The evolution of Web3 technology has been astounding so far, with innovations knocking at the space every day. The metaverse is one such invention that has redefined how we go about our virtual lives in Web3. These virtual worlds allow people to express themselves using extended reality elements like AR and VR, although special devices aren’t necessarily required. Many global brands took up these worlds into their working strategy in an effort to stay relevant to the new-gen trends. This blog focuses on the top 10 brands running successful metaverse development projects and how entrepreneurs can tap into a brilliant opportunity.

1. Meta (Formerly Facebook)

The global tech giant Meta did arguably one of the classic moves to jump into the metaverse. The company’s change of names from Facebook to Meta signaled its transformation toward building its own metaverse. Meta already has Horizon Worlds, a VR-enabled platform, which the firm plans to improve into a full-fledged virtual world. The company also plans to involve elements such as non-fungible tokens across its existing platforms as a move to popularize Web3 before going full-fledged into metaverse applications.

2. Nike

The famous sportswear brand Nike ventured into the metaverse through Nikeland, a virtual store on the Roblox platform. Additionally, it acquired RTFKT, a company specializing in creating virtual sneaker NFTs. Both moves provided Nike with the much-needed kickstart to advance in the Web3 space. Due to its retail appeal, we can expect Nike to bring in phygital experiences to its loyal customers in many ways.

3. Hyundai

South Korea-based global automobile manufacturer Hyundai also forayed into the metaverse space with Hyundai Mobility Adventure, a game inside the Roblox ecosystem. The company has targeted this platform toward the Gen-Z population to build its brand presence while offering them opportunities to learn the related technologies involved. The carmaker’s metaverse also provides experiences on sustainable transportation in the future, offering an idea of how transportation works in an environmentally-friendly world.

4. Samsung

Samsung, a global leader in communication devices, has entered the metaverse realm with a virtual store named 837x. Modeled after the real-world Samsung outlet at 837 Washington Street, New York City, this Decentraland-based metaverse platform offers gamified experiences to users. A user can explore, participate in missions, win rewards, and purchase NFTs inside the 837x platform. The brand has said the application will have regular upgrades to cater to the needs of the evolving tech-savvy consumers.

5. Adidas

German-based global sportswear firm Adidas has delved into the Web3 space with its own and collaborative NFT collections in OpenSea. These included works with popular collections such as Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). The metaverse venture of Adidas primarily focuses on the brand’s original expertise — sportswear. People can style their avatars with digital apparel NFTs (part of the Ethereum-native Into the Metaverse collection) they can use inside the virtual world. The brand even offered redeemable NFTs that users can burn to have the products’ physical version.

6. Nvidia

A giant in graphics card manufacturing, it would be wrong if Nvidia didn’t step into metaverse development. The company has been developing Omniverse, a tool that enterprises can use to create their own metaverse spaces. The Omniverse tool helps businesses to create rich metaverse applications using the Universal Scene Description (USD) protocol that can help in developing large-scale virtual worlds. This move from Nvidia is undoubtedly a breakthrough for startups and individual creators aspiring to adopt Web3 technology for business.

7. Microsoft

Although currently famous for its backing of OpenAI, Microsoft had its share in the metaverse much earlier. By acquiring the gaming company Activision Blizzard, Microsoft signaled its arrival into the metaverse business space. The company also created Mesh, an instant avatar generator, where users can represent themselves in the most life-like way possible through Holoportation, its mixed reality product. Users can also create graphic avatars and customize them to suit their appearances. It should be noted that Microsoft’s Mesh can be accessed from various devices.

8. Adobe

Adobe, a leading software tool provider, has ventured into the metaverse business space with tools like Aero and Substance 3D. The firm also partnered with Ben & Jerry’s to provide virtual photography and the Smithsonian Museum for an augmented reality experience. The company’s tools ensure users the products they create using its tools can be traced and find how they were edited. Its collaboration with Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) helps with the purpose.

9. H&M

As a multi-national fashion brand, H&M’s metaverse development campaign began with virtual clothing that later expanded into a virtual store. The brand focuses on making virtual fashion accessible to all through its initiatives. H&M also promotes the mantra that shoppers will be the designers, taking garment customization to the next level. These apparel can be used by people to flaunt on social media and for use in video games and virtual worlds.

10. Starbucks

You might’ve already heard that the global coffee chain’s Starbucks Odessey NFT collection has been performing great in the secondary market. The NFT collection comes with numerous benefits in both the virtual and real worlds, including a trip to Costa Rican coffee farms. The brand advertises its Web3 foray as an extension of its existing rewards program. With a lot expected from the collection in the future, it wouldn’t be surprising if users could have their favorite cup of coffee in the virtual world while a physical equivalent gets delivered to their doorstep.

Conclusion: How Brands Utilize Metaverse Development

Thus, we have seen how the top 10 brands in the metaverse tap the underlying technology smartly to appeal to new-age consumers. Their metaverse development campaigns primarily focus on offering unparalleled user experiences in virtual and physical worlds while keeping the barriers low for entry. The same applies to any entrepreneur should they focus on the ever-evolving consumer community. If you’re someone looking to begin a business on the metaverse, this is the right time to start building, as the Web3 market is rebuilding itself after a harsh winter phase. Collect your ideas, build, and launch a metaverse platform for your business to brighten your prospects in the future.