Yahoo, Meta look to Hong Kong for metaverse tests

Yahoo will host virtual concerts and exhibitions featuring celebrities and influencers for Hong Kong residents on the Decentraland metaverse, the company announced on Wednesday.

See related story: Hong Kong’s subway operator plans virtual station in metaverse

Fast facts

• Yahoo is also launching a non-fungible token (NFT) exhibition called The Abyss of Kwun Tong to recreate old Kwun Tong, a historic neighborhood that has been altered by years of redevelopment, the South China Morning Post reported. 

• The ability to recreate real-life locations and experiences in the metaverse could be an attractive selling point to Hong Kongers, as a negative Covid test mandate to enter public venues including bars and clubs kicked in on Thursday.   

• On Tuesday, Facebook operator Meta announced its plans to collaborate with local cafe chains, schools and art institutions to trial metaverse experiences and technologies in Hong Kong.
• Hong Kongers have been familiarized with NFT and blockchain technology through art exhibitions and community gatherings. 
• Decentraland’s cryptocurrency MANA is up 10% over the past 24 hours, according to data from CoinGecko.

See related story: Hong Kong’s Ocean Park brings virtual attractions to The Sandbox metaverse