by Roy Trubshaw and Richard Bartle.
02
The Habbo Hotel DJ Fuse CD
In the virtual world of Habbo Hotel, dj Fuse could be found in the Malja Bar of Hotelli Kultakala. DJ Fuse released two CDs in 2006, one for the Finnish market and one for the German market.
03
Dior, Second Life
Invitation to the presentation of Victoire de Castellane’s jewelry collection for Dior in Second Life. The event took place on Belladone Island on January 12, 2007.
04
Keith Parkinson
Keith Parkinson’s illustration for the cover of the Everquest Ruins of Kunark expansion. Keith Parkinson (1958-2005) designed the cover art for Everquest and its expansions. Original drawings can occasionally be found on the internet.
05
Lego Minecraft The Mountain Cave
This 2,863-piece set, available between 2017 and 2018, is inspired by Minecraft’s mountain ranges and includes, among other things, a minecart track with an integrated elevator, a rotating spider generator, and lava explosion pieces. The prices can reach 1500 euros.
06
Adranath
Adranath action figure from Ultima Online, a 1997 fantasy Mmorpg. McFarlane Toys released this action figure in 2002.
07
Les îles Moya guide pratique
Les îles Moya guide pratique, the virtual world created by French artist Patrick Moya in Second Life With its tourist office, museums, village, airport, performance halls, and rebellious territory, it is conceived as a work of art.
08
Dark Age of Camelot
Dark Age of Camelot Shrouded Isles & Trials of Atlantis limited edition seal with sealing wax (2004)
09
Fortnite
8-Ball Gold and Double Agent Wildcard (2020) action figures, two iconic Fortnite: Battle Royale costumes.
10
Roblox
“Fashion Famous” Roblox set. Lots of accessories and four characters from the platform that fashionistas adore
11
World of Warcraft: The Board Game
The board game based on the famous Blizzard virtual world first appeared in 2005. On the board with the fantasy world’s territories, 16 characters from the eight races of the Warcraft universe, linked to the Horde and the Alliance, move.
12
Animal Crossing
DJ K.K. Slider, the musician dog from Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
13
Business Week
Anshe Chung, the avatar of Ailin Greef, amassed a fortune through a series of investments in Second Life real estate, trading land, and virtual residences on May 1, 2006. CNN referred to her as “Second Life’s Rockefeller.”
14
The Art of Guild Wars 2
This coffee table book with illustrations and concept art from Guild Wars 2 was released in 2009.
15
Il Cd rom di The Sims Online
Electronic Arts released it in 2002 for Microsoft Windows.
