The concept of the metaverse has captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts, futurists, and brands alike. This virtual realm, often associated with a convergence of digital and physical spaces, holds immense potential for businesses looking to engage with their audiences in new and exciting ways. In a recent discussion, we explored how brands are leveraging the metaverse and what the future might hold for this dynamic landscape.
Introducing Our Panel
Our panel consisted of experts from various domains, each offering a unique perspective on the metaverse and its applications:
- Mitchell Goldman from Volta XR, a platform specializing in interactive experiences, particularly within the music industry.
- Julien Paredes from Tropee, a software-as-a-service platform focused on creating contests, giveaways, and rewards to achieve business goals.
- Paul-David Osthuizen representing Made for Gamers, an aggregation platform for tooling, infrastructure, and service providers in the gaming and metaverse space.
- Virgile Mangiavillano from VR Future, a startup bridging the gap between web 3 and virtual reality with tokenized assets and VR content distribution.
Brands in the Metaverse: A Closer Look
As brands increasingly explore the metaverse, they are met with diverse opportunities and challenges. Here’s what our panelists had to say about this evolving landscape:
Navigating the Metaverse Ecosystem
Virgil emphasized the importance of blockchain technology, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies within the metaverse. These elements not only facilitate transactions but also certify ownership, making them integral components of this digital realm.
Mitchell highlighted how the metaverse provides a platform for brands to connect with younger demographics. Brands like Coca-Cola are leveraging the metaverse to engage with audiences and maintain cultural relevance, especially among the younger generation.
Julian emphasized that brands are now more focused on revenue generation within the metaverse. While PR and marketing remain crucial, the metaverse presents a real opportunity for businesses to generate tangible income through various models and partnerships.
Paul David added that brands must adapt their approach based on the platform they choose. Platforms like Roblox or Fortnite, with their massive user bases, are excellent for revenue-focused activations, while emerging web 3 platforms often require brands to provide unique value propositions to users.
Defining the Metaverse
The discussion delved into the concept of the metaverse itself. Is it a single, unified digital realm, or does it encompass various interconnected spaces? Here’s what our panelists had to say:
Virgil referred to the origin of the word “metaverse” and how it signifies a digital realm beyond the physical. He also highlighted its connection to web 3 and decentralization, envisioning it as a decentralized online ecosystem.
Julian took a more pragmatic approach, considering the metaverse as a digital realm where people interact and enjoy digital experiences. He stressed that it need not be defined by blockchain or NFTs but can encompass a broader spectrum of online interactions.
Paul David raised an essential point about tailoring brand activations to different metaverse platforms. He noted that web 3 platforms might require brands to provide value rather than focusing solely on revenue generation.
The Future of Metaverse Brand Activations
The metaverse presents a vast canvas for brands to paint their stories, engage with audiences, and create immersive experiences. Brands are finding their footing in this digital landscape, with strategies ranging from revenue generation to community building.
As the metaverse continues to evolve, brands will need to stay agile and adapt their approaches. Whether it’s hosting events in platforms like Roblox or building communities in emerging web 3 spaces, the metaverse is undoubtedly shaping the future of brand engagement.
In conclusion, the metaverse is a concept that defies easy definition. It encompasses a broad range of digital experiences, from immersive gaming environments to decentralized web 3 spaces. For brands, it represents a new frontier for creativity and engagement, where the rules are still being written. As technology continues to advance and user adoption grows, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting brand activations in the metaverse.
The metaverse is not just the future; it’s the present. Brands that embrace this digital realm and adapt to its unique characteristics will be well-positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates on how brands are navigating the metaverse and shaping the future of digital engagement.
Speaker links
Virgile Mangiavillano
https://www.linkedin.com/in/virgile-mangiavillano/
Mitchell Goldman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellbgoldman/
Paul-David Oosthuizen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldavidoosthuizen/
https://metaverse-summit.org/speakers/paul-david-oosthuizen/
Julien Paredes
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julien-paredes-metafroggy/
Ethan Pierse
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanpierse/
Blogpost
Podcast episode https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metaverse-summit/episodes/Panel-How-to-empower-your-Metaverse-activations-e2a1udn
Video
https://youtu.be/-XzZ0HVKUqU
Metaverse Summit
https://www.linkedin.com/company/metaversesummit
https://mobile.twitter.com/metaverse_conf
https://t.me/metaversesummit
https://www.facebook.com/metaversesummit
www.metaverse-summit.org