Virtually Connected in a Multiverse of Madness?—Perceptions of Gaming, Animation, and Metaverse

Abstract

Few studies analyze what are the common representations of the metaverse. Regarding what has been said about this concept, our research aims to verify how adults perceive and represent the metaverse. We carried out a study with focus groups, having as participants Portuguese adults all considered habitual gamers (or users of digital games). The objectives for this study were seven: verify how the metaverse is being represented and characterized; identify which technologies stimulate the immersion experience; identify the main dimensions that influence the acceptance of the metaverse concept; understand the perceptions of the metaverse and virtual reality regarding socialization and wellbeing; verify the perceptions of a gamer’s daily life regarding the metaverse, virtual reality, and gaming concepts; understand the impact of social representations on the gaming concept; and to understand the perceived role of animation regarding the metaverse, virtual reality, and gaming concepts. Our results reveal a common understanding of the metaverse, despite some confusion about this concept. We also verified the high importance of wellbeing and social dimensions in metaverse immersive experiences provided by technology or gaming characteristics. This exploratory study gave us essential findings about the perceptions of the metaverse and a deep understanding of the relations between the metaverse, virtual reality, animation, and gaming.

1. Introduction

Over the years, the gaming industry has become a fulcrum for technological development with the premise of reaching higher player engagement. With this evolution, our reality has been transformed by virtual reality through animation, where virtual characters assume almost real roles and new realities are generated, as well as languages and new types of communication [1]. Whether a single individual or global, the perception must be understood ethically and even politically [2].

This virtual reality brought by animation through the gaming world is considered a dream [3] by the author Heilig of its power to transform reality. And so we become aware of how digital transformation has come into our lives because of the metaverse [4]. The gaming industry has founded this concept because we are enveloped with alternate worlds [5], considered the first areas where metaverse solutions were applied [5]. In this way, the Metaverse concept has brought us a whole new perspective of reality, uniting the technology to create new immersive ways to live our lives [6].

Nevertheless, only a few studies focus on trying to understand real perceptions, of ordinary people, of the concept of the metaverse. Do regular people understand the impact of the metaverse on their lives and how important this can be in the future? Until the present date, even the authors have yet to come up with a precise definition for this concept, so if a consensus between them is still waiting to happen, should we expect that other people will understand this concept better? As investigators, we aim to understand the balance between scientific knowledge of this concept and common understanding.

So, we ask what are the thoughts of the gamers? What are their common thoughts regarding this concept? Is scientific knowledge aligned with common thoughts? Or are two apart visions being created?

This research aims to contribute to a better understanding of how this metaverse concept is being perceived, giving the scientific knowledge of how common assumptions could or should be explored regarding the definition of this concept. And to provide the technology and gaming industry with crucial ideas on which concepts they should be guided to evolve in the future. This study may also be useful for common users or gamers to reflect on their motivation to seek the metaverse and on how they use games and virtual reality, considering their socialization in the real world versus immersion in virtual environments—understanding people’s perceptions may contribute to better communication linking the real and virtual worlds to proportionate a better involvement and socialization (beyond any distance or physical barrier).

This explorative study is part of extensive research on the metaverse, virtual reality, and gaming concepts. So, we ask: how is the metaverse being perceived and represented by gamers?

Since this is an explorative study and a part of a Ph.D. in development, the objectives proposed for this study were elaborated using previous investigations already made, and objectives were predefined according to our Ph.D. thesis.

With this context, we aim to: (1) verify how the metaverse is being represented and characterized; (2) identify which technologies stimulate the immersion experience; (3) identify the main dimensions that influence the acceptance of the metaverse concept; (4) understand perceptions of the metaverse and virtual reality regarding socialization and wellbeing; (5) verify the perceptions of a gamer’s daily life regarding the metaverse, virtual reality, and gaming concepts; (6) understand the impact of social representations on the gaming concept; (7) to understand the perceived role of animation regarding the metaverse, virtual reality, and gaming concepts.

This study consisted of three focus groups with Portuguese adults who are all considered regular gamers (or users of digital games). The qualitative data gathered were analyzed using frequencies. We aimed to identify the main emerging themes and concepts, helping us explore what can be done in the future and discover more about these concepts.

The present study is framed in a general introduction and a brief literature review. After these, we present a detailed exploration of the methodology applied to the frequent themes and main concepts that result from the focus groups we analyzed. After this, we present the findings of this study, followed by a discussion considering the present results and a conclusion, including suggestions for future work.

2. Background

2.1. Gaming

The gaming notion begins with technological evolution and engagement with video or digital games. The gaming area has been with us for a long time [7], and with its evolution, it has responded to all our wishes, offering new environments, experiences, and opportunities [8]. Gaming has been considered the founder of the metaverse as an entertainment tool since it was one of the first solutions where this concept was applied [5].

To understand the gaming concept, we must embrace ourselves through the notion of playing. Playing is a free activity where joy and fun exist [9]. However, it does not need to have a goal. All the rules created rely only on the imaginations of the person or persons playing [9]. So, another view of playing is being in this world to comprehend what is around us, who we are, and a way to interact with others [10].

In this way, we can understand that the gaming area is something that has been present for a long time [7] and has responded to our wishes and experience needs [8] to become more social and share experiences [11]. The gaming world allows us to explore different experiences where we free ourselves from the limits of our bodies and our previous experiences and extend ourselves to infinite possibilities [12].

It is also essential to understand the social importance of the gaming area because most people play video games with others [13]. Players prefer to play with other players [14] and communication is more fun, involved, and bonding when people are connected [15]. There is a unique opportunity for sociability and social games, making them the only media that allow this activity together [16].

With this understanding, we can see the gaming industry’s efforts continuously growing through the years, allowing new concepts to be born because of technological development. As humans, we are continually staged by our social contexts, and we cannot centre or surpass them. However, the gaming world offers alternative worlds that distance the social rules and quotidian.

2.2. Virtual Reality

Virtual reality has been one of the concepts and development technology that was launched through the gaming area. The term engineers use is virtual, which means substitute computers and peripherical devices instead of human senses [17]. So, virtual reality can be seen as a technology that can replace a user’s primary senses for computer data [18]. It is also considered an electronic simulation of experienced environments [19], allowing users to get different sensory experiences of real things through simulation, but it does not mean a new experience can occur [17]. It can be seen as an artificial reality from the actual world [17].

Virtual reality relies on computer graphic systems combined with different displays and interface devices that allow immersion through a 3D computer-generated environment [20]. It is considered a new medium which is only possible through the technological advances creating practical applications and new ways of communication [21]. Virtual reality profoundly impacts daily human lives because humans will constantly challenge the limits of existing technology and optimize the combination of resources to push the progress of science and technology forward [22]. Virtual tools provide various means of accessing, viewing, and analyzing data within a focal point to offer spatiality, immersion, and interaction [23].

To understand virtual reality best, we must understand its key important elements. One key element is the participants because all the virtual reality magic happens in their minds. This experience is not the same for each participant because of their experiences, culture, and history [21]. Then we have the creators, as the second key element, who are the person or team that designs and implements the created work to be experienced [21]. The third key element is the virtual world. It is considered the content of a given medium and can exist without being displayed in a virtual reality system. When we observe that world through the possibility of bringing objects and interactions in a physically immersive, interactive way, we experience it via virtual reality [21]. The fourth key element is immersion, the sensation of being in an environment that can be a mental state or accomplished physically. Physical immersion is considered a characteristic that defines virtual reality [21]. The fifth, and last key element, is interactivity because it allows alternate realities through computers, games, and other systems or devices [21].

Virtual reality is seen as an advanced human–computer interaction interface that allows the simulation of realistic environments [24]. This interactivity can also be defined as communication media because users can modify a form or content mediated by the environment in real time [19]. This concept can have different forms, such as cab simulation, projected reality, augmented reality, telepresence (the feeling of being physically somewhere other than where the user is [25]), and desktop virtual reality (keyboard, mouse, monitor, headphones) [24].

2.3. Animation

We now understand virtual reality existing in the gaming world; however, we must take some time to understand the core of the gaming existence, which is the animation.

The connection between the gaming area and the animation started because of the economy around them. The first to explore this relationship was Walt Disney [26], and by seventy years, commercial license became a possibility [27]. By this means, digital technology with special effects such as animation broke an essential psychological barrier because it allowed virtual worlds [26] to exist.

Animation has brought to the gaming world and virtual reality all its meaning “to give life”. It is an extraordinary audiovisual expression that transforms nonreal events and takes the audience there [28]. Animation has excellent potential and importance because of its ability to establish transversal communication with any age, gender, culture, religion, or nationality [29]. Because of this ability, animation is considered a creative strategy [30] and a new model of communication for the future [28].

2.4. Metaverse

After our dive through the gaming area and the technological development (virtual reality and animation concepts), we arrive at the main concept of this investigation, the metaverse.

The metaverse concept definition appeared for the first time by the author Neal Stephenson in his book Snow Crash in 1992. It was defined as a virtual world that could reach, interact, and affect human existence [31]. However, until today, there has yet to be a consensus about the definition of the metaverse, but there will be definitions near agreement in the future. The metaverse can be defined as a massive dimension network of interconnected 3D virtual worlds rendered in real time that can be experienced synchronously and persistently by an unlimited number of users with a unique sense of presence and data continuity, who have identity, history, rights, objects communication and payments [31]. It is also a 3D experience where we can interact with virtual and augmented reality through headsets, sensory gloves, cameras, and sensors registering our bodily movements [8].

The metaverse has its inner world that continues to exist even if we are not connected [8]. It can be described as the layer between us and the reality [32], where a 3D virtual world is shared, and the experiences can be experienced through virtual and augmented reality [33]. It is based on the real world but without physical limitations [34]. The users can involve themselves socially, economically, and culturally through their avatars [35] because the metaverse unites platforms of socially immersive virtual realities compatible with video games with massive online multiplayers, open gaming worlds, and collaborative spaces of augmented reality [36]. It is also seen as a digital universe that mixes online gaming elements with social networks and virtual reality, allowing users to engage digitally [37].

The metaverse social application will transform social networks [18], and we can see that the gaming world is the founder of this concept because gamers could tie it to the screen and envelop it with alternative worlds [6]. The gaming experience has increasingly become a lived experience, and the limits between the metaverse and what is gaming and what is not have disappeared [8]. The metaverse can be achieved via the internet through augmented reality devices, game consoles, computers, tablets, or mobile phones [4]. In this way, the metaverse concept is present consciously or unconsciously in our lives.

2.5. Related Work—A Comprehensive Review of Main Concepts

To understand the relationships between the main concepts, in this section, we connect these concepts with the objectives of the present study.

Table 1. Related Work—Concept Gaming.

Author	Description	Concept Relation	Objective Alignment
[8]	has responded to all our wishes, offering new environments, experiences, and opportunities	Gaming	(3) (4)
[5]	Gaming has been considered the founder of the metaverse as an entertainment tool since it was one of the first solutions where this concept was applied	Gaming vs. Metaverse	(3) (4) (5)
[9]	Playing is a free activity where joy and fun exist	Gaming	(4)
[11]	becoming more social and sharing experiences	Gaming	(4) (5) (6)
[13]	It is also essential to understand the social importance of the gaming area because most people play video games with others	Gaming	(4) (5)
[15]	communication is more fun, involvement, and bond when people are connected	Gaming	(2) (4) (5) (6)

,

Table 2. Related Work—Concept Virtual Reality.

Author	Description	Concept Relation	Objective Alignment
[17]	The term engineers use is virtual, which means substitute computers and peripherical devices instead of human senses	Virtual Reality	(2) (4)
[18]	virtual reality can be seen as a technology that can replace a user’s primary senses for computer data	Virtual Reality	(2)
[19]	considered an electronic simulation of experienced environments	Virtual Reality	(2)
[20]	Virtual reality relies on computer graphic systems combined with different displays and interface devices that allow immersion through a 3D computer-generated environment	Virtual Reality	(2) (5)
[21]	It is considered a new medium only possible by the technological advances creating practical applications and new ways of communication	Virtual Reality	(2) (4) (5)
[21]	Physical immersion is considered a characteristic that defines virtual reality	Virtual Reality	(2) (4) (5)
[19]	This interactivity can also be defined as communication media because users can modify a form or content mediated by the environment in real time	Virtual Reality	(2) (4) (5)
[25]	This concept can have different forms, such as cab simulation, projected reality, augmented reality, telepresence (the feeling of being physically somewhere other than where the user is)	Virtual Reality	(2)
[24]	desktop virtual reality (keyboard, mouse, monitor, headphones)		(2)

,

Table 3. Related Work—Concept Animation.

Author	Description	Concept Relation	Objective Alignment
[26]	The connection between the gaming area and the animation started because of the economy around them. The first to explore this relationship was Walt Disney	Animation	(6)
[26]	By this means, digital technology with special effects such as animation broke an essential psychological barrier because it allowed virtual worlds	Animation	(3) (7)
[28]	It is an extraordinary audiovisual expression that transforms nonreal events and takes the audience there	Animation	(7)
[29]	has excellent potential and importance because of its ability to establish transversal communication with any age, gender, culture, religion, or nationality	Animation	(6) (7)
[30]	of this ability, the animation is considered a creative strategy	Animation	(7)
[28]	new model of communication for the future	Animation	(7)

and

Table 4. Related Work—Concept Metaverse.

Author	Description	Concept Relation	Objective Alignment
[31]	virtual world that could reach, interact, and affect human existence	Metaverse vs. Virtual Reality	(1) (2) (4) (7)
[31]	The metaverse can be defined as a massive dimension network and interconnected 3D virtual worlds rendered in real time that can be experienced synchronously and persistently by an unlimited number of users with a unique sense of presence and data continuity, has identity, history, rights, objects communication and payments	Virtual Reality	(1) (4) (5)
[8]	It is also a 3D experience where we can interact with virtual and augmented reality through headsets, sensory gloves, cameras, and sensors registering our bodily movements	Metaverse vs. Virtual Reality	(1) (2) (7)
[8]	its inner world that continues to exist even if we are not connected		(1)
[32]	It can be described as the layer between us and the reality		(1) (4) (5)
[33]	where a 3D virtual world is shared, and the experiences can be experienced through virtual and augmented reality		(1) (2) (7)
[34]	based on the real world but without physical limitations		(1) (4) (5)
[35]	The users can involve themselves socially, economically, and culturally through their avatars		(1) (3) (4) (5)
[36]	Metaverse unites platforms of socially immersive virtual realities compatible with video games with massive online multi-players, open gaming worlds, and collaborative spaces of augmented reality		(1) (2) (4) (5) (7)
[37]	It is also seen as a digital universe that mixes online gaming elements with social networks and virtual reality, allowing users to engage digitally		(1) (2) (3) (4) (7)
[8]	The gaming experience has increasingly become a lived experience, and the limits between the metaverse and what is gaming and what is not have disappeared		(1) (3) (4) (5) (7)
[4]	The metaverse can be achieved via the internet through augmented reality devices, game consoles, computers, tablets, or mobile phones		(1) (2) (5)

were structured to help us to observe the relations of the concepts (gaming, virtual reality, animation, and metaverse) and their definitions studied by scientific authors according to our objectives, which are to: (1) verify how the metaverse is being represented and characterized; (2) identify which technologies stimulate the immersion experience; (3) identify the main dimensions that influence the acceptance of the metaverse concept; (4) understand the perceptions of the metaverse and virtual reality regarding socialization and wellbeing; (5) verify the perceptions of a gamer’s daily life regarding the metaverse, virtual reality, and gaming concepts; (6) understand the impact of social representations on the gaming concept; and (7) to understand the perceived role of animation regarding the metaverse, virtual reality, and gaming concepts.

2.6. Qualitative Research—Focus Group

The focus group originated in the work of the Bureau of Applied Social Research at Columbia University in 1940 [38]. It has become common in research since 1990. It can be applied to various disciplines such as education, communication and media, health, youth, ecology and conservation, feminism, sociology, and social psychology [39]. The focus group is a qualitative data collection method that engages a small number of people in an informal discussion around a particular topic [39]. It is considered a nonstandard technique to gather information based on what appears to be an informal discussion among a group of selected people [40]. This discussion occurs in the presence of a moderator that leads and focuses the discussion on the research issues [40]. There must be prior planning, leaving it up to the researcher to determine which questions to approach and discuss, with attention to the group. These questions are scheduled, and the moderator is responsible for facilitating participation amongst the discussion group members [39]. The focus group stimulates the creation of discourses between the participants that may never occur in real life, quickly achieving a large amount of data. This method is considered very efficient for gathering data [41]. Discussion groups are defined by a small number of individuals gathered for a discussion, making them more valuable overall than a sample representative [42]. In a group, collective discussion brings together each individual’s sphere of life, and these are confronted with disagreements, making this method more critical than any other. Human behavior remains normative, what changed are the sources of normative influence that are more diverse, complex, and interactive [43].

Focus group discussion effectively provides information about what people think or feel and how they do it [44]. A group, per se, is not considered good or bad but reflects human capabilities. Any discussion group can be viewed as a focus group if the investigator actively encourages and listens to group interaction [45]. The interactions within the discussion group enable the exploration of stabilized forms of socially shared knowledge, tensions, and different meanings within the same shared understanding and the reinterpretations of the symbolic forms of the social knowledge [40]. The great potential of focus groups is the explicit use of group interaction to produce data and thoughts that would be less accessible without the interaction found in a group [41]. It can be used as a single-method investigation or in combination with other methods. This helps guide a study to generate hypotheses based on the informants’ opinions, thoughts, and feelings, assessing different populations, or developing questionnaires—as in our case—based on the participants’ views, suggestions, and interpretations.

The focus group can be used as a simulation of speech and conversations of everyday life or as an almost natural method to study the generation of social representations or social knowledge in general [46]. This discussion type is considered closer to everyday communication [40]. This method generates discussion and therefore reveals the meanings that people read in the topic of debate and how they negotiate these meanings. It creates diversity and difference within or between the group, revealing the dilemmas of everyday arguments [46]. The number of focus groups to be carried out should be evaluated according to the interests and objectives being researched [47]. We need to remember that within a group chosen to represent a social category, the individual participants identify as part of a specific social group [40]. And the group is also considered a unit of analysis because it represents the social group the researcher wants to investigate [40]. Depending on the type of investigation, focus groups can be used as a method on their own or in combination with other methods (e.g., surveys, observations, and single interviews) [48].

The development of communication and information research practice technologies has been significantly impacted [48], and the focus group has been naturally transferred to internet research [40]. The online focus group can be distinguished into synchronous (real-time) or asynchronous (nonreal-time) groups. Synchronous groups require all participants to be online simultaneously using a chatroom or conferencing software [48]. In this case, a possible issue could be the reduced flow of the discussion and the availability of visual information [49]. However, some software can enable the transmission of relatively nuanced expressions and emotions in video mode [50] and are able to replicate real-time, face-to-face interaction [51]. The asynchronous groups must be provided with the software on their computer, and the participants do not have to be all online. This has some disadvantages causing technical issues or hesitation to install this software [48]. The number of participants in the real-time focus group should be limited, causing the discussion to be too fast and superficial [48]. Differences between online and face-to-face focus group research concerning group interaction and the ability to obtain information are eroded as technology provides more significant opportunities to create a social presence online [49].

Online focus groups have advantages, such as logistical issues, because the difficulty of having all participants at the same place and time is reduced by technology [52,53]. Recording and transcriptions were also facilitated by built-in online interfaces, which can be downloaded almost immediately [49,50], and automatic recording allows the possibility of preclassifying the collected information [40]. Sensitive issues and the anonymity of virtual groups can create a high sense of psychological safety for sensitive or embarrassing topics [51]. Regarding the limitation of interaction biases, online interaction can control some tendencies and prevent participant conflicts or competitiveness [40]. Regarding adaptability for specific targets, online focus groups can be appropriate for particular types of participants, such as teens, low-incidence groups, professionals, policymakers, and disabled individuals [49].

As for the disadvantages, we can point to the digital gap, choosing participants with some familiarity concerning technology implied in an online focus group. The artificiality of the interaction situation is that participants may feel concerns about sharing personal information with strangers in an electronic context [50]. And the lack of nonverbal communication may reduce the nonverbal communication that plays a crucial role in eliciting responses [49].

Nevertheless, the online focus group may lead to more disclosure than real-world groups. Data are easier to document, and the loss of contributions due to audibility problems during the transcript can be reduced [48]. Online focus groups make data analysis relatively easy through coding and categorization [48].

Regarding the sample size of the focus group, we already know that this method is considered a qualitative technique that collects data very efficiently [54]. But when do we know it is enough?

We can make out a little in qualitative research because we do not try to generalize a population but instead identify social processes [55]. It is also essential to consider the saturation point concept, considering the point at which gathering new data does not provide any new theoretical insights into the studied phenomenon [56,57]. So, it does not matter how little data we have collected, we have to consider the generalizations that can be made from just one single case. We should focus on our interactive units (such as social relationships, encounters, and organizations) because these units allow a direct and deeper analysis of the characteristic observed [58]. The saturation concept is important in previous studies regarding focus group samples. In a study whose objective was to assess the saturation and guidance on focus group research, it was found that one focus group generated 64% of the theme/concepts and that three focus groups generated 84%, concluding that three focus groups are enough to identify the most prevalent concepts [59]. In another study relating to influence saturation, the authors concluded through their research that only a few groups are required to capture the breadth of the main issues [60].

For this reason, we decided that three focus groups were enough to collect the main concepts for our explorative study.

3. Methods

3.1. Data Gathering—Focus Group

This study consists of three synchronous online focus groups, with a total of 13 participants of Portuguese nationality. For choosing the participants, we used as inclusion criteria: (1) being a gamer (plays digital or video games regularly); (2) being young adults or adults; (3) having some knowledge regarding video-conference tools. As for the exclusion criteria: (1) did not match all the inclusion criteria mentioned; (2) needed access to a computer with internet to participate in the online focus group. There were seven males and six females, with an average age of twenty-nine. Google Meet was the software chosen to make the video conference.

The questions were revised for each focus group depending on difficulties observed and on the understanding of what was asked in the previous focus group made. However, we never interfered with the line of ideas or suggested a response. For example, one question clarified the meaning of metaverse because participants asked directly if the metaverse was the concept itself mentioned or if it was the Facebook company changing their name to Meta. In a general way, all the participants understood what was questioned immediately.

The focus groups comprised twenty-eight questions, divided into three main themes: gaming, animation, and metaverse.

For the gaming theme, we had these questions prepared:

• What is it for you to play?
• What is the gaming world for you?
• What is a gamer for you?
• What do you think about there being different types of gamers?
• How do you feel/think that the gaming world is present in our daily lives?
• What do you think/feel about the statement “a game is a virtual reality”?
• What do you think/feel about the possibility of social reality being an important factor in choosing a game in favor of others?
• When you play, do you feel immersed (“inside”) in the game?
• How do you relate playing with your everyday reality?
• How do you relate playing with animation and the metaverse?
• To what extent do you feel immersed in a virtual world while playing the game? As? Why?
• What are the most fascinating features for you to play?
• What are the most important features in a game to feel more immersed?
• Do you know or use any objects/technologies that provide immersion in a game?

For the animation theme, the questions were:

• What do you think/feel about the statement “animation is present in all games”?
• Do you consider animation an important factor in a game?
• What features do you like/look for in a gaming animation?
• What do you think about the statement “an animation is a kind of virtual reality”?

For the main theme of metaverse the questions were:

• What is the metaverse for you? Refer to at least three words about what it means.
• What do you think about the metaverse? What do you think the metaverse is for?
• Have you ever been immersed in the Metaverse? What made you feel/think?
• For which population do you think the metaverse is more directed? (adults, teens, children, or seniors/elderly?)
• How is the metaverse present in your daily life?
• Do you think the metaverse is a virtual reality? Why?
• How do you think/feel about the metaverse’s relation to our social reality?
• What do you think about the possibility of social reality being an important factor in interacting with the metaverse?
• Is a game a metaverse?

3.2. Data Gathering and Analysis

In each online focus group, the participants were informed before the discussion that their participation was voluntary, confidential, and anonymous, and they could decide to leave anytime. We also obtained a verbal agreement from the participants to allow the recording of the online focus group session for posterior data analysis.

During the focus group, there were many participants who answered the questions with only one or two words or small sentences, which allow us to categorize in a frequency of results.

All the qualitative data was gathered in a transcript in a Word file, which summarized and categorized (e.g., fun and enjoy fun—joint categorization fun) the concepts mentioned and analyzed the frequencies of responses from the participants, considering categories and main themes. After this categorization, we calculated the frequencies and percentages of the answers given.

3.3. Data Results

For the gaming questions:

• What is it for you to play?

As we can observe (see

Table 5. Gaming—What is it for you to play?

Categories	Total	%
Fun	13	100
Escape reality	6	46.2
Relax	6	46.2
Socialization	5	38.5
Hobby	3	23.1
Therapy	1	7.7

), according to the meaning of playing, all the participants considered it fun (N = 13, 100%). Some participants felt something that allowed an escape from reality and a relaxing activity (N = 6, 46.2%). This gives us essential concepts such as good mood and new game experiences, reinforcing gaming as something that promotes the wellbeing of the players.

2.

What is the gaming world for you?

Table 6. Gaming—What is the gaming world for you?

Categories	Total	%
Community	7	53.8
The specific group enjoys games	6	46.2
Digital Games	4	30.8
Games categories	3	23.1
Specific group	2	15.4
Join of concepts	2	15.4
Games Industry	2	15.4
Society stereotype	1	7.7
Culture	1	7.7

shows that the gaming world is considered something that gathers people, such as a community (53.8%) and those who enjoy games (46.2%). These results show us that the players consider the gaming world as a social and wellbeing world.

3.

What is a gamer for you?

Most participants responded that a gamer plays games (61.5%,

Table 7. Gaming—What is a gamer for you?

Categories	Total	%
A person that plays games	8	61.5
The name given to a group of people	6	46.2
A person that likes any games	5	38.5
A person that regularly plays games	2	15.4
A person that plays games has hobbies	1	7.7
The person who likes computers	1	7.7
A person who likes technology	1	7.7
Synonym of nerd expression	1	7.7

) and that gamer is a word used to classify a group of people (46.2%, Table 7). So, we can observe that for these participants, a gamer can be anyone playing games, giving a generic or simple consideration regarding a common synonym of a gamer without preconcepts.

4.

What do you think about there being different types of gamers?

On this question, we can see that the participants were unanimous, considering that there are different types of gamers (100%,

Table 8. Gaming—What do you think about there being different types of gamers?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	13	100
No	0	0

), meaning that they play frequently or occasionally (84.6%,

Table 9. Gaming—What do you think about there being different types of gamers?

Categories	Total	%
Frequent or daily gamer	11	84.6
Occasional gamer	11	84.6
Professional gamer	6	46.2
Semiprofessional	1	7.7

). They also considered this question the premise of the professional gamer (46.2%, Table 9). These show us that from common perception, a gamer is characterized by their playing frequency.

5.

How do you feel/think that the gaming world is present in our daily lives?

For the participants, the gaming world is present in their daily lives (N = 13, 100%,

Table 10. Gaming—How do you feel/think that the gaming world is present in our daily lives?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	13	100
No	0	0

) because it is mainly a source that provides fun (N = 7, 53.8%,

Table 11. Gaming—How do you feel/think that the gaming world is present in our daily lives?

Categories	Total	%
Provides fun	7	53.8
Relaxation	4	30.8
Socialization	4	30.8
Provides positive emotions (happiness, cheerfulness)	3	23.1
Part of the personality of a person	2	15.4
Escape reality	1	7.7
Necessity to play	1	7.7

). These results are expected since all these participants are considered gamers, but most of these results show us the need for fun, relaxation, and socialization in a gamer’s life.

6.

What do you think/feel about the statement “a game is a virtual reality”?

For this question, we can see that most participants consider a game as a promotor of virtual reality (N = 10, 76.9%,

Table 12. Gaming—What do you think/feel about the statement “a game is a virtual reality”?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	10	76.9
No	3	23.1

) because it can create an alternative reality (N = 3, 23.1%,

Table 13. Gaming—What do you think/feel about the statement “a game is a virtual reality”?

Categories	Total	%
Creates an alternative reality	3	23.1
Virtual reality does not apply to games	1	7.7
This applies to augmented reality	1	7.7
Reality provided by computers	1	7.7
Provides experiences	1	7.7

). Through these results, we can understand that most gamers understand the meaning of the virtual reality concept and observe some confusion or no awareness regarding this.

7.

What do you think/feel about the possibility of social reality being an important factor in choosing a game in favor of others?

In this question, the social reality of a game was considered almost unanimous as something important when these participants consider a game (N = 12, 92.3%,

Table 14. Gaming—What do you think/feel about the possibility of social reality being an important factor in choosing a game in favor of others?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	12	92.3
No	1	7.7

), mainly because friends and close people play the same game (N = 12, 92.3%,

Table 15. Gaming—What do you think/feel about the possibility of social reality being an important factor in choosing a game in favor of others?

Categories	Total	%
Friends and close people playing the same game	12	92.3
Social component	10	76.9
Unites people	5	38.5
Friends reference	4	30.8
Gameplay of the game	2	15.4
Games classification (magazines or tv shows)	2	15.4
Price	1	7.7

) and because the game itself has a social component (ex: chat, community, blog, multiplayer) (N = 10, 76.9%, Table 15). Social connection is essential when choosing the game type to reinforce, be around friends, or make new connections.

8.

When you play, do you feel immersed (“inside”) in the game?

According to this question, we can understand that almost all the participants feel immersed in a game (N = 12, 92.3%,

Table 16. Gaming—When you play, do you feel immersed (“inside”) in the game?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	12	92.3
Sometimes	6	46.2
No	1	7.7

). However, they also answered that it could be only sometimes (N = 6, 46.2%, Table 16), mainly because they considered that it depends on the type of the game (N = 6, 46.2%,

Table 17. Gaming—When you play, do you feel immersed (“inside”) in the game?

Categories	Total	%
It depends on the game type	6	46.2
Identification with the game characters	5	38.5
Game history	4	30.8
It depends on the game context	1	7.7

). So, we can consider that although all the games provide an immersed feeling, this immersion feeling can be stronger or weaker depending on the type of game. Nevertheless, all the games offer immersion feelings.

9.

How do you relate playing with your everyday reality?

As we already saw in the questions above, the playing action is considered by most participants playing games as something that provides fun (N = 7, 53.8%,

Table 18. Gaming—How do you relate playing with your everyday reality?

Categories	Total	%
Provides fun	7	53.8
Relaxation	4	30.8
Socialization	4	30.8
Provides positive emotions (happiness, cheerfulness)	3	23.1
Part of the personality of a person	2	15.4
Escape reality	1	7.7
Necessity to play	1	7.7

). Fun is considered as an essential theme in the life of a gamer.

10.

How do you relate playing with animation and the metaverse?

With this question, in

Table 19. Gaming—How do you relate playing with animation and the metaverse?

Categories	Total	%
Concepts are connected	13	100
Important concept	9	69.2

, we can see that concepts such as metaverse and animation are considered connected (N = 13, 100%) and important (N = 9, 69.2%) in the gaming world. We can see a conscient understanding of gaming, animation, and metaverse concepts and their relation.

11.

To what extent do you feel immersed in a virtual world while playing the game? As? Why?

The participants on this question,

Table 20. Gaming—While playing the game, to what extent do you feel immersed in a virtual world? As? Why?

Categories	Total	%
History	7	53.8
Build/create things	6	46.2
Gameplay	6	46.2
Fun	5	38.5
Price	5	38.5
Person’s state of mind	4	30.8
Visual graphics	4	30.8
Socialization	3	23.1
Emotions (ability to create)	2	15.4
Characters	2	15.4
Music/Audios	2	15.4
Community	2	15.4
Curiosity	1	7.7
Immersive	1	7.7

, showed us that the history (N = 7, 53.8%), the possibility to create/build things (N = 6, 46.2%), and the gameplay (N= 6, 46.2%) has the main characteristic of them to feel more immersed in the virtual world given by the game. We can observe that the attributes mentioned for immersion are engaging and fun promoters.

12.

What are the most fascinating features for you to play?

In

Table 21. Gaming—What are the most fascinating features for you to play?

Categories	Total	%
History	7	53.8
Build/create things	6	46.2
Gameplay	6	46.2
Fun	5	38.5
Price	5	38.5
Person’s state of mind	4	30.8
Visual graphics	4	30.8
Socialization	3	23.1
Emotions (ability to create)	2	15.4
Characters	2	15.4
Music/Audios	2	15.4
Community	2	15.4
Curiosity	1	7.7
Immersive	1	7.7

, the same characteristic is explored in the above question so that we can see when the participants relate to the most liked features of a game, history (N = 7, 53.8%), the possibility to create/build things (N = 6, 46.2%), and the gameplay (N = 6, 46.2%). We can also understand that a gamer seeks a game’s engagement and fun promotion.

13.

What are the most important features in a game to feel more immersed?

As for the important feature of feeling more immersed in a game, we can see the history and gameplay (N = 6, 46.2%,

Table 22. Gaming—What are the most important features in a game to feel more immersed?

Categories	Total	%
History	6	46.2
Gameplay	6	46.2
Characters	5	38.5
Build/create things	5	38.5
Visual graphics	5	38.5
Socialization	4	30.8
Music/Audios	4	30.8
Price	4	30.8
Emotions	2	15.4
Fun	2	15.4
Curiosity	1	7.7
Person’s state of mind	1	7.7

), characters, ability to build/create things, and visual graphics (N = 5, 38.5%, Table 22). Once again, engagement and fun-promoting features are the most important for immersion.

14.

Do you know or use any objects/technologies that provide immersion in a game?

Most participants considered the headphones the leading provider as a technology object of immersion in a game (N = 9, 69.2%,

Table 23. Gaming—Do you know or use any objects/technologies that provide immersion in a game?

Categories	Total	%
Headphones	9	69.2
Keyboard	5	38.5
VR goggles	4	30.8
Monitors	4	30.8
Chair	3	23.1
Interactive game commands	1	7.7
Computer Software that controls the environment	1	7.7
Mousepads	1	7.7

). These results show us that headphones are a significant technology that emphasizes the sense of immersion. Compared with other technologies, these results make us wonder if the simple or cheaper technologies already have tremendous power to provide this immersion feeling. Expensive technology is not available for everybody, but it does not mean they are less immersive than cheaper ones.

For the animation questions:

• What do you think/feel about the statement “animation is present in all games”?

In this question, we can see that for most participants, the animation is present in all games (N = 11, 84.6%,

Table 24. Animation—What do you think/feel about the statement “animation is present in all games”?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	11	84.6
No	2	15.4

) and is mandatory to be present (N = 7, 63.6%,

Table 25. Animation—What do you think/feel about the statement “animation is present in all games”?

Categories	Total	%
Has to be mandatorily present	7	63.6
Makes characters more real	2	18.2

). The results show us that the definition of what is animation and its importance are current in the gamer’s mind.

2.

Do you consider animation an important factor in a game?

According to this question, all participants considered animation an important game factor (N = 13, 100%,

Table 26. Animation—Do you consider animation an important factor in a game?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	13	100
No	0	0

). Some of the participants revealed their thoughts about animation being adapted to the gameplay of each game (N = 5, 38.5%,

Table 27. Animation—Do you consider animation an important factor in a game?

Categories	Total	%
It has to be adapted to the gameplay of a game	5	38.5
Graphics can influence the desire to play	3	23.1
It has to be adapted to the game	3	23.1
Can determine a game’s success	1	7.7

). It is clear that the animation is part of a game; without it, there would be no games.

3.

What features do you like/look for in a gaming animation?

The main feature that the participants look for in a gaming animation is style/aesthetics (N = 6, 46.2%,

Table 28. Animation—What features do you like/look for in a gaming animation?

Categories	Total	%
Style/aesthetics	6	46.2
It has to be adapted to the game	5	38.5
Gameplay	5	38.5
Socialization	1	7.7

). Animation is something that has to be well thought about in its style and aesthetics.

4.

What do you think about the statement “an animation is a kind of virtual reality”?

On this question, is animation a kind of virtual reality, we can see a clear division (

Table 29. Animation—What do you think about the statement “an animation is a kind of virtual reality”?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	6	46.2
No	7	53.8

) between yes (N = 6, 46.2%) and no (N = 7, 53.8%). However, if we see the answers given by the participants that responded yes, animation is seen as something that creates/part (N = 3, 50%,

Table 30. Animation—What do you think about the statement “an animation is a kind of virtual reality”?

Categories	Total	%
It is part of but not one	3	50
Creates virtual reality	3	50

) of the virtual reality. These results show an inevitable confusion or no awareness of the definition or relation between animation and virtual reality concepts.

For the metaverse questions:

• What is the metaverse for you? Refer to at least three words about what it means.

In this question,

Table 31. Metaverse—What is the metaverse for you? Refer to at least three words about what it means.

Categories	Total	%
Past	13	100
Socialization	9	69.2
Evolution	9	69.2
Virtual	7	53.8
Creation	6	46.2
Immersion	3	23.1
Build	3	23.1
Monitorization	2	15.4
Threat	1	7.7
Risk	1	7.7
Innovation	1	7.7

, the participants reveal that for them metaverse concept is something from the past, is not a new concept (N = 13, 100%), is viewed as socialization and evolution (N = 9, 69.2%), and something virtual (N = 7, 53.8%). There is an awareness of the development and history of the metaverse concept and the importance of the socialization and virtual reality themes as features/characteristics that need to be present.

2.

What do you think about the metaverse? What do you think the metaverse is for?

As for this question, the metaverse is seen as an old concept (N = 13, 100%,

Table 32. Metaverse—What do you think about the metaverse? What do you think the metaverse is for?

Categories	Total	%
Old concept	13	100
Promotes Socialization	9	69.2
Technological evolution	9	69.2
Virtual reality	7	53.8
Creates characters	4	30.8
Allows immersion	3	23.1
Allows people to make things virtually	3	23.1
Monitorization of the virtual world	2	15.4
Creates a new reality	2	15.4
Creates new worlds	1	7.7

), as already among us, promotes socialization and technological evolution (N = 9, 69.2%, Table 32), and it also supports virtual reality (N = 7, 53.8%, Table 32). The metaverse concept is seen as a socialization promoter through virtual reality technology.

3.

Have you ever been immersed in the metaverse? What made you feel/think?

Almost all participants have never been immersed in the metaverse (N = 10, 76.9%,

Table 33. Metaverse—Have you ever been immersed in the metaverse?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	3	23.1
No	10	76.9

). As for the participants that have been immersed in fun (N = 3, 100%,

Table 34. Metaverse—What made you feel/think?

Categories	Total	%
More fun	3	100
More immersion	2	66.7

) and the feeling of being even more immersed in the game (N = 2, 66.7%, Table 34), where the main thoughts they had about their experience. This can lead us to the awareness about the metaverse definition or even how it can be experienced. It is unclear or generates a sense of confusion.

4.

For which population do you think the metaverse is more directed? (Adults, teens, children, or seniors/elderly?)

In this question, we tried to understand the main population N for which the metaverse was aiming,

Table 35. Metaverse—For which population do you think the metaverse is more directed? (Adults, teens, children, or seniors/elderly?).

Categories	Total	%
Adults	9	69.2
Adolescent	9	69.2
N/A	5	38.5
Children	4	30.8

, and we could see that the participants did not have a clear response, and even a N/A was mentioned. Nevertheless, of the confusion, adults and adolescents were the main population referred (N = 9, 69.2%). At this point, there is significant confusion about the metaverse concept, even inn the population to which it is aiming.

5.

How is the metaverse present in your daily life?

In this question, we could see that most participants responded that this concept is present in their daily lives (N = 8, 61.5%,

Table 36. Metaverse—How is the metaverse present in your daily life?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	8	61.5
No	5	38.5

). Once again, we can see confusion or no awareness about the metaverse compared with the previous question. However, we can see that the participants are consciously or unconsciously aware of its presence in their daily lives.

6.

Do you think the metaverse is a virtual reality? Why?

For this question, we saw the unanimous response of the metaverse being a virtual reality,

Table 37. Animation—Metaverse—Do you think the metaverse is a virtual reality?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	13	100
No	0	0

, and some even added that this concept is the creator of virtual worlds, so it is responsible for virtual reality (

Table 38. Metaverse—Why?

Categories	Total	%
Creates virtual worlds	5	38.5

). It is transparent for these participants that virtual reality is a central component of the metaverse concept.

7.

What do you think/feel about how the Metaverse relates to our social reality?

When understanding if the metaverse is related to our social reality, most participants answered yes (N = 9, 69.2%,

Table 39. Metaverse—What do you think/feel about how the metaverse relates to our social reality?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	9	69.2
No	6	46.2

), explaining that they considered it a social tool (N = 10, 76.9%,

Table 40. Metaverse—What do you think/feel about how the metaverse relates to our social reality?

Categories	Total	%
Social tool	10	76.9
Not a direct impact	1	7.7

). The metaverse concept is understood as a social tool that promotes socialization.

8.

What do you think about the possibility of social reality being an important factor in interacting with the metaverse?

As for this question, in

Table 41. Metaverse—What do you think about the possibility of social reality being an important factor in interacting with the metaverse?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	9	69.2
No	6	46.2

, we see that social reality is essential when considering the interaction with the metaverse (N = 9, 69.2%). We can see the importance of socialization in the metaverse concept.

9.

Is a game a Metaverse?

As for this question, most participants see the Metaverse as a game (N = 9, 69.2%,

Table 42. Metaverse—Is a game a metaverse?

Categories	Total	%
Yes	9	69.2
No	4	30.8

). The Metaverse concept is seen as a game, and these results clearly show us the relation between this concept and the technology evolution through the gaming world.

4. Discussion

Our findings gave us actual results regarding the Metaverse virtual reality and gaming concepts and the relation between these three concepts, contributing to understanding of how gamers perceive and represent the metaverse.

Our findings allow us to identify: how the Metaverse is being represented and characterized, which technologies stimulate the immersion experience, and the main dimensions that influence the acceptance of the metaverse concept. We also understood the perceptions of the relationship between the metaverse and virtual reality regarding socialization and wellbeing and the relationship between these concepts and gaming in a gamer’s life. Finally, we determined the social representations of gaming.

Regarding our first objective, how the metaverse is being represented and characterized, we found that this concept is not new for the gamer’s perceptions. Technological evolution has developed it, and it is portrayed as a social tool and a virtual reality promoter. It was also possible to understand confusion or lack of knowledge regarding the definition of the metaverse. However, central concepts such as virtual reality and gaming relations were identified, showing the awareness of their association with this concept.

These results are according to the concept’s definition and categorizations since it unites socially immersive virtual realities with video games [16] and will transform social networks [35]. It is also considered an environment that merges physical and digital reality [36], and it can promote digital engagement, and mixes gaming, social networking, and virtual reality [37].

According to the results and our second objective, the technologies that stimulate the immersion experience may vary. Still, the gamer’s perception shows us that a simple headphone can be crucial for immersion. It is also possible to see awareness of the technology as a keyboard, VR googles, or a monitor that leads to the understanding that the price or more evolved technology does not mean immersion. This leads us to the knowledge that the metaverse is available through different devices [37] with other characteristics.

Third, the main dimensions influencing the acceptance of the metaverse are the gaming world and virtual reality. And this is no surprise because the metaverse relies on a digital universe that mixes online gaming [34] or other gaming worlds [33]. Wellbeing, such as fun and relaxation, are precise dimensions that allow gamers to accept this concept. In a previous study, it was verified that the perceived pleasure is a relevant concept for accepting the metaverse [6].

These also lead to the fourth objective, understanding the perception of the metaverse and virtual reality regarding socialization and wellbeing. Our results show this by the participants when they refer to the metaverse as a socialization concept and socialization promoter (Table 31 and Table 32) and by clearly stating that the metaverse creates more fun (Table 34), therefore, a supporter of wellbeing. In terms of the association of the metaverse and virtual reality, the participants stand out by affirming that metaverse is a virtual reality, which states a confusion or lack of knowledge regarding each concept definition, but most importantly, they made the two concepts as one and so they see these concepts as promoters of socialization and wellbeing.

Regarding the perceptions of a gamer’s daily life regarding the metaverse, virtual reality, and gaming concepts, it was demonstrated that the daily lives of gamers are continuing to be impacted by the metaverse and virtual reality through the gaming world, because of their predisposition to accept digital transformation into their lives [4].

Looking at objective six, understanding the impact of representation on the gaming concept, the gamers have mentioned social representation regarding the metaverse, virtual reality, and the gaming world with no exception. They all promote individual or combined social communication. In the gaming world, because players enjoy playing with others [14], most video games are played with others [13] and allow bonding [15].

As for our last objective, to understand the perceived role of animation regarding the metaverse, virtual reality, and gaming concepts, we can see their uniqueness and straight relation. Animation, which allows a game to be possible, brings us portals between fantasy and reality, and reality and the social [61]. Animation and its colossal power to transform reality [6] joins virtual reality, providing the participant’s experiences and an immersion environment in different forms [32]. In this sense, the gaming world has become the concept that allows the metaverse to emerge.

With our findings, it is understood that the metaverse concept is still to create its own boundaries or complete definitions. However, we can see that this concept relies on virtual reality, and games continue this evolution. This concept is characterized as a promoter of wellbeing, fun, relaxation, and socialization that can be achieved with more immersive experiences provided by technology or gaming characteristics.

In the near future, we consider it essential to continue exploring these concepts’ relations and definitions using other methodologies, such as quantitative methods—developing case studies with different types of users/gamers (as long as the metaverse and metaworlds are more widespread in several contexts and daily practices).

5. Research Limitations

The number of focus group interviews made—more focus groups realize more that the data obtained could be considered significant. The fact that it was an online focus group meant that discussions could have reduced the nonverbal communication. However, in our study, we used software to record the video of the interviews, and all the participants were asked to use their cameras—after signing an informed consent, agreeing to participate in the study.

Another limitation could be the large or small number of questions depending on the perspective taken. Many questions become more exhaustive for the participants and, therefore, caused a lack of participation because of the time it takes. Fewer questions can probably promote better participation, but they may not cover all the themes. According to the participants’ discussion, it also gives us more time for others that may arise. Nevertheless, the questions previously accorded are not the only ones that can be made depending on the discussion, and further questions can arise.

It is also important to mention that this study only has Portuguese gamers, and the findings could differ (or not) with a diverse population or nationality.

Finally, we have to refer to the knowledge, lack, or confusion regarding the definition of the concepts amongst the participants, which may vary according to other participants.

6. Conclusions

Since 1992, when Neal Stephenson proposed this concept, the metaverse has been gaining a space and relevance in our reality. It is something that, for some, is considered an old concept, perhaps because of its history or dependence on existing concepts such as gaming and virtual reality, and for others is considered something new, perhaps due to the novelty or greater attention that authors or companies have given it.

This concept has gained awareness even by the possible users or active users. However, it lacks an agreed definition by authors or even lacks boundaries since it is still evolving. This creates confusion between what is the metaverse and what is not by their users. Our findings demonstrated this vulnerability of the concept.

This exploratory study is of great importance because it allows us to access the perceptions of Portuguese gamers about this concept, showing that confusion and lack of boundaries percept exist between them. It is also important because, in the scientific world, a lot has been said regarding the metaverse concept. However, there is a lack of investigations focusing on what common people understand regarding this concept. It is also important because it can give the gaming and technology industry and scientific studies more knowledge about tendencies according to the common knowledge that will lead to how these concepts will evolve. After all, all these concepts evolve according to the needs and likes of the people.

Focusing on our research question, “How is the metaverse being percept and represented by gamers?”, we verify that they represent it as something technological and social promoting, achieved by games through virtual reality experiences.

We can write a possible definition for this concept based on the participants’ answers: The metaverse concept has been around for a long time because it is considered a game that allows immersive experiences through virtual reality technology, and the style and aesthetics of the animation provided. It is also an essential means of socialization and communication, at an individual level with its representations or a community level with general terms. It is also an essential promoter of the wellbeing of its users.

The metaverse still has much to be explored. Still, it already showed us the power of new means of communication through social networks, becoming a social realm where the power of communication is exercised, implemented, and has no limits. The only limit is the human ability to dream or to create things. So, this concept is also making its path in social media, becoming a form of mass self-communication [1].

Looking at the initial idea from Neal Stephenson (1992) until the present, we can see a clear evolution from a conceptual picture to a more eligible or tangible concept. It has gained some definition and importance on fields such as virtual reality and gaming, as well as being considered a new means of communication. Nevertheless, it still has a lot of objective boundaries and limits to explore.

Perhaps the metaverse will be something like the OASIS world in the Ready Player One movie in 2018, where we can be whatever we want, experience different realities in pursuing something different, fantastic, or a dream, hoping to be immersed in these new realms for some time believing that reality is a real thing.