2025 Metaverse-related Stocks Investment Guide: Analysis of Growth Opportunities and Risks in the Emerging Industry

Metaverse is no longer a realm of future technology. As virtual and real environments intersect in a digital space becoming a reality, global investors’ interest is rapidly converging. Especially, 2025 is regarded as the year when the Metaverse industry will enter a full-scale growth trajectory. So, what investment opportunities exist amid this massive change? In this article, we will specifically examine the investment value of Metaverse-related stocks, key companies, and the standing of the Korean market.

Metaverse: The Beginning of a New Digital Economy

Understanding the exact meaning of Metaverse is the first step in investing. The term “Metaverse” is a compound of "meta@“E0@” meaning transcendence and "universe@“E0@” meaning cosmos, first appearing in Neil Stephenson’s 1992 novel. Currently, Metaverse refers to an all-encompassing digital environment that goes beyond simple gaming spaces, integrating augmented reality(AR), virtual reality(VR), and the internet.

The core of the Metaverse lies in persistence, interconnectedness, and economic creation ability. Users can perform social activities, gaming, virtual concerts, digital asset trading, remote work, and other activities almost identical to real life within this space. This fundamentally differentiates it from existing SNS or gaming platforms.

Metaverse Market: Explosive Growth on the Horizon

According to the latest data from Grand View Research, the global Metaverse market size is approximately $105.4 billion in 2024. More notably, it is expected to record an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.4% from 2025 to 2030. This figure significantly exceeds the average growth rate of the overall technology market.

The rapid growth is driven by advancements in technological infrastructure, expansion of content ecosystems, and increased participation from companies and individual users. Particularly, the proliferation of 5G networks and the development of AI and machine learning technologies are dramatically enhancing the quality of Metaverse experiences.

The Four Pillars of the Metaverse Ecosystem

Metaverse-related stocks require an understanding of the industry structure. The Metaverse ecosystem is broadly divided into four sectors:

( 1. Hardware Sector Manufacturers of VR headsets, AR glasses, haptic feedback devices, etc. They provide the physical foundation for users to access and experience the Metaverse vividly. Companies like HTC, Samsung, and Meta Platforms’ Oculus lead this sector.

) 2. Software Sector Includes all technologies that run virtual environments, from game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine to social platforms like Meta’s Horizon Worlds. AR, spatial computing, and AI algorithm development also fall into this category.

( 3. Content Creation Sector Encompasses games, virtual concerts, digital entertainment, and other content that make the Metaverse an engaging space. Major players include Roblox, Epic Games (Fortnite), and Naver’s Zepeto.

) 4. Infrastructure Sector Technologies that underpin the operation of the Metaverse, such as cloud computing, 5G networks, and data centers. Companies like NVIDIA, AWS, and SK Telecom are leading in this area.

Korea: A New Key Region for the Metaverse Industry

Korea’s position is becoming increasingly significant. In semiconductor, IT infrastructure, and content creation capabilities, Korea plays a central role across various layers of the Metaverse ecosystem.

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are global leaders supplying essential semiconductors for Metaverse devices and server operations. Korea’s robust 5G infrastructure provides the low-latency, high-speed connectivity crucial for Metaverse experiences.

Particularly, Naver’s Zepeto exemplifies the current state of the Metaverse in Asia. With over 300 million global users, Zepeto is popular mainly among young people, and luxury brands like Gucci are forming virtual fashion markets.

Major Investment Targets: Analysis of Metaverse-Related Stocks

( Domestic Companies

Samsung Electronics)005930.KS### A global leader in electronics, Samsung is leading the production of VR/AR devices. Based on display technology and semiconductor expertise, continuous growth in the Metaverse hardware sector is anticipated.

SK Hynix###000660.KS### A top-tier semiconductor company, its high-performance memory chips are essential infrastructure for the Metaverse. Its position as a key supplier in hardware and infrastructure is solid.

Naver###035420.KS### Leading in Metaverse content and social networking through the Zepeto platform. Its strong presence in the Asian market can serve as a springboard for future global expansion.

( Overseas Companies

Meta Platforms)META( Has rebranded from Facebook to focus on the Metaverse. Oculus VR headsets and Horizon Worlds platform are flagship products in virtual reality, maintaining leadership in both hardware and software.

NVIDIA)NVDA( A leader in GPU and AI technology, powering high-quality graphics and simulations in the Metaverse. It provides essential computing power for Metaverse development.

Roblox)RBLX### A platform where users create and share games and experiences, with about 80 million daily active users as of 2024. Focused on user-generated content and social interaction, it is a leading player in Metaverse content.

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Metaverse-Related Stocks

( Advantages of Investment

Unlimited Growth Potential: The Metaverse market is expected to grow exponentially through continuous technological innovation. As it mainstreams, related companies could become central to the global economy.

Diversified Investment Opportunities: Exposure to various industries such as technology, entertainment, social networking, and e-commerce allows for portfolio diversification.

) Risks of Investment

High Market Volatility: The Metaverse is still in its early stages, with rapid technological developments and changing consumer preferences. This increases stock volatility and presents challenges for risk-averse investors.

Regulatory Uncertainty: As the Metaverse expands, regulations around data protection, digital assets, and online transactions are expected to tighten. These changes could significantly impact corporate profitability.

How to Invest in Metaverse-Related Stocks

( Direct Stock Trading Purchasing stocks listed on the Korea Exchange or KOSDAQ through domestic securities firms, or exchanging dollars to buy overseas stocks on NASDAQ or other exchanges. This method involves actual ownership of shares and is suitable for long-term investment.

) CFD Trading( A method to profit from price movements without owning the actual stocks. Gains can be made from both rising and falling prices, and leverage allows for larger positions with less capital. However, it involves high risk, requiring careful position management.

Factors Investors Should Watch

Speed of Technological Development: Monitor progress in VR/AR tech, network infrastructure, and AI algorithms closely.

Financial Health of Companies: While growth potential is important, assess current profitability and cash flow.

Regulatory Trends: Track data protection laws, virtual asset regulations, and policies protecting minors in various countries.

Global Competitive Landscape: Understand the technological competition among major countries like Korea, the US, and China, and evaluate Korea’s relative position.

Conclusion: The Future of the Metaverse Market and Investment Strategies

The Metaverse is not just a trend but a massive industry transformation shaping the next decade. Metaverse-related stocks represent companies at the forefront of this change.

Korea’s competitiveness in semiconductor technology, 5G infrastructure, and content creation enhances the investment value of Korean stocks. Meanwhile, overseas companies lead in technological innovation and market dominance.

Smart investors should evaluate the long-term growth prospects and current financial health of individual stocks in balance. Metaverse-related stocks carry high profit potential but also significant risks. Carefully considering personal investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon, and continuously monitoring market trends and corporate performance, are fundamental to successful investing.