In the wake of lockdown restrictions and Britons’ inability to physically explore long-dreamed-about holiday destinations, what impact has virtual reality had on the tourism sector and how will it continue to feature in people’s holiday planning and future travel experiences?

Faced with months of lockdown, life simulator video games have surged in popularity, offering escapism, catharsis, and a supportive community. But The Sims Spark’d – a reality TV show that blurs the line between players and in-game avatars – confronts the uglier elements of gaming culture.

2015 will see an avalanche of virtual reality devices appear in the mass market, with the likes of Sony, Google, Facebook and Microsoft targeting gamers across the globe. The technology may now be an attainable reality, but will it be used for anything beyond video games?

Gamers are used to spending on virtual goods to customise characters and unlock additional content, but how would they feel about IRL brands existing in these environments? As fashion labels seek to capture the next generation of luxe shoppers, how can they engage gamers in an authentic way?