# Developing a Virtual World for an Open-House Event: A Metaverse Approach
###### Abstract
Considering the mentioned restrictions, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can be potential technologies for these circumstances. Both were previously known as extended reality (XR) until the 'xReality' framework was proposed [28]. The 'x' in this term is not the abbreviation for 'extended', but an x variable in algebra, which allows for new reality terms to be substituted into the 'x' variable. It should be noted that not all technologies extend reality; for example, VR replaces reality, while AR augments or assists the physical world. The technology that falls between AR and VR on the continuum is called mixed reality (MR) in a classical definition [29], although there is no one-size-fits-all definition for MR, as explained in [30]. Nonetheless, these technologies have been applied in numerous studies to provide innovative learning methods in academic settings [31; 32; 33]. There have been several studies in respect of VR and AR that aimed to improve learning in education. For instance, Microsoft Hololens [34] was effectively used in design learning [35]. Students in civil engineering were taught earthquake-resistant construction using VR-based learning media, which provided several benefits compared to on-site practice [36]. Some cultural heritages are either hard to access or too large to explore physically. The study in [37] used digitalisation with VR and AR technologies to develop a digital version of the archaeological site, which can be used for education or leisure purposes. A study on user immersive experience using a box full of sand was conducted in [38], creatively using VR. Similarly, AR has been applied in several education-related studies, such as anatomy learning [39], implemented in secondary schools to enhance \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l} \hline \hline
**Feature** & **Description** \\ \hline Interactive & Allows for users to engage and interact with the virtual environment and other users. \\ \hline Embodied & Involves users’ physical presence and actions in the virtual world. \\ \hline Persistent & Continues to exist and evolve even when users are not actively engaging. \\ \hline Realistic & Creates a lifelike or believable virtual environment. \\ \hline Ubiquitous & Accessible across multiple devices and platforms. \\ \hline Interoperable & Able to work and communicate with other virtual environments and systems. \\ \hline Scalable & Able to support and adapt to a growing number of users and activities. \\ \hline Immersive & Provides a highly engaging and immersive experience to users. \\ \hline Accessible & Provides access to users of varying abilities and backgrounds. \\ \hline Synthesised & Combines multiple forms of media and experiences into one cohesive environment. \\ \hline Multi-layered & Offers different levels or layers of engagement and interaction. \\ \hline Collaborative & Facilitates collaboration and social interaction among users. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: A table of key metaverse features based on the literature review, along with a brief description. Reprinted/adapted with permission from Ref. [7]. 2022, [PERSON], [PERSON], [PERSON]. learning activities [40], and used to increase visitor engagement and achieve learning outcomes [41]. The functionality of metaverses is based on games, as they are virtual worlds that allow for players to control their avatars and interact with the environment. Thus, the disciplines of game design and development are applied in the development of metaverses. For example, serious game development is closely linked to the use of metaverses for education. In the literature, the components of serious games can be derived from the games' activities [42]. The activities that motivate players to interact with objects in a game are referred to as game mechanics, while learning mechanics refer to the learning elements that help players achieve the learning goals embedded in the game [43; 44]. If we delve into the low-level design, these mechanics can be seen as a collection of elements.