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The 4 Epochs of the Metaverse

Year 2023, Volume: 3 Issue: 2, 152 - 165, 31.12.2023
https://doi.org/10.57019/jmv.1294970

Abstract

The concept of the Metaverse has attracted considerable attention since 2021, primarily due to the rebranding of “Fakebook” to “Meta” and its promise of delivering a more immersive online experience. However, the origins of this term can be traced back to Neal Stephenson's sci-fi novel, “Snow Crash”, published in 1992. In the current study, an extensive articles review has been conducted, including academic sources, technology blogs, business reports, and social media posts. The main goal is to create a comprehensive timeline of the Metaverse and its underlying technologies. By categorizing 26 significant milestones into four distinct periods, the study introduces a framework called "4 Epochs of the Metaverse." The suggested framework challenges previously established linear timelines found in literature by identifying time periods that are based on content, rather than on chronological order. The findings emphasize that the Metaverse is not a new phenomenon, but, rather, a concept that has evolved over time since 1905 and can be classified under 4 dynamic periods, which are named Epochs. The study provides an in-depth description of the origins and evolution of the Metaverse, serving a dual purpose for researchers and practitioners: it provides insights into the transformative potential and future possibilities of the metaverse, while it lays the groundwork for further exploration and innovation in this phygital (physical + digital) environment.

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The 4 Epochs of the Metaverse

Year 2023, Volume: 3 Issue: 2, 152 - 165, 31.12.2023
https://doi.org/10.57019/jmv.1294970

Abstract

The concept of the Metaverse has attracted considerable attention since 2021, primarily due to the rebranding of “Fakebook” to “Meta” and its promise of delivering a more immersive online experience. However, the origins of this term can be traced back to Neal Stephenson's sci-fi novel, “Snow Crash”, published in 1992. In the current study, an extensive articles review has been conducted, including academic sources, technology blogs, business reports, and social media posts. The main goal is to create a comprehensive timeline of the Metaverse and its underlying technologies. By categorizing 26 significant milestones into four distinct periods, the study introduces a framework called "4 Epochs of the Metaverse." The suggested framework challenges previously established linear timelines found in literature by identifying time periods that are based on content, rather than on chronological order. The findings emphasize that the Metaverse is not a new phenomenon, but, rather, a concept that has evolved over time since 1905 and can be classified under 4 dynamic periods, which are named Epochs. The study provides an in-depth description of the origins and evolution of the Metaverse, serving a dual purpose for researchers and practitioners: it provides insights into the transformative potential and future possibilities of the metaverse, while it lays the groundwork for further exploration and innovation in this phygital (physical + digital) environment.

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There are 112 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Information Systems (Other)
Journal Section Reviews
Authors

Stelios Ioannıdıs 0000-0002-9043-8895

Alexios Patapios Kontıs This is me 0000-0003-0868-7612

Early Pub Date October 19, 2023
Publication Date December 31, 2023
Submission Date May 10, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023 Volume: 3 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Ioannıdıs, S., & Kontıs, A. P. (2023). The 4 Epochs of the Metaverse. Journal of Metaverse, 3(2), 152-165. https://doi.org/10.57019/jmv.1294970

Journal of Metaverse
is indexed and abstracted by
Scopus and DOAJ

Publisher
Izmir Academy Association
www.izmirakademi.org