Cities in the Metaverse

While hype about the online version of the real world offered by the metaverse seems to have peaked in 2023, its development continues at a steady pace. Cities and countries around the world are exploring the potential roles the metaverse could play in planning, economic development, and other applications. By 2030, approximately 700 cities are expected to implement various types of metaverse infrastructure, including digital twins and virtual or augmented reality, as projected by ABI Research.

Several U.S. cities have implemented initial forays into the metaverse, including New York, Santa Monica, California, and Miami Gardens, Florida, in addition to international examples such as South Korea's Metaverse Seoul. To help guide the development of these virtual worlds, the European Commission introduced a strategy in 2023 to help ensure a secure and inclusive digital environment for EU citizens, businesses, and the public sector. Planners should be aware that the potential for the digitalization of public-sector spaces and services continues.