From the Metaverse to Virtual Worlds: Europe’s Path Towards Human-Centric Digital Spaces

A newly published journal article explores how the conversation around the “metaverse” is evolving toward human-centric Virtual Worlds aligned with European values that reflect its cultural and political foundations.

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Virtual Worlds, solving real world problemsVirtual Worlds (VW) represent a transformative convergence of physical and digital realities, creatingimmersive environments where users can interact, work, learn and play in unprecedented ways. ThisStrategic Research and Innovation Agenda identifies the required foundational concepts andtechnological advancements driving VW, highlighting their potential to revolutionise various sectors,including industry, entertainment, education, and commerce. By examining the interplay betweenAugmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), or Mixed Reality (MR) and other emerging technologies likeDigital Twins (DT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of VWs'prospects and associated research and innovation gaps. A deeper exploration of VWs' impact on societyand the economy gives context to the application and technology perspectives.VW are persistent, immersive environments, based on technologies including 3D and extended reality(XR), which make it possible to blend physical and digital worlds in real-time, for a variety of purposessuch as designing, making simulations, collaborating, learning, socialising, carrying out transactions orproviding entertainment1. They encompass a wide range of digital experiences, from fully i

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The article titled “From the Metaverse to Virtual Worlds: Europe’s Path Towards Human-Centric Digital Spaces – Notes on Digital Autonomy, Sovereignty, and Culture” has been published in the journal ICOM – Journal of Interactive Media.

The paper examines how discussions around the metaverse are gradually shifting toward a broader and more practical concept of Virtual Worlds as part of Europe’s future digital infrastructure. Rather than focusing on hype cycles or individual platforms, the article highlights how Virtual Worlds can evolve as open, interoperable, and human-centric environments that reflect European values.

The authors discuss several tensions shaping this transition, including the balance between political narratives and industrial realities, global digital practices and European data sovereignty, and the relationship between human agency and increasingly capable AI systems within immersive digital environments.

The article also provides a historical overview of virtual world technologies and research, situating today’s policy and innovation debates within decades of work in XR, interactive media, and networked digital systems.

Looking ahead, the paper outlines possible pathways for research, innovation, and governance, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between industry, research organisations, and public institutions. Initiatives such as the European Virtual Worlds Association and its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) are expected to play an important role in shaping these developments.

The full paper can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1515/icom-2025-0019

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From the Metaverse to Virtual Worlds: Europe’s Path Towards Human-Centric Digital Spaces

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