Navigating the Nexus: A systematic review of the symbiotic relationship between the metaverse and gaming

The advent of the metaverse has sparked profound interest in its integration within the gaming domain. Games, being intrinsic components of the metaverse, have attracted considerable attention, prompting inquiries into the transformative influence of the metaverse on the gaming industry and its communities within this immersive digital realm. This study aims to synthesize the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of recent studies on the complex interplay between video games and the metaverse, illuminating the benefits, difficulties, and uncharted territory of this field. Fifteen (15) relevant studies were reviewed in accordance with PRISMA criteria, supplemented with the LDA topic modeling to answer the developed research questions. The research showed that the metaverse has many impacts on the gaming industry; it serves as a platform for interactive games, a driver for collaborative gaming environments, a medium for immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences, and a source of useful information about the basic aspects and mechanisms that support the connected relationship between the metaverse and gaming. Furthermore, the evolution of these dimensions and processes across time was investigated. This systematic review makes a noteworthy addition to the ongoing scholarly discussion over the convergence of the metaverse and gaming. This statement highlights the significant capacity for transformation that arises from the integration of these elements, while also recognizing the intricate and demanding nature of this process. The ongoing transformation of the gaming industry and its communities by the metaverse prompts an investigation that lays the groundwork for future scholarly inquiry. This study aims to provide a detailed examination and enhanced comprehension of the intricate relationship between these two domains.