I think the metaverse is hamstrung by its association with crypto. Too many metaverse projects are thinly veiled attempts to enable crypto/NFT speculation.

Who cares if you can take your overpriced virtual Nikes from Decentraland to Fortnite? What are the odds that a rifle you purchased in COD is going to be fully supported by other shooters, let alone Rocket League? Do we really want our favorite games to be overrun with "players" from developing countries grinding for loot?

Not to mention the widespread assumption that a metaverse must necessarily involve VR. Roblox, Minecraft and other online gaming communities demonstrate that virtual worlds can be compelling and valuable even if they are accessed via a standard PC or phone, and are not tightly interconnected. The community aspect is more important than the visual stimulus.