Social gaming platform Roblox, which was built by players for players, has boomed during the pandemic. Designed to connect children to their friends through fun, interactive and collaborative video games, it has become one of lockdown’s biggest success stories.

During the pandemic more people found escape in virtual worlds, donning secondary identities that they were free to manipulate however they wished. Playing into this, Roblox debuted 'Gucci Garden', where avatars become genderless mannequins as they embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Governments and businesses are increasingly using virtual spaces to access and stay relevant with digitally native Gen Zers. That’s why South Korean culture minister Hwang Hee has been discussing the future of cultural policy with young artists at an event held in the metaverse.

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.