Unlocking Existential Authenticity: Gamification & Tech in the Metaverse
The metaverse: Exploring Its Evolution and User Engagement
The Genesis of the metaverse Concept
In Neal Stephenson’s groundbreaking science fiction work, Snow Crash, a visionary 3D virtual realm was introduced, setting the stage for what we now recognize as the metaverse (Ge, 2022; Buechel & Spinler, 2024). This immersive digital landscape allows avatars to connect for various activities, including socializing, entertainment, education, and work (Park, 2024). Currently, 3D gaming stands out as one of the most vibrant segments within the metaverse (Shin, 2022). From the inception of platforms like Second Life to modern giants such as Minecraft and Roblox, developers have been crafting interactive virtual environments that promote play, exploration, communication, and collaboration (Gursoy et al., 2022). These platforms serve as early models of the metaverse, defined by characteristics such as persistence, user-driven content creation, and decentralization. Notably, Roblox made headlines by going public in March 2021, and by September 2024, it reported a 27% increase in daily active users, reaching 88.9 million. Additionally, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for US$68.7 billion in March 2022 underscored the critical role of gaming in the metaverse‘s future (Al-Emran & Deveci, 2024).
The metaverse as a Digital Parallel Universe
The metaverse presents an idealized digital realm where users can embody avatars and engage in what can be described as “digital survival,” a novel form of social interaction within virtual spaces (Ge, 2022). When individuals encounter limitations in the physical world—be it social, physical, or temporal—they often seek refuge in virtual environments to pursue their aspirations, lifestyles, or relationships (Dwivedi et al., 2022). This quest for personal fulfillment in a digital context helps bridge the divide between reality and aspiration. According to Roblox and Epic Games, the metaverse is envisioned as “an expansive network of persistent, real-time rendered 3D worlds and simulations that support continuity of identity, objects, history, payments, and entitlements” (Chia, 2022, p. 2). Game engines are now at the forefront of constructing this virtual ecosystem, utilizing advanced technologies and integrating gamification to create a self-sustaining digital experience that transcends traditional gaming boundaries (Park, 2024).
The Role of Gamification in User Experience
By enhancing user presence and fostering social connections, gamified metaverses provide a unique opportunity for users to experience a form of “rebirth” in the digital space. Innovations in digital technology—such as immersive systems, artificial intelligence, and robust computing infrastructure—have propelled the transformation of virtual games into extensive virtual worlds (Lazaroiu et al., 2024; Rehman et al., 2024). Through the integration of rendering simulations, human-computer interaction, and non-fungible token (NFT) technologies, game engines are now capable of creating virtual environments, objects, and events with remarkable visual and logical realism (Park, 2024). These engines act as conduits, connecting the metaverse to various virtual scenarios and enabling users to forge connections globally—offering what could be termed a “Chrono Cross” experience. With gamification as its core interface, the metaverse mirrors natural societal mechanisms, including value exchange, social interaction, and commerce (Suh et al., 2017). Users actively co-create value through gamified experiences such as designing virtual spaces, earning rewards, and tackling challenges, which in turn sustains ongoing engagement (Suh et al., 2017; 2018). Gamification also creates a fantastical environment free from real-world constraints, allowing individuals to reinvent their identities, express themselves, and develop social skills with greater freedom. In these immersive settings, users often view their avatars as extensions of their real selves, utilizing the metaverse as a digital utopia to explore idealized identities, lifestyles, and relationships.
Research Gaps in Understanding the metaverse
Despite the increasing scholarly focus on the metaverse, much of the research has concentrated on business models and technology acceptance frameworks (Arpaci et al., 2022; Pachouri et al., 2024). However, from a socio-material perspective, the metaverse is influenced by the dynamic interaction between human intentions and technological features (Dwivedi et al., 2022). Current studies tend to be fragmented, often neglecting a comprehensive examination of the metaverse ecosystem—especially the interconnected roles of technology, environment, and users. Notably, there has been insufficient exploration of users’ psychological mechanisms, leaving the relationship between metaverse experiences and user responses largely unexplored. To fill these gaps, this study aims to investigate the interplay between technological capabilities, gamification, and user experiences. The research questions guiding this inquiry include:
Research Questions
- RQ1: What is the relationship between technological capabilities and gamification within the metaverse?
- RQ2: How does this relationship impact users’ psychological responses during their experiences in the metaverse? What internal mechanisms are involved?
- RQ3: In what ways do these psychological responses—shaped by technology and gamification—affect users’ intentions to engage with the metaverse?
Exploring metaverse Affordances and User Psychology
Affordance theory has been utilized to analyze the connections between user behaviors, environments, and technologies, particularly when the technological landscape can fulfill specific user needs. This study first seeks to identify the valuable affordances of the gamified metaverse, including aspects such as physical presence, social presence, achievement, identity, competition, and self-expression. Building on this foundation, we will also examine existential authenticity and user appraisals to understand how psychological responses influence intentions regarding the metaverse. Participants for this study were selected from China, which boasts the largest Internet user base globally at 1.1 billion and a significant metaverse business presence, exemplified by Tencent’s investment in Roblox (CNNIC, 2024).
Contributions to Understanding the metaverse
This research aims to make several key contributions: first, it will identify the valuable affordances offered by the metaverse. Second, it will delve into users’ psychological responses during their metaverse experiences, clarifying their intrinsic needs. Finally, it will strive to uncover the essential criteria users employ to evaluate their metaverse experiences from both cognitive and emotional perspectives, laying the groundwork for further exploration of value creation mechanisms within the metaverse.
