From physical reality to the Metaverse: a Multilayer Network Valuation

The physical reality can be partially mapped with network theory, showing the edging links between connected nodes, and their spatial and intertemporal dynamic interaction. The Internet is a network of networks representing a global system of interconnected computer networks. The metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection. There is so an evident Ariadne’s thread between these ecosystems, interpreted with multilayer network theory that examines the connectivity and interdependency between nodes positioned in the physical world, the web, or the metaverse. This pioneering study illustrates a new research avenue, analyzing the application of some of the most evident properties of network theory to the case, showing for instance how replica nodes can link through an avatar the physical world with the metaverse. A valuation methodology of the metaverse ecosystems will be proposed, using a with-and-without approach or multilayer network metrics.