Neal Stephenson and Wētā Workshop to Debut New Project ‘Artefact’

Neal Stephenson, the author who introduced the concept of the “metaverse” in his 1992 novel “Snow Crash,” has announced a new project called “Artefact.”

The initiative is a collaboration between Stephenson’s blockchain platform, Lamina1, and Wētā Workshop, the special effects company renowned for its work on films like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar.”

Artefact is set to be a key development in the expanding metaverse landscape, focusing on creating and managing intellectual property within a blockchain environment.

What is Artefact?

Artefact is an open metaverse project that aims to develop intellectual property (IP) in a decentralized, blockchain-powered environment.

The project draws on themes and concepts from Stephenson’s literary works, and will revolve around a series of digital objects or “Artefacts” that users can explore and interact with. These Artefacts will serve as the foundation for the story, allowing participants to uncover and piece together elements of the narrative. This interactive approach aims to create a dynamic storytelling experience where the community plays an active role in expanding and shaping the universe.

“This is more than just a new virtual world—it’s a new way to build worlds. It’s a promising new way of looking at what we can offer to both creators and their communities,” said Stephenson.

Co-founded by Stephenson in 2022, Lamina1 has attracted 65,000 active users since its mainnet launch in May 2024, positioning Artefact as its flagship project.

What can we expect from the project?

Artefact is expected to launch later this year and will invite both creators and users to participate in the ongoing development of its virtual environment.

The platform will offer features such as digital item ownership, questing mechanics, collaborative creation, and tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These elements aim to blur the line between creators and consumers, allowing users to have a more active role in shaping the metaverse.

“The project will make use of Lamina1’s unique platform features, designed to support the development, monetization, and ownership of creative content in a decentralized ecosystem. This, in turn, allows for an unprecedented level of fan interaction and creative output,” said Rebecca Barkin, Co-founder and CEO of Lamina1.