Okay, here’s the blog post:

Let’s be clear: I’m not saying the Bored Ape Yacht Club isn’t *something*. It’s generated a frankly ludicrous amount of money and attention. But the breathless pronouncements about it “returning as a thriving metaverse community” based on the launch of Otherside feel less like a revolutionary shift and more like a particularly enthusiastic brand rep pitching a slightly shinier NFT collection.

Let’s dissect this, shall we? The article’s core argument is that Otherside represents a genuine return for BAYC and a blossoming metaverse community. They’ve even slapped a November 12th launch date on it, announced during ApeFest – a festival, let’s be honest, that’s largely about showcasing a digital asset that’s already bafflingly expensive. The assumption here is that a new, fully-fledged metaverse platform, built around a collection of cartoon apes, is somehow going to *thrive*.

First off, “thriving.” According to most metrics, a thriving community requires, you know, actual *engagement*. People doing things. Building. Creating. Not just buying and selling digital representations of apes. The initial rollout of Otherside has been… underwhelming. Let’s be generous and say there’s a “playable world,” which basically means a few static 3D environments you can walk around in. The current gameplay is described as “sandbox” – that’s marketing for “you can stand around and look at stuff.” The reported user engagement so far suggests this is more “observational art installation” than a dynamic, interactive world.

Yuga Labs’ backing doesn’t automatically translate to success. Their recent history demonstrates a somewhat chaotic approach to development and a tendency to announce projects with wildly ambitious timelines that inevitably get pushed back. The “official release date” announced at ApeFest? Remember when that was supposed to be September 2023? Let’s not forget the constant stream of feature additions and announced updates that haven’t materialized. It’s like promising a fully-loaded Lamborghini and delivering a golf cart with a slightly faster engine.

The article’s insistence that BAYC is fostering a “community” is… curious. A community is built on shared values, mutual interest, and often, a degree of common investment. The current BAYC community appears to be largely defined by the financial stakes involved. Holding a Bored Ape seems to be a status symbol, an investment vehicle, and, occasionally, a vehicle for elaborate trolling campaigns. It’s less about shared passion and more about possessing a valuable digital asset.

And let’s be real, the metaverse is already struggling to define itself. Adding another layer of complexity, centered around a collection of apes, feels less like a bold step forward and more like a desperate attempt to recapture attention. The hype cycle surrounding Otherside, fueled by the launch date and the association with Yuga Labs, is likely to fade as quickly as it rose.

Perhaps the most optimistic takeaway is that Otherside presents a fascinating case study in the challenges of building a successful metaverse – or, at the very least, in the enduring power of digital hype. But don’t expect a thriving community. Expect a beautiful, expensive digital playground populated largely by wealthy collectors. And maybe a few apes looking forlornly at a static beach.