The Meta-Fusion: A Cloud-Integrated Study on Blockchain Technology Enabling Secure and Efficient Virtual Worlds

Blockchain technology and the metaverse are revolutionizing digital experiences by merging secure, cryptographic systems with shared virtual spaces. These advancements have immense potential across various sectors, including social interaction, education, and commerce. Despite these enhancements, current research remains fragmented. Thus, a comprehensive exploration of this domain is needed. This article conducts a systematic mapping study to understand research trends, challenges, and opportunities in the blockchain-based metaverse. The authors scrutinized 43 articles, categorizing them based on research themes and methodologies. Their analysis revealed a significant focus on technical aspects like blockchain implementation in virtual worlds and the design of virtual economies. The authors also found research that explores the social and cultural impacts of the blockchain-based metaverse. This study, thus, underscores the potential of the evolving field, emphasizing the need for research to fully understand its technical and societal implications. It also stresses the importance of evaluating the long-term sustainability, scalability, and potential risks associated with this promising, complex domain.