Traditional Storytelling and Immersive Narratives in the Metaverse

Abstract

This paper explores the evolution of storytelling by comparing traditional narrative forms with immersive storytelling in the Metaverse. Traditional storytelling, rooted in oral traditions, literature and theatre, relies on a linear, author-driven structure that presents a fixed story to the audience, fostering social cohesion and conveying cultural values. Metaverse, a digital universe with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and interactive technologies enables users to actively engage and shape the narrative. This shift allows users to move beyond passive observation, introducing new levels of interaction and engagement that reshape storytelling. The study examines four key dimensions where traditional storytelling diverges from metaverse-based narratives: agency, interactivity, immersion and community. In traditional formats, the audience’s role is passive, while the storyteller retains control of the plot. However, the Metaverse allows users to influence story progression, creating a more personalized experience. While traditional stories rely on imagination, the Metaverse employs VR and AR to immerse users fully, fostering a sense of presence and heightening emotional impact. This engagement is achieved through visual, auditory and sometimes tactile elements that make users feel like they inhabit the story world, enhancing empathy and emotional depth. Community experiences diverge traditional storytelling often unite audiences through shared cultural narratives, while the Metaverse allows for communal, multiplayer storytelling experiences that redefine cultural bonds within digital spaces. This study suggests a hybrid storytelling approach that combines the immersive power of the Metaverse with traditional narrative integrity, offering a framework for future narratives that balance interactivity and structured storytelling.