With the launch of Vans World on Roblox, Vans joins other brands betting on the metaverse. Tapping into Gen Alphas and Zers' preference for virtual self-expression, the activation signals a shift in brands’ metaverse strategy, prioritising the long game of community-building over fleeting PR stunts.

Following in the footsteps of bitcoin, NFTs have gained a place in mainstream consciousness. Axie Infinity is a play-to-earn game that gives people an opportunity to create and cultivate in-game characters and collectibles, which they can sell on cryptocurrency exchanges and use to earn a living.

Louis Vuitton is bringing the history of the fashion house to life with a game combining NFT art with the brand’s heritage. As digital mediums grow in commercial significance, traditional brands are looking for ways to keep their narratives connecting with a younger, digitally savvy audience.

As the reality of the metaverse comes nearer, companies are attempting to create a way into that world. Facebook is well placed to create an accessible entry point to the next level of the internet and Horizon is its attempt to offer an immersive VR world for socializing, home working, and beyond.