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Metaverse for Business

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By Daria Fedko
12 min read
27.10.2022
metaverse for business

Businesses now have much more opportunities to thrive, mainly thanks to technology. Companies wishing to fully adjust to the modern world can act differently, from creating a simple branded web page to an eCommerce store to something even more profound, like the Metaverse!

The Metaverse is still a dark horse, although with a promising future. And while some brands keep an eye on it, numerous businesses have already been operating in the Metaverse. This article will provide the Metaverse’s nuts and bolts from the business perspective along the ways to get into a simulated environment and reach your endeavors.

What Does Metaverse Mean for Businesses

The Metaverse has the potential to change the way businesses operate. For example, brands will no longer need to build physical stores. Instead, they can create virtual venues where consumers can visit and purchase items. It could save enterprises a lot of money on rent, utilities, and other associated expenses.

A simulated environment could also change the way businesses interact with customers. In the physical world, enterprises are limited by geography. But in the Metaverse, companies can reach clients anywhere in the world, tapping into new markets and expanding their customer base.

Of course, the Metaverse concept is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately impact businesses. But there’s no doubt that the Metaverse has the potential to change the way firms operate and interact with customers.

The Six Main Components of the Metaverse

The Metaverse comprises six key components: economy, interoperability, governance, identity, experience, and persistence. Each of these elements is essential to the functioning of the Metaverse and contributes to its unique appeal. Let us look closely at each attribute and what makes the Metaverse such a special place.

Economy

The Metaverse economy is powered by cryptocurrencies, NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and blockchain technology. These assets allow users to buy, sell, and trade virtual goods and services within the Metaverse.

As an entrepreneur, you have excellent chances to settle in a new economy. The virtual space’s strengths include its decentralized nature, user-generated content, and blockchain-powered security.

Interoperability

Another key feature of the Metaverse is interoperability, letting people and businesses interact in a way impossible in the physical world.

However, one of the biggest challenges with interoperability is keeping, storing, and securing large chunks of data. The Metaverse will generate a massive amount of data, and corporations must ensure that this data is kept secure.

Another challenge is making sure that the Metaverse is accessible to everyone. Companies need to make sure that the Metaverse is inclusive and that everyone has the opportunity to participate in it.

Governance

Since the Metaverse is online and global, no centralized location or jurisdiction can enforce rules and regulations. It means that enforcement must be done case by case. Due to the global and decentralized nature of the Metaverse, businesses and individuals operating in it are not subject to the same regulations as they are in the physical world. It can create many issues, as businesses may inadvertently break rules they are unaware of.

On the other side of the spectrum, a simulated environment presents multiple unique opportunities for governance. One of the biggest strengths of the Metaverse is its potential for taxation. Unlike the physical world, where businesses are taxed based on location, brands in the Metaverse can be taxed based on revenue. It would allow governments to collect taxes from firms operating in the Metaverse without waiting for them to settle in their jurisdiction.

Identity

The Metaverse offers many opportunities for users to create and manage their and their employees’ digital identities. Digital identities in the Metaverse are not subject to the same restrictions as real-world identities. For example, users can create avatars that are not constrained by their physical appearance or gender. It can give users greater freedom and flexibility when interacting with others in the virtual world.

There are many advantages to using a trustworthy digital identity in the Metaverse. For example, users who use reliable digital IDs can access a broader range of online services and purchase from vetted companies. In addition, credible virtual documents can help protect users from identity theft and fraud.

Experience

The online universe is a highly aesthetic and visually exciting space. The user interface is clean and easy to use, and the possibilities for exploration are endless, especially when pairing a simulated landscape with virtual reality headsets.

Many different experiences are available in the Metaverse, from social interaction to gaming to creative exploration. In other words, it is where people can come together to create and share new experiences. And importantly, this immersive experience doubles the chances of winning customers and improving their loyalty and retention.

Persistence

A simulated universe is an always-on, digital environment that is constantly evolving and expanding. Even when someone logs off from the Metaverse, the developing process continues. That’s why persistence is one of the Metaverse’s strengths, as it allows for a richer and more captivating encounter.

However, it also presents some difficulties. For example, it can be laborious to keep track of all the changes that are taking place. As the trend expands, it may become increasingly arduous for individuals to find and connect with others who share their interests.

How Metaverse Can Help Businesses

Metaverse can help enterprises in several ways. Here are just a few:

Enriching the consumer experience

fashion brands metaverse
Source: texfash.com

In the Metaverse, companies can offer clients unique encounters impossible in the real world. For example, consumers could try on virtual clothes before they buy them, or they could test-drive a virtual car.

Introducing virtual products, only available in the Metaverse

Companies can offer products that are available in the Metaverse exclusively. For example, a company could only sell a digitally signed product in a simulated landscape. The same goes for marketing physical and digital products and services companies.

Collecting new data on customers

Brands can collect and use new customer data to improve products and services in the virtual world. For example, a company could track how customers interact with a product before they purchase it to study the behavioral component.

Supporting metaverse payments and finance

It’s also possible to support transactions and similar activities in the Metaverse. For instance, a company could provide a payment gateway for virtual goods or services.

Offering hardware and applications that support metaverse ventures

The Metaverse allows enterprises to provide hardware and applications that support in-app activities. For example, a company could develop a virtual reality headset that can be used to experience the Metaverse.

Launching virtual events

events in metaverse
Source: deasilex.com

With the Metaverse, brands can launch virtual concerts that are realistic and engaging. This technology can provide an all-embracing experience for fans and generate new income channels for companies.

Providing overarching entertainment

Companies can reside in the Metaverse and provide various entertaining adventures. It might include video games, movies, television shows, and music. The technology’s flexibility lets brands create and distribute content interchangeably.

Surging client engagement

The Metaverse can enhance customer engagement by letting businesses create custom environments and avatars for their followers. Besides, firms can quickly deliver targeted content and personalized messages.

Collaborating or working distantly

Brands can remotely cooperate or work thanks to the Metaverse. This technology allows users to hold meetings, share documents, and provide training. Consequently, brands can build a better rapport with their workers and customers.

Upgrading training and learning

Improving training and learning by providing a more interactive and engaging experience is an easy task for a virtual space. Businesses can operate in the Metaverse to create custom settings and profiles for their workers, making them more relaxed and integral to the workforce.

Branding, promoting, and advertising products uniquely

The Metaverse provides businesses with an exceptional opportunity to brand, promote, and advertise their products. They can use the Metaverse to deliver personalized commercials and lure clients into the digital surrounding and store.

Buying, selling, or renting digital real estate

The Metaverse empowers businesses to do numerous actions with digital real estate, selling and buying or renting it for others for various events and conferences. It could include office space, retail space, or virtual land. It is an excellent way to expand reach and operations.

Targeting novel revenue streams

Finally, the Metaverse empowers companies to target new revenue streams. It could include subscription services, pay-per-view content, or in-app purchases, offering a fantastic opportunity for corporations to generate new sources of income.

Existing Metaverse Platforms

A few platforms are already part of the Metaverse. The most well-known and multifaceted are:

  • Sandbox: Sandbox lets users experiment without restriction and worrying about damaging the underlying system. It is in contrast to most games or software, which place some limits on what users can do.
  • Second Life: Second Life is a famous online virtual world that allows users to create avatars, explore, and interact with other users. Businesses can leverage Second Life by creating storefronts, holding events, and delivering customer support.
  • Somnium Space: Somnium Space is a digital platform where businesses can create, explore, and monetize their content. Brands can use Somnium Space to design virtual experiences and promote branded items.
  • Cryptovoxels: Cryptovoxels is a decentralized platform built on the Ethereum blockchain. People can use Cryptovoxels to complete various actions, like advertising goods or having fun.
  • Decentraland: Decentraland is a decentralized virtual reality platform centered on the Ethereum blockchain. Businesses can use Decentraland to design and sell their applications and content.
  • Roblox: Roblox is a popular online game platform that allows users to create and play games. Roblox primarily focuses on building games and different events and concerts, becoming a go-to channel for celebrities and renowned brands to use.

Top Metaverse Business Use Cases

Since the Metaverse is a new way of thinking about online interactions, companies are already exploring its potential. Here are some of the top business use cases:

  • Tourism. The Metaverse offers a unique and immersive way to explore new destinations virtually. For example, Region and CityExpeditions offer realistic, 3D simulations of real-world locations that allow users to study them at their own pace. These applications can be beneficial for travelers who want to get a feel for a destination before they book a trip.
  • Education. Academia is yet another venue for successful Metaverse applications. For example, ClassVR is an educational platform that uses virtual reality to provide an overarching and interactive learning experience. With ClassVR, students can visit different historical eras, locations, and planets to learn about them hands-on.
  • Games. The Metaverse is also home to numerous popular games. For example, Rec Room is a social VR game that allows users to play various games, including paintball, laser tag, and charades. Similarly, VRChat is another social VR game that lets users interact with each other in virtual settings, including a range of user-created worlds.
  • Fashion. The Metaverse can also be used as a platform for virtual fashion shows. For instance, Second Life is home to fashion designers who host regular shows featuring their latest ideas.
  • Networking. The digital world lets companies build professional connections. For example, LinkedIn has created a virtual reality application to attend events and meet other experts in diverse environments.
  • Commerce. Finally, the Metaverse can also be a platform for commerce. Amazon has built a virtual reality shopping application that allows people to browse and purchase products in a 3D environment.

Start a Business in the Metaverse

As a business, you have two main options for entering the Metaverse: creating a unique environment or organizing your presence in the existing digital world.

Creating own Metaverse

The first step for businesses would be identifying the purpose or goals for creating their Metaverse. It could be for training and simulation purposes, to develop an interactive customer experience, or to build a new online market or social platform. Once the intent is clear, consider the technical aspects of building a setting. It includes the 3D virtual world engine, the hosting environment, and the graphics rendering capabilities.

You should also develop or acquire digital assets that will populate your Metaverse. These could be 3D models of products, buildings, or landscapes. And notably, remember to promote your Metaverse to attract users and ensure it is accessible on different devices.

Organizing your presence in the existing Metaverse

The first step would be identifying the existing Metaverses best suited to your goals or target market. Then, design one-of-a-kind avatars or digital representations. They can help facilitate interaction, explore the Metaverse, and participate in activities.

You must also think of ways to promote your presence in the Metaverse and ensure your branded avatars are easily recognizable. And remember to monitor and manage your presence in the digital world and ensure a positive user experience.

Conclusion

Even though the Metaverse is not (yet) in the limelight, businesses should consider entering it sooner rather than later. The Metaverse offers a way for brands to increase their bottom line by creating a more fascinating and interactive experience for their customers. With the right approach, businesses can build stronger customer relationships and increase loyalty.

If you’re curious about how your enterprise can enter the Metaverse, look no further than WE/AR Studio. We provide trusted and practical solutions to help your business seamlessly transition. Contact us at hello@wear-studio.com today to learn more about how we can help you enter the Metaverse and take your company to the next level.