Interoperability of the Metaverse: A Digital Ecosystem Perspective Review
Liang Yang, Shi-Ting Ni, Yuyang Wang, Ao Yu, Jyh-An Lee, Pan Hui
TL;DR
The paper tackles the lack of a universally accepted definition of the Metaverse and its core interoperability challenge by conducting a systematic review of 74 WoS/Scopus articles (2003–2023). It adopts Urs Gasser’s four-dimensional interoperability framework and a three-layer Metaverse model (cross-device, cross-platform navigation, and physical–virtual fusion) to organize findings. Key contributions include mapping human, technological, data, and institutional dimensions across the three layers, identifying identity, data formats, and governance as critical bottlenecks, and outlining a concrete future research agenda (device agnosticism, interoperable environments, blockchain integration, semantic data, and policy guidance). The work provides benchmarks for researchers and industry, highlighting standards bodies (SDOs), open protocols, and industry initiatives (MSF, AOUSD) as pivotal for advancing interoperable, phygital experiences with real-time data and secure asset/identity transfers.
Abstract
The Metaverse is at the vanguard of the impending digital revolution, with the potential to significantly transform industries and lifestyles. However, in 2023, skepticism surfaced within industrial and academic spheres, raising concerns that excitement may outpace actual technological progress. Interoperability, recognized as a major barrier to the Metaverse's full potential, is central to this debate. CoinMarketCap's report in February 2023 indicated that of over 240 metaverse initiatives, most existed in isolation, underscoring the interoperability challenge. Despite consensus on its critical role, there is a research gap in exploring the impact on the Metaverse, significance, and developmental extent. Our study bridges this gap via a systematic literature review and content analysis of the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, yielding 74 publications after a rigorous selection process. Interoperability, difficult to define due to varied contexts and lack of standardization, is central to the Metaverse, often seen as a digital ecosystem. Urs Gasser's framework, outlining technological, data, human, and institutional dimensions, systematically addresses interoperability complexities. Incorporating this framework, we dissect the literature for a comprehensive Metaverse interoperability overview. Our study seeks to establish benchmarks for future inquiries, navigating the complex field of Metaverse interoperability studies and contributing to academic advancement.