Gaming and the metaverse seem like a perfect fit.  What makes the metaverse an attractive platform for gaming?  What opportunities exist for gaming and the metaverse?

Why the Metaverse May Be a Good Platform for Gaming

Gaming has always been a good candidate for virtual reality (VR).  In fact, VR is a major component of online games.  A recent survey quoted in XR Today noted that 59% of respondents believe that gaming will dominate VR, while 64% said that gaming has the highest potential to benefit from VR.[1]  One of the main components of the metaverse is VR.  Therefore, it is only natural to pair gaming and the metaverse. 

The metaverse takes gaming one step further.  VR is usually stand-alone and two-dimensional, however, the metaverse allows for a 3-D, 360-degree interactive platform where gamers can interact with one another.  The next iteration may be a gaming platform where users can navigate between games with the same users, use the same avatar, and carry over wins.

Why Gaming May Be Good for the Metaverse

Gaming holds potential advantages that may be beneficial for metaverse platforms.  Gaming keeps audiences engaged for long periods of time, according to Venture Beat.[2]  This in-depth engagement is attractive because it may cause people to return, particularly to your realm or a virtual world within the metaverse.  Venture Beat went on to note that people are spending more time playing games on their phones than before the pandemic.  At the same time, gaming is generating more revenue with a smaller audience than social media.

From Media Channel to Sales Channel

Communications company WPP highlights that gaming is a great place for companies to look for fresh audiences, particularly younger consumers.[3]  Animal Crossing, a popular online game, saw brands such as Valentino, Tommy Hilfiger, and Marc Jacobs contribute looks for avatars in the game, with others, such as H&M, appearing on the platform. According to WPP, consumers are spending real money to express themselves digitally.  Furthermore, Louis Vuitton launched an interactive game in the metaverse, Louis the Game, to celebrate 200 years since the birth of its founder while Wendy’s integrated avatars into Fortnite.

The integration of tokens into gaming may provide a way for gamers to earn digital currencies on a gaming platform, trade them in token form, and transfer the value into real-world currencies through crypto exchanges.

Strong Growth Expected for Gaming

The gaming industry is predicted to reach annual revenues of $178 billion by 2025.[4]  Given the potential synergies, growth in global gaming has the potential to be positive for metaverse companies.

[1] Gaming in the Metaverse: The Next Frontier, XR Today, 12/29/21

[2] Takashashi, Dean, Gaming Will Lead Us to the Metaverse, Venture Beat, 1/26/22

[3] Herbach, Christina, Gaming and the Metaverse, WPP, 10/6/21

[4] Caselin, Ben, More Playing and Less Earning Will Make Better Metaverse Games, Cointelegraph, 2/19/22