Challenges of Boundaryless Metaverses: Implications for IS Research

This paper focuses on the challenges of boundaryless metaverses and their implications for Information Systems (IS) research. We call for a deeper exploration of these implications, structured around three key understandings. First, we highlight the coexistence of multiple metaverse ecosystems within the boundaryless environment. Second, we highlightemphasize the pivotal role of major stakeholder dynamics in shaping this complex landscape. Third, we explore the distinctive properties and governance of these multisided platforms within the evolving metaverse. Together, these insights suggest an ecological conceptualization of the metaverse as an “ecosystem of systems,” enriching our understanding of its transformative impact and underscoring the importance of policy and regulation. By moving beyond the metaverse hype, this paper aims to stimulate IS research on its new properties, boundaryless nature, and associated challenges.