Sword Art Online: A Virtual Journey That Defies Reality and Time

In a world where reality and fiction intertwine, emerges “Sword Art Online” (SAO), an anime that has not only captured the imagination of viewers, but has also raised profound questions about our relationship with technology and nature of human existence.

A Terrifying Alternative Reality SAO introduces us to the near future where a virtual reality massively multiplayer online game (VRMMORPG), of the same name, becomes a death trap for its players. Using the “Nerve Gear,” a full-immersion helmet, players immerse themselves in a world of swords and fantasy, only to discover that they cannot disconnect. The only escape: complete all 100 levels of the game's tower. But there's a macabre twist: if they die in the game, they also die in real life.
The Impact of SAO The series has been praised for its innovative depiction of virtual reality, being ahead of its time in predicting how games could evolve. However, it has also generated controversy due to its dark premise, which raises ethical questions about the responsibility of game creators and the safety of users.

A Cultural Phenomenon Beyond its plot, SAO has transcended as a cultural phenomenon. Its music, created by artists such as LiSA and Haruka Tomatsu, has resonated with fans, becoming anthems that capture the essence of the series. Furthermore, its influence extends to debates about artificial intelligence, consciousness, and morality in an increasingly digitalized world.

Today's technologies have advanced significantly, and some resemble those presented in "Sword Art Online." Although we don't yet have Nerve Gear that allows us to fully immerse ourselves in virtual worlds with the same depth and realism, there are notable developments that reflect aspects of the series:

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR):

VR devices like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive offer immersive experiences, although still limited compared to SAO. AR, on the other hand, adds virtual elements to the real world, as seen with Microsoft HoloLens.

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI):

Companies like Neuralink are working on technologies that will allow users to interact with computers using only their thoughts, similar to how players in SAO connect to the game.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

AI has made progress in creating more realistic characters and environments in games and simulations, although it has not yet reached the complexity of SAO's autonomous characters.

What is a VRMMORPG?

A VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) is a genre of video games that combines the immersion of virtual reality (VR) with the scale and interactivity of MMORPGs. These games allow hundreds or thousands of players to interact in a persistent virtual world, where they can create avatars, embark on quests, and experience adventures in a completely immersive environment.

Companies that lead the development of VRMMORPGs:

• Team 21 Studio: They are developing “Ilysia”, a project that seeks to be one of the first quality VRMMORPGs. They have launched a Kickstarter campaign to finance its development.
• Meta (formerly Facebook): With its name change and focus on the metaverse, Meta is investing in the creation of virtual spaces and tools that could be the basis for future VRMMORPGs. They have launched “Horizon Worlds” and are developing the Oculus VR headset through Reality Labs.
• Other companies: In addition to these, there are several titles mentioned such as “Zenith”, “OrbusVR”, and “A Township Tale” that are exploring the potential of VRMMORPGs.

A Mirror of Our Times “Sword Art Online” is more than an anime; It is a reflection of our hopes and fears about the future of technology. It forces us to look beyond the screen and question the reality we take for granted. As we move into an uncertain future, SAO remains a reminder of what could be, for better or worse.