We live in a modern world, filled with innovative new technologies - and virtual memorials are just one of them.
As reported by Rolling Stone, a new option to commemorate our loved ones virtually will be available next year.
Developed by Remember, the process involves buying a memorial stone as a non-fungible token crafted by artists and designers.
Once purchased, the stone is then ready to be placed by the buyer in the ‘Remember Metaverse’ where anyone can visit and celebrate the lives of others.
In 2022, the ‘Memorial Hall’ will welcome all formats of memory, from text to imagery, sound, and even 3D objects.
The owner of the memorial stones will be able to invite who they want to view it, making the experience as private as they want it to be.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, Jai Lee, a Remember admin, said: “More than 500 stones have been sold so far.
“In the Metaverse, anyone everywhere can visit a person, grieve, and celebrate their lives together.”
But this is a world first as many gamers have been attending virtual funerals and memorials for some time, paying their respects to game characters as well as real people.
In a mod for Sims 4, players can hold a funeral for their Sim if they die, and in 2020, Final Fantasy players held a memorial march for a gamer who died of Covid-19.
Although games aren’t specifically designed for funerals and memorials, individuals are getting creative to provide long-lasting memories.
As seen in the touching short film by John Wikstrom ‘Player Two’ a boy who lost his father would often play the Xbox game ‘Rally Sports Challenge.’
In the game, the fastest lap would get a ghost driver, which in this case was the boy's father, that always appeared when he played the racing game.
He purposely made sure he would never pass the finish line so he could continue to see the ghost of his father whilst playing.
When discussing virtual memorials, one World of Warcraft player said: “There was a big streamer called Reckful, really big in the Warcraft community.
“He struggled with mental health for years and ended up taking his own life.
“On almost every server of the game, people gathered in the city cathedrals and lined the halls kneeling down in respect."
In World of Warcraft, there are two factions inside the game, Horde or Alliance, and typically when the opposite faction sees each other, they fight.
He continued: “Reckful was an alliance player, and one of the best player vs player the game has ever seen.
“In the wake of his death, hundreds of people flocked to the alliance capital city, Stormwind, to pay their respects.
“Not a single soul was attacking the other faction. Everyone was lining the aisle, kneeling, and wishing he could rest in peace.
“I was really taken aback by it because it was probably the only moment I’ve had in the game where players came together to show respect.”
It's clear to see that virtual funerals and memorials are becoming a more popular concept, whether they are for a character or a real person who has passed away.
For funeral notices in your area visit funeral-notices.co.uk
