The purpose of this study is to analyze the accessibility of current metaverse platforms from the perspective of screen reader users, to provide empirical data and the inferences necessary for improved accessibility of the metaverse environment. To this end, the two most representative metaverse platforms, ZEPETO and Roblox, were assessed. As a result of the assessment, it was found that, overall, the current metaverse platforms displayed very low accessibility compliance rate (23.1%). Specifically, for the metaverse platform interface, among the configuration elements employed in the preparation phase for using metaverse, 18.75% were ‘perceivable,’20.3%‘operable,’31.4% understandable,’and 21.9%‘robust.’However, it was practically impossible for the screen reader users to have access to the actual digital content delivered on the current metaverse platforms. To address this issue, a systematic approach is required, considering multifaceted aspects, including disability awareness, technical standardization, compatibility of underlying technologies, and user experience and interaction design.
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