The world of Ecommerce and digital marketing is set to undergo a gradual but dramatic change, with the advent of the Metaverse set to transform our digital lives.
If, like many of us, you’re a regular user of social media, gaming platforms, or other online services, it’s likely you’ve come across the term ‘Metaverse’ already.
Broadly speaking, the term ‘Metaverse’ is used to appropriate a vision of how the internet will look in the future, specifically in relation to augmented reality, virtual spaces, and other ways of interacting with the online world.
If you’re interested in how the metaverse will work, what it will look like, and how it will change online shopping then read on: here’s everything you need to know about the changes set to be made to your online universe.
What is the Metaverse?
Despite sounding like a new phrase, the term ‘metaverse’ was originally used in 1992 by the author Neal Stephenson, denoting something similar to the augmented and virtual worlds we are set to see in the future.
If you’re familiar with games such as World of Warcraft, Second Life, or the Sims, then you’ll already have an idea of what you can expect from new online environments.
If you’re not familiar with these, the essential comparison is the way in which these games consist of a virtual world that is shared by users through digital avatars.
Worlds such as these are becoming increasingly popular, meaning the opportunities for new types of Ecommerce and digital marketing are starting to develop.
Such developments are not only set to change the way you shop online, but will also make a difference to digital marketing, socialising, and the way you engage with events, especially with virtual reality headsets becoming increasingly popular.
How will it change online shopping?
Even though we have been shopping online for years, the metaverse is set to change this in different ways, many of which are difficult to accurately predict.
That said, examples of where things are headed are already with us, not least through Amazon’s augmented reality tool ‘Home Décor’, a platform that allows the camera on your phone to place furniture in your home to see whether it will fit.
It is thought that augmented reality tools such as this will blend the competing conveniences of online and offline shopping, allowing consumers to feel more certain of their choices whilst lowering requests for refunds and returns for retailers.
If you’re interested in how such developments could benefit your business and need advice from an Ecommerce development agency, contact Studio Coact today.
What Else is in Store?
A glimpse into the potential of the metaverse is set to hit us this coming March through ‘Metaverse Fashion Week’, a collection of virtual experiences being developed by Decentraland, a 3D virtual world browser.
It has been reported that virtual space related to this project has been sold for $2.4 million, with brands such as Gucci and Balenciaga exploring similar options, hosting digital collections through the platforms provided by a host of online gaming companies.
With such events and projects taking place throughout the early stages of the Metaverse, it is easy to see how it’s potential is limitless and hard to predict, especially in relation to online retail services.
For more information about how we can help you navigate this exciting new beginning, visit our website today.