The Metaverse

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

Buch, Englisch, 278 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, this book critically evaluates its foundations, ambitions, and constraints.
Drawing on industry research, academic literature, and real-world case analysis, this 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 Informatik Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion Ambient Intelligence, RFID, Internet der Dinge
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Digital Lifestyle Internet, E-Mail, Social Media
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Business Application Unternehmenssoftware
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Informatik Künstliche Intelligenz
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik EDV & Informatik Allgemein
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Computerkommunikation & -vernetzung
• Mathematik | Informatik EDV | Informatik Programmierung | Softwareentwicklung Webprogrammierung

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Introduction to the Metaverse

2 Metaverse Platforms

3 Metaverse – Is It a Hype?

4 Metaverse – Is It a Hoax?

5 Architectural Foundations and Enabling Technologies of the Metaverse

6 Metaverse Decision Framework

7 Metaverse Strategies

8 Metaverse Business Cases

9 Metaverse Case Study: Transforming Skills and Training in UK Further Education

10 Conclusion and Future Outlook

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.