Performing arts metaverse: The effect of perceived distance and subjective experience

As a new paradigm for experiencing virtual worlds, metaverses are beginning to gain traction as a new way to enjoy the performing arts. Additionally, as its feasibility as a new market for the distribution of performing arts has been confirmed, there have been various attempts to better enable audiences to experience performing arts in a metaverse. However, metaverse performing arts still require several improvements for active user participation and better enjoyment. It is also necessary to understand the barriers that people perceive in experiencing metaverse performing arts. Based on the construal level theory, this study explores and identifies the causal relationship in factors that influence viewing metaverse performing arts, such as the user's psychological distance, objective distance, subjective experience, and resistance. The results demonstrate that artistic distance is a significant factor that strongly affects resistance to viewing performances. Spatial, social, economic distance, and subject experience also impact resistance. The results also uncover the issues that must be discussed to vitalize metaverse-based performing arts.