Emerging consumer trends and brand opportunities in the metaverse
Wunderman Thompson Intelligence presents "Into the Metaverse," a new report exploring the consumer behaviors, business models and brand opportunities that are emerging as the metaverse takes shape.
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As more of our lives are spent online, it’s becoming harder and harder to distinguish “real” life from life lived digitally. “The smartphone is no longer just a device that we use,” says Daniel Miller, professor of anthropology at University College London. “It’s become the place where we live.”
We’re replicating our routines, interests and obsessions in digital worlds: from picking outfits for our avatars to wear and cars for them to drive to fostering virtual relationships and intimacy; from zoning digital land and constructing virtual homes to meeting friends at the virtual mall; and from hosting holographic meetings to pursuing the allure of a more equitable and inclusive society.
As our habits evolve, we’re outgrowing the bounds of the internet as it was first created—precipitating a new era of digital platforms. And yet, only 38% of global consumers have heard of the metaverse. It’s time to truly define what the metaverse is and establish a roadmap for entry.
The report covers emerging consumer trends and implications for brands and businesses, alongside original research conducted by Wunderman Thompson Data, exclusive interviews with 15 experts, the defining elements of the metaverse, case studies and brand takeaways.
Virtual possessions
The Fabricant x Puma
Consumers are replicating their physical daily habits in the virtual realm—assigning a growing value to digital assets and giving rise to new direct-to-avatar (D2A) business models.
Ryan Mullins
Founder and CEO, Aglet
Liminal spaces
SuperReal at Cipriani. Image courtesy of Moment Factory
Liminal spaces—blended virtual and physical experiences—are already revolutionizing the culture and art scenes. In future, expect to see similar blurred reality activations in retail spaces, brand hubs and business centers.
The metaverse is going to become part of our physical lives.
Founder and CEO of digital fashion house The Fabricant
Gamevertising
Vans World in Roblox
Bigger than the movie and music industries combined, gaming has become a playground for brands and marketers to connect with an engaged audience.
A lot of the traditional ways of marketing to young people are gone forever. Gaming is where they are.
New retail frontiers
Coach virtual showroom by Obsess
Digital-twin stores and augmented shopping experiences are paving the way for the next retail frontier—one that is intuitive, immersive and engaging.
IMVU
A digital reality that reflects the values and standards of our physical lives is in the making.
Think about creating a new online society but doing it right from day one.
Daren Tsui
CEO, Together Labs
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