The metaverse can look a lot like online video games. But what Sebastien Borget, COO and co-founder of The Sandbox, is trying to create is a parallel universe. Blockchain gaming manifests in various ways. Some developers simply utilize blockchain technology to mint in-game NFTs, while others are going so far as to grant DAOs governance over the game’s rules. It’s about giving users dominion over the virtual world they occupy. Interoperability – as in the ability for avatars, items, and currency to be transferred from one world to another – is key. According to Borget, the essence of the metaverse can’t be captured in a simple rebranding campaign. Interviewed by Ash Bennington on January 20, 2022.