Virtually real or really virtual: towards a heritage metaverse

Huggett, J. (2020) Virtually real or really virtual: towards a heritage metaverse. Studies in Digital Heritage, 4(1), pp. 1-15. (doi: 10.14434/sdh.v4i1.26218)

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Publisher's URL: https://doi.org/10.14434/sdh.v4i1.26218

Abstract

The hype surrounding the impending mainstreaming of Virtual Reality can seem to prioritize the digital above the critical. With the development of VR said to be at a pivotal point, there is an important opportunity to consider the emergence of virtual heritage and its potential futures. This paper argues that there is a disjunction between the present reality of virtual heritage and virtual reality, and discusses the twin challenges of presence and realism within virtual reality. In particular, it highlights a paradox inherent in virtual heritage and virtual reality and proposes the use of ‘loose-realism’ as a solution. Ultimately, the challenge is to address the claims that virtual reality represents a new class of information system, or metaverse, in order that virtual heritage fully engages with enquiry about the past

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Virtual reality, virtual heritage, virtual presence, virtual realism, virtual immersion, archaeogaming.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Huggett, Dr Jeremy
Authors: Huggett, J.
Subjects:C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
Journal Name:Studies in Digital Heritage
Publisher:Indiana University
ISSN:2574-1748
ISSN (Online):2574-1748
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The Author
First Published:First published in Studies in Digital Heritage 4(1): 1-15
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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