SIGNATURE WORK
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2023

This study will provide an overview of the metaverse’s current concept, vision, and practices to explore how it mediates the boundaries between the physical and virtual realms. Considering that the metaverse is still an evolving notion, this study focuses on two current platforms-Decentraland and Horizon Worlds-that showcase the metaverse in two different directions for case studies. By doing so, I aim to address the gaps between the technological “myth” about the metaverse and its practical “mess” in reality (Dourish & Bell, 2011). Overall, Decentraland, as a browser-based platform supported by blockchains, is featured by transferring physical presence and events online to build a virtual world parallel to the physical. In contrast, Horizon Worlds puts more effort into developing embodied experiences that align virtuality with physicality through its wearables. As a result, Decentraland witnesses financial speculation and the reproduction of consumerism on its platform, while Horizon Worlds is more vulnerable to aggressive behaviors and privacy issues in immersive environments. Though both Decentraland and Horizon Worlds distinguish themselves from preceding virtual platforms with their open-ended environments, the lack of appeal for long-term devotion from users is a significant challenge for them to maintain sustainable prosperity and development.