Metaverse, a digital space that appears lifelike due to the use of virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR), seems to fast become a technology of the future. The likes of Facebook, Microsoft Corp, NVIDIA Corp and Robolox Corporation are hiring in the emerging space. Even consumer major ‘The Coca Cola Co.’, and auto company Daimler are showing interest in the space. There are over 270 active jobs related to ‘metaverse’ in October 2021, finds GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Ajay Thalluri, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Noticeable increase in active jobs since June 2021 indicates growing need for talent but job closures remain relatively low. Companies listing jobs seems to be facing a talent crunch for the trending high-skilled jobs. In September 2021, there were 250 active jobs around metaverse but only 48 job closures.”

The Coca-Cola Co. is building a metaverse strategy that allows its brands to enter the world of AR and VR, ‘Senior Director Global Gaming, Influencers & ‘New Platforms’ role points. It considers metaverse, along with blockchain, as fast-moving technology that provides opportunities to connect with consumers. In the auto space, Daimler AG that uses Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 headsets to diagnose service issues of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is launching a version of a metaverse program for Mercedes Benz vehicle development.

Mr. Thalluri continues: “However, Facebook’s announcement to create 10,000 jobs during the next five years in metaverse space in the European Union (EU) could face hurdles in sourcing talent going by the trend.”

Currently, Facebook’s job adverts related to metaverse suggests that it is developing strategies to address regional public policy issues affecting AR/VR and the metaverse in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, ‘APAC Policy Manager, Facebook Reality Labs’ role for Singapore suggests. Another role for ‘Director, Technical Program Management, Metaverse’ and ‘VP Games Business Development’ points at strategies to execute large scale licensing program for in-game content.

Gaming company Robolox Corporation is among the top companies that is hiring in the metaverse space.  The company’s active jobs have increased from 156 jobs in October 2020 to around 270 jobs in October 2021. Another gaming company, Unity Software Inc., is hiring to create massive multiplayer online (MMO) games and immersive experiences. Additionally, Nvidia corporation that creates graphic chips is on the ramp to create sophisticated 3D worlds and create market opportunity in metaverses.

Interestingly, cryptocurrency is finding its way into the metaverse space. ‘Together Labs’ is developing crypto-enabled assets and setting standards for the use of digital currencies.

Mr. Thalluri concludes: “Hiring in metaverse is likely to grow. However, finding skilled talent to meet the growing demand can be challenging.”