Overview

Will we one day inhabit virtual worlds? From the buzz around Second Life in the early 2000s to Mark Zuckerberg's much-hyped quest for the metaverse, there seems to be a clear pattern. After being touted as revolutionary, virtual worlds fail to meet expectations and fade into obscurity. Yet the dream of an immersive, independent, and interconnected virtual social universe still has the potential to transform the economy, reshape society, and profoundly affect the future of humanity. This book contends that despite shifting trends, the virtual universe remains crucial to the technology of tomorrow-and might arrive sooner than we think. Through vivid examples and detailed case studies, Andreas Kaplan, a pioneering researcher of virtual worlds since the early 2000s, provides a comprehensive examination of the metaverse and its far-reaching implications. He delves into key technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and extended reality and discusses ethical issues around privacy, identity, and governance. Kaplan examines business models, digital ownership, and corporate strategies alongside applications spanning marketing, research and development, human resources, and supply chain management. The book concludes by contrasting potential futures, from utopian promise (the Petaverse) to dystopian peril (the Metaworse) and everything in between. Written in an engaging, reader-friendly style, The Virtual Universe goes beyond the hype-and the doubting-to uncover the true potential of the metaverse.

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9780231217682

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Reviews

The Virtual Universe offers a comprehensive overview of virtual reality, virtual worlds, and the future Metaverse. Through an examination of the advantages and potential downsides, Kaplan presents a well-rounded and holistic perspective on the Metaverse—an environment he aptly describes as a “Land of Endless Possibilities."" -- Michael Haenlein, ESCP Business School and University of Liverpool Management School In The Virtual Universe, Andreas Kaplan offers a lucid and conceptually grounded account of the Metaverse, situating contemporary developments within a longer historical, technological, economic, and ethical perspective. Moving decisively beyond transient hype, this book provides a durable framework for understanding virtual worlds and their broader societal significance. -- Greg Mazurek, Kozminski University Andreas Kaplan cuts through the noise to reveal the true strategic potential of the metaverse. An essential roadmap for leaders navigating the digital economy. -- Philip Meissner, founder of the European Center for Digital Competitiveness and chair of strategic management at ESCP Business School

The Virtual Universe offers a comprehensive overview of virtual reality, virtual worlds, and the future Metaverse. Through an examination of the advantages and potential downsides, Kaplan presents a well-rounded and holistic perspective on the Metaverse—an environment he aptly describes as a “Land of Endless Possibilities."" -- Michael Haenlein, ESCP Business School and University of Liverpool Management School Andreas Kaplan cuts through the noise to reveal the true strategic potential of the metaverse. An essential roadmap for leaders navigating the digital economy. -- Philip Meissner, Founder of the European Center for Digital Competitiveness and Chair of Strategic Management at ESCP Business School

The Virtual Universe offers a comprehensive overview of virtual reality, virtual worlds, and the future Metaverse. Through an examination of the advantages and potential downsides, Kaplan presents a well-rounded and holistic perspective on the Metaverse—an environment he aptly describes as a “Land of Endless Possibilities."" -- Michael Haenlein, ESCP Business School and University of Liverpool Management School

Author Information

Andreas Kaplan is professor of digital transformation and president of Kühne Logistics University and former dean of ESCP Business School, Sorbonne Alliance. An expert in AI, social media, and virtual reality, he has taught at Harvard University, Sciences Po Paris, and Tsinghua University. His books include Artificial Intelligence, Business, and Civilization: Our Fate Made in Machines (2022).

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