Com2uS's Metaverse 'Com2Verse'... A Disappointing First Impression

Com2uS has launched its metaverse platform, 'Com2verse.' The goal is to enable most aspects of life?work, economy, play, and more?to unfold in the digital world beyond spatial limitations. However, due to the cooled enthusiasm for the metaverse, low participation, and insufficient content, the initial impression was somewhat disappointing.

Accessing Com2verse on the 2nd felt similar to a game. Like a role-playing game, users could customize their character's face, body shape, and clothing. For the face, there was a feature where uploading a real photo allowed artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the image and convert it into a character. However, compared to recent AI profile services released by various companies, the quality was somewhat lacking.

Komtuverse character design appearance.

Upon entering Com2verse, a vast cityscape appeared. Tall buildings, trains passing between them, and a plaza stood out. Buildings of companies that invested in Com2verse were also visible. There were buildings bearing the names of companies such as SK Networks, Hana Financial Group, and Kyowon Group, but entry was not permitted. Advertisements introducing Com2uS games or promoting companies were scattered throughout.

Com2verse highlighted the plaza as a distinctive feature. It is designed as an open space concept where messages can be sent to all or specific users. The platform is divided into four content areas, each offering unique features: ▲‘Play Zone’ where group games take place ▲‘Miro’ ▲‘Free Discussion Room’ for exchanging opinions ▲and ‘Cafe’ for casual chatting.

On that day, about 40 users gathered in the Play Zone of the plaza. In the Play Zone, one person could stand on a podium and speak; one user was hosting like a radio DJ, playing music and leading the session. The ability to communicate with users in real time was eye-catching. However, the uneven sound quality and the scarcity of actively engaging users were disappointing.

The appearance of Com2verse 'Playzone'.

Com2verse also includes a workspace called ‘Space.’ It plans to provide this metaverse environment not only to startups and venture companies needing a work-focused metaverse but also to small study groups and communities. In Space, users can utilize the collaboration platform ‘Miro’ for video and voice calls, remote screen sharing, and other functions, but these features did not operate smoothly, possibly due to insufficient optimization.

The metaverse gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic but has seen a significant decline in interest recently. 'CyTown,' which boasted integration with Cyworld as an advantage, closed after one year, and other metaverse services have also experienced a sharp drop in users. Additionally, there is a trend of concentration toward top platforms like Naver Z’s ‘Zepeto.’

Lee Kyung-il, CEO of Com2verse, said, "We have successfully established and embodied the concept and service direction of the metaverse space," and asked people to watch its development. He added, "We are pleased to present the first version of the space. Although there are many shortcomings, we plan to improve it further. We will open channels for user suggestions and strive to develop Com2verse into a space created together with its users."