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Virtual Couture And Gaming Avatars: Fashion Brands Are Collaborating With Developers To Bring Runway-Inspired Skins And Accessories Into Popular Online Games

Written by

Jorge Lucena

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Virtual reality continues to change how people interact with the world by bringing products to people’s homes at the tap of a button. Take casinos as an example. In the last few decades, players have been able to sign up on the best casino sites and enjoy the games as if they were in an actual casino. With virtual reality gaining traction, operators are now launching games that allow players to interact with the virtual game elements. Interestingly, they have borrowed most of the concepts from virtual couture, an industry that has been making waves in recent years. We look at how fashion brands have managed to set the pace in virtual reality by integrating fashion with games.  

Strategic Partnerships between Developers and Fashion Brands

Fashion appeals to people of all ages – after all, it is a way to express one’s individuality and style. But for many years, players in games had to make do with the same standard outfits that were available to everyone. Understandably, this was a source of frustration for the fashion-forward who wanted to embrace clothing that best suited their online gaming personalities. Fashion brands and developers found a way to meet this need in the following ways:

  1. Virtual Runways.

Fashion weeks always attract a lot of interest. After all, what beats a front-row seat to the latest fashion designs? Fashion brands have used these real-life scenarios to come up with virtual shows where they can show off their new designs to players. And the best part is that players can buy the outfits for their avatars, enabling them to be the fashion icons they truly are! 

  1. Exclusive Events.

Beyond virtual shows, players get numerous exclusive chances to level up their fashion. Games often include challenges during which the winners can unlock the chance to win outfits. In many of these cases, players also have the chance to buy the outfits, be it for real or virtual money. Since such events are usually few and far between, they often feature the most exclusive pieces that can help players stand out. 

  1. Customized Designs.

Have you ever had an idea for an outfit but could not find anything that matched it in the real world? Fashion designers have now found a way to bring such designs to life. Since virtual reality is not governed by the laws of physics or other barriers to fashion that are present in the real world, fashion designers can come up with pretty much anything. It’s quite common for designers to launch fantastical or futuristic outfits that align with the game’s theme. And when players adorn such outfits for their avatars, they cannot help but feel more immersed in the game.

  1. Collectibles.

In the physical world, many people make money by buying unique outfits and selling them at a profit. But is this possible in the virtual games? Why, yes! Thanks to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), players can buy limited-edition pieces from luxury brands and later sell them at a profit. Interestingly, some of these pieces fetch prices equivalent to or higher than the real-world items, making this quite a lucrative trade for anyone who plays their cards right.


How Have the Partnerships Worked Out?

Players have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to express their fashion sense even in the virtual world, which has resulted in the creation of a community where players can appreciate each other’s work. Game developers have also noticed an increase in their signup rates, player retention, and revenue generation, especially where the exclusive pieces appeal to their target audiences. It’s also safe to say that fashion brands have benefited a lot from these experiences. After all, they get to showcase their new designs, test new ideas, make money from their collectibles and accessories, and build brand awareness and loyalty, all while interacting with potential customers. Even brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton have jumped on this trend. We can sum this up as one of those situations where everyone gets a piece of the pie!

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