What exactly is THE METAVERSE?

The Metaverse is a constellation of interconnected online virtual worlds built around and integrated with decentralized computing.

How is that any different than a video game?

While video games are virtual worlds, many of them online, they typically are isolated, stand-alone packages operated entirely by a central company or with some parts outsourced to other centralized platforms. In comparison, The Metaverse is interconnected, built by many companies and organizations, and powered by decentralized computing protocols for things like data storage, asset ownership, and transactions.