The Metaverse

Hype or Hoax?
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-032-52183-1
Verlag: Taylor & Francis

Buch, Englisch, 264 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 453 g

The Metaverse: Hype or Hoax? offers a rigorous, balanced, and evidence-based examination of one of the most contested technology narratives of the twenty-first century. Set against the backdrop of accelerated digital transformation, this book situates the Metaverse within the longer history of technological disruption, platform evolution, and socio-economic change. Rather than accepting optimistic forecasts or dismissing the Metaverse as speculative hype, the book critically evaluates its foundations, ambitions, and constraints.

Drawing on industry research, academic literature, and real-world case analysis, the book explores how immersive technologies, cloud platforms, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and spatial computing converge to shape emerging virtual ecosystems. It examines where genuine transformation is taking place, where value remains unproven, and how organisations, regulators, and societies can navigate this uncertain terrain with strategic clarity.

Key features include:

- A clear conceptual framework distinguishing Metaverse reality from hype cycles

- A layered architectural view of Metaverse ecosystems and enabling technologies

- A critical assessment of business, economic, social, and governance implications

- Practical guidance for enterprises, policymakers, and technologists

Written for technology leaders, policymakers, researchers, and postgraduate students, this book provides a grounded reference for understanding whether immersive digital worlds represent a substantive evolution of the internet or a rebranding of existing technologies amplified by market enthusiasm.

Zielgruppe

General, Professional Reference, Undergraduate Advanced, and Undergraduate Core

Autoren/Hrsg.

Sharma, Kapil

Fachgebiete

• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Business Application Unternehmenssoftware
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Computerkommunikation & -vernetzung
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Informatik Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion Ambient Intelligence, RFID, Internet der Dinge
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik EDV & Informatik Allgemein
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Programmierung | Softwareentwicklung Webprogrammierung
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Digital Lifestyle Internet, E-Mail, Social Media
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Informatik Künstliche Intelligenz

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Metaverse. 1.1 Technology Disruption and the Post-Pandemic Digital Shift. 1.2 Metaverse Invention, Conceptual Origins, and Early Virtual Worlds. 1.3 What Is the Metaverse? Definitions, Core Characteristics, and What It Is Not. 1.4 Objectives of the Metaverse: Business, Social, Economic, and Technological Perspectives. 1.5 Benefits of the Metaverse: Opportunities Across Sectors. 1.6 Limitations, Risks, and Structural Constraints of the Metaverse. 1.7 Core Components of the Metaverse: A Layered Architectural View. 1.8 Enabling Technologies of the Metaverse. 1.9 How the Metaverse Works: Ecosystems, Platforms, and Interaction Models. 1.10 Types of Metaverse: Centralised, Hybrid, and Decentralised Models. 1.11 Evolution of the Metaverse: Historical Milestones and Technological Progression. 1.12 Global Footprint, Adoption Trends, and Industry Participation. 1.13 Chapter Summary and Forward Outlook. Bibliography (Chapter 1). Chapter 2 - Metaverse Platforms. 2.1 Introduction to Metaverse Platforms. 2.2 Classification of Metaverse Platforms. 2.3 Decentralised Metaverse Platforms. 2.4 Centralised and Gaming-Led Metaverse Platforms. 2.5 Enterprise and Infrastructure Metaverse Platforms. 2.6 Adoption Footprint and Market Signals. 2.7 Security, Privacy, and Governance Challenges. 2.8 Platform Comparison and Use-Case Matrices. 2.9 Summary and Transition. Bibliography. Chapter 3 - Metaverse – Is it a Hype? 3.1 Introduction. 3.2 Metaverse Footprint Across Industry Sectors. 3.3 Market Value Positioning and Adoption Signals. 3.4 Metaverse for Real Business Problems. 3.5 Where Metaverse Adoption Fails or Stalls. 3.6 Separating Hype Metrics from Business Metrics. 3.7 Interim Assessment: Is the Metaverse Over-Promised? 3.8 Sector-by-Sector Readiness and Maturity Assessment. 3.9 Conclusion: A Calibrated View of the Metaverse. Bibliography. Chapter 4 - Metaverse – Is it a Hoax? 4.1 Introduction: Why the Hoax Question Exists. 4.2 Educational and Capability Gaps in Metaverse Technology. 4.3 Technology Gaps and Immaturity in the Metaverse. 4.4 Use of the Metaverse for the Wrong Business Problems or Growth Prospects. 4.5 Why the Metaverse Is Not a Hoax. 4.6 Hoax, Hype, or Misunderstood Technology? 4.7 Chapter Summary and Transition. Bibliography. Chapter 5 - Architectural Foundations and Enabling Technologies of the Metaverse. 5.1 Introduction. 5.2 Core Architectural Layers of the Metaverse. 5.3 Enabling Technologies of the Metaverse. 5.4 Data, Analytics, and Observability in Immersive Systems. 5.5 Security, Privacy, and Governance Foundations. 5.6 Interoperability and Standards. 5.7 Integration with Enterprise Architecture. 5.8 Architectural Trade-offs and Design Decisions. 5.9 Chapter Summary. Bibliography. Chapter 6 - Metaverse Decision Framework. 6.1 Introduction to the Metaverse Decision Framework. 6.2 Business Problem Identification. 6.3 Baseline Maturity and Readiness Assessment. 6.4 Value Chain Gap Analysis. 6.5 Quantifying Value Without the Metaverse. 6.6 Quantifying Incremental Value Using the Metaverse. 6.7 Consolidation and Metaverse Fit Score. Bibliography. Chapter 7 - Metaverse Strategies. 7.1 Introduction to Metaverse Strategy. 7.2 Defining a Metaverse Strategy. 7.3 Strategic Objectives and Value Alignment. 7.4 Operating Model Design for the Metaverse. 7.5 Capability Uplift and Skills Development. 7.6 Establishing Organisational Structures for Metaverse Strategy Execution. 7.7 Governance, Risk, and Ethical Considerations. 7.8 Chapter Summary. Bibliography. Chapter 8 - Metaverse Business Cases. 8.1 Purpose of a Metaverse Business Case. 8.2 Framing the Business Problem. 8.3 Establishing the Baseline (Current State). 8.4 Designing the Metaverse Intervention. 8.5 Quantifying Financial Value. 8.6 Quantifying Non-Financial Value. 8.7 Cost Model and Investment Profile. 8.8 Risk, Uncertainty, and Sensitivity Analysis. 8.9 Decision Framework and Approval Readiness. 8.10 Chapter Summary. 8.11 Comprehensive Metaverse Business Case Template. 8.12 Fictitious Metaverse Use Case: IOSpeed Limited. 8.13 Sample Metaverse Business Case – IOSpeed Limited. Bibliography. Chapter 9 - Metaverse Case Study: Transforming Skills and Training in UK Further Education. 9.1 Sector Background and Skills Context in the UK. 9.2 Organisational Context and Strategic Drivers. 9.3 Problem Definition and Baseline Challenges. 9.4 Strategic Rationale for Metaverse Adoption. 9.5 Platform and Architecture Design Decisions. 9.6 Operating Model, Governance and Safeguarding. 9.7 Learning Experience Design and Delivery Model. 9.8 Value Realisation, Measurement and Outcomes. 9.9 Challenges, Risks and Course Corrections. 9.10 Outcomes, Impact and Benefits Realised. 9.11 Transferable Lessons for Practitioners. Bibliography. Chapter 10 - Conclusion and Future Outlook. 10.1 Reframing the Central Question: Hoax or Misapplied Capability? 10.2 What the Evidence Across Chapters Actually Shows. 10.3 Why the Metaverse Failed as a Narrative but Survived as a Tool. 10.4 Implications for Enterprise Leaders and Policymakers. 10.5 The Future Outlook: Quiet Integration, Not Grand Reinvention. 10.6 Final Reflection: What This Book Ultimately Argues. Bibliography.

Über Autor(innen)

Kapil Sharma is a technology strategist, author, and consultant with over two decades of experience across digital transformation, cloud computing, cyber security, data platforms, and emerging technologies. He has led and advised large-scale transformation programmes for global financial institutions, public sector organisations, and multinational enterprises operating in highly regulated environments.

Kapil is the founder of a UK-based consulting and education firm specialising in cyber security, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. He is an established technical author, having written multiple books and professional publications on enterprise technology, operating systems, and distributed platforms. His work is recognised for combining deep technical understanding with strategic and regulatory insight.

Based in London, Kapil focuses on helping organisations navigate technological disruption without succumbing to hype-driven decision-making. His research interests include immersive technologies, platform economics, operational resilience, and the governance of complex digital ecosystems.