The global information, communication, and entertainment network.  Part Web, part MUD, a full-immersion VR experience.   Since it's inception from the primitive networks of the 20th century, it's become ubiquitous, the heart of the MetaWorld.

Chatspace:   A real-time space devoted to conversation.  While most use full-body icons, some of the more populous/scholarly spaces use heads only. These are called "headspaces".  Run by Metadmin.   See also "playspace"

‘Face: To interact with someone in MetaSpace.  Derived from "interface".  See ‘meet.

Homespace: The MetaSpace equivalent of a personal website.

Icons: Customized or off-the-shelf graphic images used to identify a citizen in MetaSpace.  All icons must be registered, although it is possible to have more than one.

Link: A wearable VR rig, most commonly used by Gamers due to it’s portability.

‘Meet:  To interact with someone in RealSpace, as opposed to online.

Metacops: Slang term for the undercover personnel who monitor the spaces for illegal infringement
of copyright.  Basically, the MetaSpace Secret Service.

Playspace: A chatspace where fictional icons are allowed.  Often incorporates limited Game technology [See below]

Sect/sct: Seconds of connect time.  The currency of the MetaWorld.  Minimum weekly salary is about 10 kilosects [ksct].

Tanks:  The most common form of VR rig.  Uses phased-array optics and haptic mapping to create a visual and auditory experience.

The Game

The Game is probably the most popular form of electronic entertainment ever developed.  A professional Gamer commands big money, and it is the dream of many a young citizen to become a Gamemaster.  While matches originally took place in MetaSpace, most now take place in RealSpace due to bandwidth limitations, although many are linked to MetaSpace for broadcast purposes.

In order to play, a Gamer must collect Glyphs, hardware cards containing graphical routines for use during play. Each Glyph has a set point value, determined when the Glyph is approved by the Guild.
Glyphs can be purchased, built, or won in matches, and are collected into a Deck, the primary tool of a Gamer.

A Game, whether in a tournament or unofficial duel, has basically three phases.  In the first, or Challenge phase, the point limits, format, and length of game are agreed upon by the players.  Some formats include Maze, 3D Duel, 2D Duel, Gauntlet, and Melee.  Limits range from the challenging to the totally ridiculous.

The next phase is the Handicap phase.  The Game computer analyzes both decks, and disables the appropriate Glyphs to ensure that the match is fair.  Tampering with this phase is ground for immediate expulsion from the Guild, Deck confiscation, and possible monetary penalty.

Finally, the actual Battle Phase begins, as the Gamers don their personalized VR rigs.  Each Gamer is allocated a fixed number of Points (calculated from the Challenge base value during the Handicap phase), allocated to Life, Attack, Defense, and in some cases Transport.  In combat with each other (and occasionally, simulated creatures) they attempt to reduce opponent Points with attacks, weaken other Attacks with appropriate Defenses, or evade with Transport routines (flight and/or teleportation).

Sooner or later, either one Gamer will be left standing, or the time limit will expire (in which case the player with the most Points remaining wins).  The winner usually gets a commemorative badge, a cash
reward, and in tournament play, the ability to copy any or all Glyphs from his defeated opponents.  This is usually waived, since they did lose the match, after all.

Game fans often mistake flashy graphics for effectiveness, but the appearance is not always indicative of the true power of a Glyph. In fact, among Gamers, a flashy, but useless Glyph is usually called a
"wanna-glyph".  The best Gamers customize their routines to create an overall theme for their Decks.