If you are wondering what the word “metaverse” means, you are not alone. With Meta (formerly Facebook) keeping their plans under wraps and tech professionals speculating about the future, we are left with only a vague picture of what is taking shape at Meta. Although the term “metaverse” in theory and science fiction refers to a unified, interconnected, and immersive cyberspace, it seems we are far from developing such a monolithic virtual space. Meanwhile, numerous sources point to Ernest Cline’s 2011 novel Ready Player One and Steven Spielberg’s 2018 film adaptation of the book as examples of what the metaverse could be, including Wired and Forbes writers. As we watch how this unfolds, read beyond Ready Player One and its sequel to stoke your imagination with virtual possibilities.
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The Metaverse and How It Will Revolutionize Everything by Matthew Ball
Neuromancer by William Gibson
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
The Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke
88 Names by Matt Ruff
Rainbow in the Dark by Sean McGinty
Walking Between Two Worlds by Wab Kinew
Otherworld by Jason Segel
Warcross by Marie Lu
Eve by Victor Lavelle