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Joining instructions for The Metaverse

Please see below for instructions on how to create an account and join the event, as well as frequently asked questions.

Metaverse instructions below (see Part 2)  |  To join in Zoom instead, click here

How to join The Metaverse

Part 1: Create your free account with Virtway Events

  1. We recommend joining this event using a PC/Mac. Begin by visiting this webpage.
  2. Create your account by filling in the Login, Password, Repeat Password, and Email fields.
    • Please note that what you type into the Login field will be the name that other people can see inside The Metaverse - this floats above your avatar's head.
    • Ensure you've made a note of your login and password - you'll need these later.
  3. (Optional) Complete the remaining optional fields. You may wish to add your company name or job title into the Motto field.
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and review the Privacy Policy section. Then click the 'Create account' button.

Part 2: Joining the event on November 1st

Once you are in the metaverse, you will find that your cursor stays within the metaverse container. To get back to the rest of your display, click the escape button (Esc) on your keyboard.

  1. We highly recommend you keep this window open and visible while you join this event in another window - you can find FAQs at the bottom of this page.
  2. To start, click here to access the webpage. 
  3. Select your Geographic Zone and click continue. If yours is not listed, you will need to join us in Zoom instead (here).
  4. IMPORTANT: If it is your first time entering, a permission box will appear in the top left of your browser. Make sure you click Allow. This permits you to use your microphone in the metaverse. You can also find these settings in Google Chrome by clicking on the padlock icon on the left of the URL bar and enabling Microphone.
  5. Click the ENTER NOW button. A loading page with a rocket will then appear - this may take 5-30 seconds but don’t refresh your page. There is a lot of work going on in the background!
  6. When the Environment Selection page loads, click on I have an access code / virtual world at the bottom of the screen. Type in mmr-research-worldwide and click Ok. Please note there may be a short delay with a black screen here - do not refresh the page.
  7. You are now at the login page. Click on I already have an account and log in with the information you provided in Part 1.
  8. Once you are logged in, you can create or edit your avatar by clicking your name in the top right corner. Or you can jump straight into the event room (called Scenes) by clicking on the button in the bottom right-hand corner.
  9. Join the correct scene as follows:
    • If you're joining the event before 15:00 GMT / 11:00 EDT, click on the MMR Lobby card and then click the yellow Enter button that will pop up.
    • If you're joining the event at or after 15:00 GMT / 11:00 EDT, click on the Stardate 2030: The Amphitheatre card and then click the yellow Enter button that will pop up.
  10. Start exploring! You will find the mute/unmute button in the bottom right-hand corner of the display.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can't move my cursor outside of the metaverse window/box. How do I fix this?
Press the escape button on your keyboard ('Esc').

What is the purpose of joining the MMR Lobby room at 14:30 GMT / 10:30 EDT?
This is a free 30 minutes for you to practice being an avatar and getting comfortable with how to walk, run, sit down and so on. You can click on certain information points within the virtual room for extra detail and content. You can also create your avatar in this time if you're setting your account up on the day. The event itself will begin at 15:00 GMT / 11:00 EDT in the Amphitheater scene.

Can anyone see me in the Metaverse? 
No. Everyone will be able to see your avatar, but no one will be able to see the real you - the software does not access or use your camera.

How do I speak?
This Metaverse uses spatial audio, meaning you will be able to hear people close to you louder than you can hear people who are further away. The only exception to this is the presenters for Stardate 2030 - all participants will be able to hear them.
There’s a mute/unmute button in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. Click on that. When you speak, a green soundwave icon should appear at the top of your metaverse screen (only while you’re speaking). If you do not see this soundwave, please ensure you have enabled microphone access in your browser. You can check this in Google Chrome by firstly clicking the Escape button on your keyboard (Esc), then go up to the URL bar in your browser, and click on the small padlock icon on the left. Ensure Microphone is enabled. Try unmuting yourself in the metaverse again and if you are still unable to speak, please drop a message in the chat (the speech bubble icon in the bottom right-hand corner).

How do I sit down in the metaverse?
Walk up to a seat using the arrow keys on your keyboard, and when you're close enough, a seat icon should appear. Click on that. To get up again, simply use your arrow keys to walk.

I'm having trouble accessing the Metaverse. How else can I tune into the event?
Please note that access to the Metaverse is, for this event, currently only available in Europe (this includes the UK), South Africa, the US, Latam, China and Singapore. However those based on the west coast of the US may experience slower loading times. If you are in one of these regions but are having trouble with your sound and/or microphone settings, please ensure your volume is turned up and that you have allowed your browser to access your microphone (in Google Chrome these settings can be found by clicking on the padlock icon to the left of the URL bar). We also recommend speaking to your company's IT team if you have one, as some companies block certain websites.
If you are based outside of the listed regions or are otherwise unable to access the Metaverse, you can join us in Zoom here. We will be livestreaming from the Metaverse into Zoom, so watching in Zoom will be similar to the experience of watching a demo. We will also still have a team monitoring the chat and questions in Zoom, ensuring they reach the presenters in the Metaverse.

How do I walk, run, and jump in the Metaverse?
The Metaverse works in a similar way to most PC games - use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move or turn in different directions, hold down the Shift key to run instead of walk (walking is the default), and use the space bar to jump.

How do I get from the MMR Lobby to the Amphitheater?
If you're in the lobby by or after 15:00 GMT / 11:00 EDT, you'll need to walk over to and click on the portal to join The Amphitheatre. The portal looks like a floating colorful bubble. We will also direct you through verbal instructions in the room, so please ensure your headphones are connected. Alternatively you can click the red Exit button to exit the scene, and then click into the Amphitheater scene.