Analyzing the Metaverse: Computer Games, Blockchain, and 21st-Century Challenge

Abstract

This paper explores the rapidly evolving Metaverse, particularly its relationship with computer games and blockchain technology, where the most development is happening, and the consequential ethical and societal implications. As we will observe, interaction is crucial for developing the Metaverse. Using a hybrid research methodology, incorporating structured review and extensive bibliometric analysis, we map the intricate dynamics of this emerging field, revealing an accelerated global adoption of the Metaverse and its integration with Blockchain. The year 2022 marks a turning point in the development of the Metaverse. Plus, we discuss the transformation spurred by this convergence, evaluating emerging ethical issues like ownership rights, privacy concerns, potential exploitation, and susceptibility to manipulation. Particular emphasis is placed on the rising presence of AI in gaming, investigating its role in addictive gaming mechanisms, potential propagation of harmful behaviours, and cultural bias reinforcement. We underline the Metaverse’s unceasing growth, emphasizing the need for future research to develop creative interaction strategies that respect social perspectives and prioritize ethical safeguards, enabling the Metaverse’s responsible evolution for all stakeholders’ benefit. Finally, we want to highlight many other potential applications of Metaverse and Blockchain, such as copyright management, economic disputes, traceability, or contract transparency.

Keywords:

• Metaverse
• blockchain
• computer games
• artificial intelligence: Ethical considerations

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The datasets scopus_metaverse.bib for this study can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SEE8mABHcTTwe7jEm84XQEFCO_HOZ3YB

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rosa M. Gil

Rosa M. Gil is a PhD holder in Computer Science and Digital Communication from Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and she obtained her undergraduate degree in Physical Sciences from the Universitat de Barcelona. Currently, she is employed as an associate professor at the Universitat de Lleida.

Daniel Gutiérrez-Ujaque

Daniel Gutiérrez-Ujaque is a Lecturer in Critical Pedagogy in the Department of Education Sciences at the University of Lleida. He advocates for educational practices that question societal power structures through a blend of critical pedagogy. His current focus explores interdisciplinary, digital approaches to creating impactful learning situations.

Mercè Teixidó

Mercè Teixidó is a Lecturer in Interactive Systems and Languages in the Department of Computer Science and Digital Design at the University of Lleida. Mercè is a Research Group on Human-Computer Interaction and Data Integration (GRIHO) member. She focuses on Human-Computer Interaction and Blockchain, STEAM and drones, and DeepFakes.