In a recent working paper, Ayse Gizem Yasar (LSE) and Fabian Ziermann explore the concept of virtual worlds. They argue that virtual worlds emerge from existing ecosystems, such as app stores, video games, and hardware platforms, and are shaped by competing narratives. Ultimately, virtual worlds’ structure will reflect the narratives advanced by the most influential stakeholders. To prevent a winner-takes-all outcome, as witnessed in other digital markets, they call for early regulatory involvement to help shape these evolving architectures. The paper can be accessed here.
