Abstract:

Metaverse, which builds the post-reality universe by attaching virtuality to the physical space, has created a permanent multi-user environment. Metaverse describes the convergence of AR and VR technologies that bring together virtual environments, digital objects and people, creating interaction between a representative of the real and a part of the artificial. This latest communication-centered adaptation of new technologies, which attempts to adapt real-life experiences to the “big universe”, proves the existence of the “great exchange”. Metaversal behavior, which is an example of the definite divergence arising from convergence, whose ancestor is comics, can be found in many forms, especially in the digital game world. Live concert experience is one of them. In this study, semi-structured interview technique was used, and 10 people who attended the Travis Scott concert, the world’s first metaverse concert with the highest attendance, which took place in the Epic games' Fortnite game, were reached. Interviews held in November-December 2022 were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. The findings explaining metaversal behavior point to reasons such as high technique expectation, augmented hyperreal imaginary, the desire to experience impossible actions, and the need to use of the new world’s opportunities. At the end of the research, it was understood that there was a need for case studies and research that prioritize the individual experiences of the participants about this new universe where online intellectual and action practices are exhibited.