The metaverse concept has matured significantly since the hype cycle of 2021-2023. In 2025, we're seeing more grounded, practical implementations focusing on persistent social spaces, interoperable virtual economies, and meaningful player interactions. Major platforms have pivoted from grand promises to deliverable experiences, emphasizing user-generated content and community-driven worlds. VR adoption improves but isn't mandatory for participation, with seamless transitions between 2D and 3D environments. Questions about standardization, platform interoperability, and sustainable business models persist. Tech giants, game studios, and indie developers approach metaverse concepts from different angles. What metaverse projects show genuine promise versus those still chasing buzzwords? Are we building toward a unified metaverse or multiple competing virtual worlds? Share your perspectives on which features make virtual worlds feel genuinely "meta" versus just multiplayer games with fancy branding. What needs to happen for mainstream adoption?