One issue I see with blockchain projects is the constant need to reinvent the wheel. It's a common theme in cyberpunk books that there will always be a use for lowtech items because they already serve their role. For example, metal keys and locks are still the go to method instead of fingerprint options out of simplicity. More sophistication doesn't mean it's better, and the same can be applied to a basic game like Minecraft.
While metaverses like the Sandbox are building an impressive world, it's still in a concept phase where imaginations can run wild and away from reality. Hype and money are distorting expectations because it's the idea that sells better. Meanwhile, Minecraft may already be better suited to handle a metaverse environment.
Minecraft has stood the test of time as becoming a modern videogame classic, there is no need to recruit players by hype or updates. The game is stable and low storage, which allows decentralization. Players can download all of Minecraft and run their own server for the game. The developer community of Minecraft is already in depth and have been creating mods out of passion. The only missing piece is the option of transferrable game assets between Minecraft servers.
Some of the top NFT gaming marketplaces like Enjin or Altura see this as an opportunity to host Minecraft assets. Rather than build a new world, the NFT Minecraft items just need to be built and tracked between servers. A marketplace for NFT Minecraft assets would handle cryptocurrency transactions and item transfers while the game itself is off the blockchain to keep stability.
Although Minecraft NFT mods are a proof of concept for a metaverse, they seem like a better option than the Sandbox for the near future. Minecraft already has most of the criteria met for a metaverse compared to any other upcoming crypto project. The only downside around a Minecraft metaverse is complete ownership in regards to selling land like investors can in the Sandbox.