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Online communities that develop organically are the holy-grail of Web3 projects. Not only are they an indication of the strength of a virtual platform, but represent a cornerstone in the formation of social and economic immersion. While the web3 metaverse industry still relies heavily on token-incentives for user interaction, Upland is emerging as a unique platform where players form communities in a specific (virtual) geographic location.
This trend has been discussed theoretically by crypto’s modern-day political philosophers. In his 2022 groundbreaking book The Network State, Balaji Srinivasan describes the initial stages of Startup Societies as “online communities with aspirations of something greater”, and Network Unions as “groups capable of collective action with a purpose, coordinating its members for their mutual benefit”. It seems that some of the ‘nodes’ in the Upland metaverse may already fulfill this prerequisite.
Upland is an open web3 metaverse platform mapped to the real world. The company’s mission is to “build the most dynamic maker-communities through a strong entrepreneur economy that allows players, creators, developers, and brands to manufacture goods and experiences, monetize assets, and provide utility and fun to other players.” Headquartered in Silicon Valley with hubs in Las Vegas, Ukraine, and Brazil, Upland was named among Fast Company’s “Next Big Things in Tech” in 2021 and one of “22 San Francisco Startups To Watch in 2022” by Built In SF. Like monopoly coming to life, Upland makes the familiar and relatable into virtual.
The Upland Community Directory shows how these initiatives manifest. One can see that UCN Broadcasters–players who create content–have initiated communities, with the Holliswood node in Queens, NY being one such example. Raddishhead, operating the popular YouTube channel Upland Analysis, has been working with channel followers to build the neighborhood in Queens and make it their own. Now about 30% built, as a community, they have pulled their spark (building resources) and UPX to develop the node and incentivise building participation.
Interestingly, players from specific nationalities have created “expat” communities in the Upland metaverse. Whether it’s the Canadian Uplanders’ Group node in Maple Park, Kansas City, Japan Town in Bucktown Chicago, or the Israel “Kibbutz” in Granada Hills, LA. Upland players enthusiastically connect with…
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