Chapter 1 introduces the concept of the Metaverse, drawing from Neal Stephenson’s novel "Snow Crash," where the Metaverse serves as a virtual reality-based successor to the internet. It emphasizes the intertwining of digital and physical worlds, illustrating how the implications of the digital realm can have significant real-world consequences, such as the importance of timely delivery within a pizza franchise. The chapter sets the stage for exploring the technologies that will shape the Metaverse, highlighting the necessity for a secure and trusted infrastructure to facilitate economic interactions in this new digital landscape.
