With most live games cancelled and major international tournaments postponed, many sports fans sought out digital alternatives while COVID-19 kept them in their homes. As lockdown measures end and play resumes, which elements of virtual fandom are likely to stick around post-pandemic?

The pandemic has pushed gaming into the spotlight as people spend more time at home and try to manage their anxiety through virtual play. But despite the large – and growing – number of female players, developers have been slow to create games tailored to this audience. Enter HoloVista.

Somnium Space is an open virtual world for communication, e-commerce, and entertainment. From buying and selling land to earning cash streaming songs in the digital domain, as people look to create new opportunities and connections in virtual space, the potential of VR commerce is growing.

With people across the US increasingly self-isolating and staying inside, they’re finding innovative ways to socialize. Netflix Party is a Chrome browser extension that creates a sense of community and lets people watch their favourite movies and shows together even when they’re miles apart.