Can the Metaverse Achieve Regional Revitalization? GamingV and Dokkyo University Launch Joint Research

GamingV (Headquarters: Sakura, Chiba; Representative Director: Ryuki Kobayashi) has announced the commencement of a joint research project with the Matsumoto Laboratory at Dokkyo University.

In this project, the 'Hokuso Four Cities Metaverse' project (an e-sports and metaverse tourism venture constructing metaverse spaces based on the Japan Heritage site 'Hokuso Four Cities Edo Journey' within Fortnite) will be utilized as a research field. The goal is to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the impact of gaming experiences on regional revitalization and publish the findings in academic papers.

■ Overview of Joint Research

GamingV has created a metaverse space faithfully recreating Edo-period streetscapes on Fortnite, set in the four cities of Sakura, Narita, Katori (Sawara), and Choshi in Chiba Prefecture. Players explore historical landmarks as 'Edo-period travelers' and engage in mission-based tourism games. Plans include mechanisms connecting digital and physical realms, such as obtaining exclusive in-game items when visiting real locations and gaining discount coupons for local shops by clearing game missions.

This research examines how these gaming experiences influence participants' regional interest, motivation to visit, and actual tourism behavior. The Matsumoto Laboratory at Dokkyo University is responsible for survey design, data analysis, and academic writing, while GamingV manages the gamification and metaverse implementation of the Japan Heritage content.

■ Purpose and Significance of the Research

The core of this research is obtaining academic insight based on real data regarding whether the metaverse can truly revitalize local regions.

While various regional revitalization efforts using the metaverse and tourism games have been conducted, there are limited domestic examples that empirically verify their effects using commercially available gaming platforms. By collecting and analyzing data from game participants, the Matsumoto Laboratory aims to clarify the effects and challenges of metaverse tourism, contributing to the advancement of tourism research.

■ About Matsumoto Laboratory

Located within the Department of English at Dokkyo University, the Matsumoto Laboratory specializes in visual semiotics, digital media theory, and tourism communication theory, researching the impact of digital media on modern society, culture, and tourism behavior.

■ About GamingV

GamingV operates the e-sports team 'VAMOS' and develops regional revitalization businesses utilizing the metaverse. They have built a track record, including metaverse reconstruction projects for AEON Mall Mito Uchihara commissioned by Ibaraki Prefecture.

■ About Japan Heritage 'Hokuso Four Cities Edo Journey'

This is the only Japan Heritage site in Chiba Prefecture, comprising the story of how four cities that preserve Edo-period streetscapes—Sakura, Narita, Sawara, and Choshi—engaged in exchanges through roads and water transport.