The metaverse may have lost some of its initial buzz, but big brands like McDonald’s, IKEA, and the government of Wales are still diving into the virtual world. Facebook’s rebrand as Meta was driven by Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of virtual worlds where people can work and play, but the aggressive investment in building its metaverse has yet to show significant results. Reality Labs, Meta’s division responsible for this technology, lost $3.8 billion in the first quarter of this year alone. Despite setbacks, companies like Disney and Epic Games are still making moves in the metaverse, with Disney investing $1.5 billion in Epic Games for a new persistent universe.
McDonald’s Singapore recently launched a virtual world called My Happy Place within its app, offering users the chance to win prizes and free meals. IKEA is also getting in on the action, with a virtual universe on Roblox that allows players to work at IKEA and experience different roles within the company. Players can even earn real money for participating in the game. The government of Wales has established a presence in the metaverse, offering a virtual experience of Welsh destinations and attractions to inspire visitors to come in real life.
With each of these projects announced in recent months, it’s clear that interest in the metaverse is still going strong. As virtual reality technology becomes more accessible, more consumers may be inclined to explore virtual worlds and experiences. The metaverse is not just a passing fad but a growing trend that big brands and even governments are investing in to engage with customers and promote their offerings in innovative ways. Whether it’s building virtual worlds for entertainment, gaming, or tourism, the metaverse offers endless possibilities for brands to connect with audiences in new and exciting ways.
Discussion about this post