Florida A&M University Launches Rattlerverse, First HBCU to Enter Meta Horizon Worlds
Florida A&M University (FAMU) has made history by becoming the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to enter the virtual world. FAMU recently introduced Rattlerverse, an innovative immersive experience on Meta Horizon Worlds, a free VR online video game. This groundbreaking virtual reality replica of FAMU’s campus and culture is now accessible to the public.
FAMU’s Rattlerverse offers a range of immersive experiences, from playing football on the iconic Ken Riley Field to marching as a drum major in the renowned Marching “100”. Users can even step onto the stage of the Will Packer Amphitheater. Accessible through the Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, or Quest Pro VR headsets, Rattlerverse gives users the opportunity to explore FAMU’s campus and culture like never before.
The Brainchild of FAMU Alumna L. Michelle Salvant, Rattlerverse Becomes a Reality
L. Michelle Salvant, a FAMU alumna and the visionary behind Rattlerverse, worked closely with the university and Meta Horizon World Builders Jeremy Duncan and Shika Duncan to bring this virtual world to life. Salvant, who also runs a media consulting company in Tallahassee, expressed her excitement about Rattlerverse, stating that it offers a unique and immersive perspective on FAMU’s culture and excellence.
Rattlerverse Adds to FAMU’s Commitment to Innovative Virtual Experiences
Rattlerverse builds on FAMU’s Virtual Tours initiative introduced in 2018, which allows individuals to explore the campus through a 360-degree view. William E. Hudson Jr., FAMU’s Vice President of Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of reaching out to their constituents through new and innovative methods. Rattlerverse serves as an addition to the university’s recruitment tools, showcasing FAMU’s commitment to being a leader in innovation and providing students with cutting-edge experiences.
FAMU Joins the Metaverse Trend, Following in the Footsteps of Morehouse College
While FAMU is the first HBCU to launch a virtual world on Meta Horizon Worlds, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, was the pioneer in 2021 with the creation of the world’s first Metaversity. This interactive virtual learning space allows Morehouse College students to attend classes remotely. FAMU is also testing out a similar project called Metaversity to offer its students a virtual reality classroom experience.
Accessing Rattlerverse and the University’s Virtual Reality Devices
To access Rattlerverse, users can download the Meta Horizon Worlds app on Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, or Quest Pro headsets, search for “Rattlerverse” within the app, and select the virtual FAMU world. FAMU students who do not have their own headsets can access them at the FAMU School of Architecture and Engineering Technology’s Virtual Reality Lab, and the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication also provides headsets for student use.
This pioneering virtual world created by FAMU offers an exciting gateway to experiencing the university’s campus and culture from anywhere in the world. L. Michelle Salvant believes that Rattlerverse is just the beginning of a new era in spatial computing, where immersive versions of universities and businesses will become the norm. With Rattlerverse, FAMU invites everyone to experience a “beautiful day” in their virtual reality realm.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The launch of Rattlerverse, the first HBCU to have a metaverse, is an innovative and groundbreaking move for Florida A&M University. It showcases FAMU’s commitment to providing cutting-edge experiences and highlights their leadership in innovation. This virtual reality replica of FAMU’s campus and culture offers immersive experiences for users, and it is expected to attract more students and enhance recruitment efforts. As the trend of metaverse continues to grow, FAMU’s entry into the virtual world sets a precedent for other institutions to follow.
