The state of the metaverse: From the pioneering phase to widespread application – Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona – Image: Xpert.Digital
Metaverse: From concept to economic power – How virtual worlds are shaping our future
Barcelona, Houston, Saint-Malo: Hotspots for the future of the metaverse
The term “metaverse” describes an immersive virtual world considered the next evolutionary stage of the internet. What was once a futuristic concept is now developing into a serious economic and social sector. The available data demonstrate a clear transition of the metaverse from an early experimental phase to a phase of increasing professional application and integration into various areas of life.
Global conferences and events as catalysts for professionalization
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, taking place from March 3-6, 2025, impressively demonstrates the growing importance of the metaverse in the technology sector. Under the motto “Converge, Connect, Create,” technologies will be presented that significantly contribute to the development of the metaverse. The event focuses on key areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things – all fundamental technologies for the further development of virtual worlds. With an expected attendance of over 101,000 participants and an estimated economic impact of €550 million on Barcelona, the MWC underscores the enormous economic potential of this sector.
Running concurrently with MWC, IEEE VR 2025, the 32nd IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces, will take place from March 8-12, 2025, in Saint-Malo, France. This academically oriented conference seeks original contributions in all areas of virtual reality, including augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and 3D user interfaces. The scientific nature of this event underscores the growing importance of the metaverse, not only commercially but also academically.
The “Industrial Immersive,” taking place in Houston on March 3rd and 4th, 2025, is specifically aimed at technology experts in the energy and engineering sectors. It offers a platform for exchanging insights into innovations in spatial computing, AI, and virtual design. This specialization in industrial applications demonstrates that the metaverse is no longer just a playground for gaming enthusiasts, but is finding practical applications in traditional industries.
Regional initiatives and cultural adaptation of the metaverse
A particularly fascinating example of the regional adaptation of the metaverse is the Ryugukoku project in Japan. A consortium of ten leading companies launched this ambitious, Japan-specific metaverse project, which is intended to serve as a key component of a broader initiative to establish a Japanese metaverse economic zone. This project illustrates how the metaverse is being culturally adapted and is not simply a one-size-fits-all global product.
The Japanese example also demonstrates how the metaverse can be used to address societal challenges. In an aging society with a declining birth rate and rural depopulation, the metaverse is seen as a potential approach to counteract social isolation and revitalize regional economies.
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Museums and exhibitions as mediators between technology and society
The Deutsches Museum Nürnberg plays a pioneering role in the critical examination of the metaverse. The special exhibition “METAVERSE: Phenomenal Digital?”, which ran from February 9 to September 22, 2024, explored social, economic, and legal phenomena already found in “prototypical metaverses” such as Decentraland, Second Life, and VR Chat. This exhibition was not merely a presentation of technology, but a critical reflection on the societal impact and potential of the metaverse.
The museum is taking its activities even further: With “Future Museum EXTENDED,” it has expanded its offerings to include XR experiences since February 2025. Virtual and augmented reality are now an integral part of the museum. Museum director Marion Grether emphasizes: “Virtual spaces open up entirely new perspectives for us – they make it possible to experience history up close, discover science playfully, and explore questions about the future immersively.”
Professionalization of economic actors in the metaverse ecosystem
The increasing professionalization of the Metaverse is also evident in the growing activity of established companies in this area. The law firm Gleiss Lutz was the first leading firm to open a presence in the Metaverse, advising clients on legal issues arising in the digital space. Prof. Dr. Eric Wagner, Resident Partner at the Metaverse office, explains the motivation: “The Metaverse, as a megatrend of digitalization, offers companies numerous new business opportunities and leads them into a completely new, virtual environment.”
On May 8, 2025, the event “Virtual Worlds – Experiencing Opportunities in the Metaverse” will take place in Stuttgart, organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg. Companies from the creative industries will present their XR applications and provide insights into the opportunities and possibilities of metaverse technologies. This event highlights the growing economic interest in metaverse technologies at the regional level.
Scientific research and academic debate
The academic world is intensively engaged with the metaverse, which is further evidence of its increasing maturity. Scholarly studies are examining various aspects, including the sustainability of metaverse exhibitions, the enrichment of visitor experiences in digital museum environments, and the educational potential of the metaverse. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges of the metaverse and facilitates informed decisions regarding its further development.
For example, a study on “Metaverse Exhibition Sustainability on the Perspective of the Experience Economy” examines how entertainment and educational experiences in the metaverse influence usage intentions. This type of research demonstrates that the metaverse is no longer merely a speculative concept, but a serious subject of research with practical applications.
The metaverse on its way to mainstream technology
The available data clearly demonstrate that the metaverse is undergoing a maturation process, transforming it from an experimental technology into an increasingly applied and professionalized platform. Large international conferences, specialized events for various economic sectors, culture-specific adaptations, museum exhibitions, commercial activities of established companies, and academic research are clear indicators of this trend.
Nevertheless, the metaverse is still only at the beginning of realizing its full potential. The critical examination of its social, economic, and legal implications, as is taking place, for example, at the Deutsches Museum Nürnberg, shows that alongside the technological aspects, the social impacts and ethical questions are increasingly coming into focus. This development is a further sign of the metaverse's maturation process – from mere technological enthusiasm to a thoughtful integration into our society.
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