In a development that evokes the real-life version of the ‘Ready Player One’ concept, the author of the novel ‘Ready Player One,’ Ernest Cline, and the film’s producer, Dan Farah, have entered into a partnership with Futureverse, an AI and metaverse company, to bring the iconic story into the digital realm.
This collaboration has given rise to a new venture named Readyverse Studios, with the primary objective of translating intellectual property (IP) into the metaverse. The first piece of this metaverse puzzle is none other than ‘Ready Player One,’ for which they have secured the rights from Warner Bros.
Contrasting with the dystopian backdrop of Cline’s novel and Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation, the founders are embracing a more optimistic vision. Shara Senderoff, co-founder of Futureverse and Readyverse Studios, expressed this shift in perspective, emphasizing the openness and potential of the technology at the heart of their endeavor.
Ernest Cline himself acknowledged the rapid evolution of the future, expressing confidence in the capabilities of Readyverse Studios to harness the metaverse’s revolutionary technology. He anticipates a future that aligns with his vision, characterized by collaboration and progress.
In addition to ‘Ready Player One,’ Readyverse also possesses the rights to Cline’s other novels, including ‘Ready Player Two,’ as well as any of his future literary works.
Furthermore, Readyverse has initiated discussions with other creators and owners of coveted intellectual property. Farah mentioned ongoing conversations with major studios and IP rights holders who are eager to explore collaborations with Readyverse. Warner Bros., the studio behind Spielberg’s adaptation, has shown particular enthusiasm for the prospect of bringing their IP into the metaverse through Readyverse Studios.
Readyverse’s vision of the metaverse encompasses VR and AR headsets, such as Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro, but extends beyond hardware to emphasize interoperability among various platforms and devices. According to Aaron McDonald, co-founder of Futureverse, the metaverse is an evolution of the internet that offers a more connected and immersive user experience.
He highlights the pervasive nature of the metaverse in contemporary life, with individuals spending a significant portion of their existence interacting with screens. In this context, the metaverse serves as an extension of our digital and physical lives, interwoven seamlessly.
Senderoff draws a parallel with everyday transactions, where individuals can use their credit cards and digital payment methods across different merchants and settings. The goal is to create a digital ecosystem where users can carry their avatars, social connections, and even virtual products like clothing across various digital hubs.
For Hollywood studios, Readyverse Studios represents a fresh revenue stream, a much-needed opportunity for growth. The collaboration between Hollywood and technology aims to bridge the gap between traditional forms of entertainment and the new digital landscape, offering additional revenue streams and engagement opportunities.
Dan Farah, the producer, believes that Readyverse Studios provides a turnkey solution for studios to expand the reach and fandom of their IP while allowing them to focus on their core business of producing movies and TV shows. It’s a symbiotic partnership where IP owners trust their valuable creations to experienced collaborators who understand their needs and desires in this evolving digital landscape.
