What experiences can the metaverse enable?

This blog post has been written by the person who has mapped the metaverse market in a clean and beautiful presentation

The metaverse has moved beyond hype to deliver measurable commercial success across gaming, retail, enterprise applications, and virtual events. With 700 million monthly active users spending nearly 2 hours daily in virtual worlds, the ecosystem is generating $183 billion in gaming revenues alone.

Seven distinct revenue streams are driving growth: in-world purchases (45% of platform revenue), virtual commerce ($100 billion in 2025), industrial digital twins ($150 billion projected by 2035), virtual events ($2 billion in ticketing), enterprise training solutions, token economies, and advertising placements. And if you need to understand this market in 30 minutes with the latest information, you can download our quick market pitch.

What are the most commercially successful metaverse use cases in 2025, and what revenue figures support them?

Gaming platforms dominate with $183 billion in global revenues, representing over one-third of total metaverse spending.

Roblox leads with 55 million daily active users, generating revenue through its Creator Fund that pays developers based on engagement metrics and in-world purchases. Notably, 60% of Roblox users now engage in non-gaming activities like shopping and socializing, expanding beyond traditional gaming monetization.

Virtual commerce has reached $100 billion in 2025, driven by major brands creating immersive storefronts. Nike's Nikeland on Roblox delivered a 30% uplift in digital revenue in 2024, while Gucci's virtual fashion drops across Roblox and The Sandbox are projected to contribute 10% to its digital revenues by 2025. Virtual fitting rooms powered by AR technology are forecast to generate $13 billion by 2028.

Virtual events and concerts have created a $2 billion market through ticket sales and sponsorships. Platforms like Decentraland and VRChat host high-profile virtual concerts with immersive brand activations, while virtual conference sponsorships have become a significant revenue stream for event organizers.

The industrial metaverse represents the highest growth potential, with the market projected to reach $150 billion by 2035. Digital twins in manufacturing, logistics, and utilities are optimizing operations and reducing prototyping costs, with case studies showing 25% faster equipment maintenance and 30% reduction in training time.

Which industries are investing most heavily in metaverse experiences, and how will this evolve through 2026?

Gaming and entertainment lead investment with 35% of total metaverse funding, followed by technology companies at 17%.

The a16z Games Fund recently deployed $600 million specifically for metaverse gaming startups, while Intel Capital continues backing immersive entertainment platforms. Technology giants Meta, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Google collectively represent the largest corporate investors, focusing on infrastructure and platform development.

Retail and fashion account for 14% of investments, with Nike, Gucci, and H&M creating dedicated metaverse divisions. Manufacturing and logistics represent 12% of investment share, driven by companies like Siemens, Bosch, and Rolls-Royce developing industrial digital twin applications.

Healthcare and education capture 10% of funding, with Johnson & Johnson investing in surgical training simulations and Pearson Education developing virtual classrooms. Finance and real estate also hold 12% share, led by JPMorgan's virtual presence and CBRE's virtual property management services.

Venture and corporate funding is expected to grow 40% by end-2026 as 5G/6G networks, edge computing, and AI/ML capabilities enable richer experiences. Over the next five years, industrial and enterprise metaverse applications will outpace consumer entertainment in investment growth due to measurable ROI in operational efficiency.

If you want to build on this market, you can download our latest market pitch deck here

What user behavior patterns are emerging in metaverse platforms, and how are they monetized?

700 million monthly active users spend an average of 1 hour 48 minutes daily in metaverse environments, with participation patterns extending far beyond gaming.

Among US adults in 2025, 50% participate in free video games, 47% stream content, 34% engage in social interactions, and 29% participate in paid gaming. Non-gaming activities show significant growth: 24% visit virtual art galleries, 24% participate in fitness activities, 22% shop for virtual or physical goods, 22% attend virtual conferences, and 18% participate in brand events.

Platforms track monetization through multiple data points: session length, retention cohorts, in-world purchase uptake rates, advertisement impression counts, and blockchain-recorded token transactions. Advanced analytics measure user journey mapping from initial engagement to purchase conversion, with platforms optimizing for lifetime value rather than single-session metrics.

Token economies leverage blockchain ledgers for transparency in secondary-market trading of NFTs and virtual real estate. This creates verifiable scarcity and ownership rights, enabling users to profit from virtual asset appreciation while platforms earn transaction fees typically ranging from 2.5% to 10% per trade.

Need a clear, elegant overview of a market? Browse our structured slide decks for a quick, visual deep dive.

Which technologies enable the most compelling metaverse experiences today?

Five core technologies drive current metaverse capabilities, with VR headsets providing full immersion through spatial audio and haptic feedback.

What infrastructure limitations prevent broader metaverse adoption, and who is solving them?

Device form-factor remains the primary barrier, with current AR glasses too bulky for mainstream fashion acceptance and VR headsets causing fatigue during extended use.

Display resolution and optics quality lag behind consumer expectations, particularly for text reading and fine detail work in virtual environments. Network latency must drop below 20 milliseconds for seamless interaction, while current 5G networks provide only partial relief in urban areas.

Meta's Reality Labs is developing next-generation mixed-reality prototypes focused on reducing weight and improving visual clarity. IDTechEx tracks advances in micro-OLED displays and pancake lens optics that could enable true all-day wearable devices by 2027.

Connectivity solutions are advancing through Wi-Fi 7 implementation and decentralized routing protocols. Syntropy is trialing mesh networking to reduce latency, while Broadcom is developing Wi-Fi 7 chips specifically optimized for high-bandwidth immersive applications.

Vuzix leads the commercial AR glasses market with enterprise-focused solutions, while consumer-ready lightweight glasses remain 18-24 months away according to industry roadmaps. Edge computing deployment by AWS, Microsoft, and Google is addressing latency issues by processing data closer to users.

How are consumer expectations for immersive experiences evolving beyond gaming?

Consumers demand seamless, device-agnostic experiences with 70% of prospective users citing ease of use as their primary concern.

Virtual travel experiences are gaining traction as consumers seek cost-effective alternatives to physical tourism, with platforms offering photorealistic recreations of historical sites and exotic locations. Fitness applications now include AI-powered personal trainers and social workout sessions that maintain engagement through gamification elements.

Educational content spans from language learning with native speakers in virtual environments to professional skill development through hands-on simulations. Medical consultations in virtual environments are being tested for mental health therapy and rehabilitation programs.

Data privacy concerns affect over 50% of potential users, who express reluctance to share personal information in virtual worlds. This has led to demand for decentralized identity solutions and privacy-preserving analytics that don't require personal data collection.

Cross-platform compatibility has become essential, with users expecting their avatars, purchases, and achievements to transfer between different metaverse platforms. This interoperability challenge is driving development of universal standards and middleware solutions.

If you want clear data about this market, you can download our latest market pitch deck here

What B2B metaverse applications show the strongest measurable outcomes?

Enterprise training applications deliver the highest ROI, with safety and crisis training reducing incidents by 40% across industries.

What demographic and regional trends define current metaverse usage?

Generation Z and Millennials drive adoption with 65% engaging weekly, while Southeast Asia shows the highest regional adoption rates globally.

Age demographics reveal that users under 16 comprise 80% of VR platform usage, indicating strong early adoption among digital natives. Gender distribution shows men are nearly three times more likely to participate than women, representing a significant opportunity for platforms targeting female audiences.

Regional adoption varies dramatically, with Southeast Asian countries leading: Indonesia at 55.5% adoption, Philippines at 38.5%, Malaysia at 37.3%, and Thailand at 30.7%. These markets benefit from mobile-first infrastructure and strong gaming cultures that translate to metaverse engagement.

North America and Europe generate the highest revenues per user but show slower growth rates. Asia-Pacific demonstrates the fastest user growth with 50% CAGR projected through 2030, driven by improving internet infrastructure and increasing smartphone penetration.

Wondering who's shaping this fast-moving industry? Our slides map out the top players and challengers in seconds.

Which platforms show the highest developer activity and funding growth?

Roblox, Unity, and Unreal Engine lead developer ecosystem growth, with a16z's $600 million Games Fund driving startup investment.

Developer activity metrics show Roblox hosting over 40 million experiences created by 9.5 million developers, with the platform's Creator Fund distributing $500 million to developers in 2024. Unity reports 1.5 million monthly active creators building metaverse applications, while Unreal Engine powers 62% of enterprise metaverse projects.

Funding sources include Meta's $50 million Horizon Creator Fund, which incentivizes content creation based on user engagement and retention metrics. Intel Capital actively invests in infrastructure startups, while Venture Reality Fund focuses on early-stage VR/AR companies.

Monetization models vary by platform: Roblox takes 30% of in-world purchases, Unity charges licensing fees for enterprise use, and Horizon Worlds experiments with creator revenue sharing. In-world purchases consistently generate 45% of total platform revenue across all major platforms.

Developer tools and SDKs are rapidly improving, with Meta releasing advanced hand tracking APIs, Unity introducing cloud-based collaboration features, and Epic Games expanding Unreal Engine's metaverse capabilities through its $2 billion funding round.

If you want to build or invest on this market, you can download our latest market pitch deck here

What regulatory challenges shape metaverse experience design across different markets?

Data jurisdiction, content moderation, and child protection represent the primary regulatory concerns affecting platform design and operation.

The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) requires real-time content moderation and transparent algorithmic decision-making for platforms with over 45 million users. This forces metaverse platforms to implement AI-driven safety systems and human oversight for virtual environments operating 24/7 across global jurisdictions.

Cross-border law enforcement creates complexity when virtual crimes or harassment occur between users in different countries. Platforms must comply with varying age verification requirements, with some jurisdictions requiring biometric verification while others accept self-declaration.

Intellectual property rights in virtual assets remain unclear, particularly regarding user-generated content and NFT ownership. AMINA Research highlights gaps in consumer protection laws for virtual goods that may lose value or become inaccessible due to platform changes.

Privacy regulations like GDPR require explicit consent for data collection in virtual environments, while COPPA restrictions limit data gathering from users under 13. This creates technical challenges for platforms that need behavioral data to optimize experiences while protecting user privacy.

What business models generate the highest returns in metaverse monetization?

In-world purchases dominate with 45% of total platform revenue, outperforming subscriptions, advertising, and token economies.

• Virtual Asset Sales: Digital clothing, avatar accessories, and virtual real estate generate recurring revenue through scarcity mechanics and seasonal drops. Platforms typically retain 30% transaction fees.
• Subscription Models: Premium memberships offering enhanced creation tools, exclusive areas, and priority support. Average monthly fees range from $9.99 to $29.99 with 23% monthly churn rates.
• Advertising Placements: Branded virtual billboards, sponsored events, and product placements within virtual environments. CPM rates average $2-15 depending on user demographics and engagement levels.
• Token Economies: Platform-specific cryptocurrencies enabling governance participation and revenue sharing. Market volatility creates unpredictable revenue streams but enables user investment in platform success.
• Creator Revenue Sharing: Platforms take 30-50% of creator earnings from content sales, with top creators earning $100,000+ annually on major platforms.

Looking for the latest market trends? We break them down in sharp, digestible presentations you can skim or share.

What market gaps create opportunities for new entrants in 2025-2026?

Interoperability solutions represent the largest opportunity, with no current standard for avatar and asset portability between platforms.

Middleware providers can capture significant value by enabling cross-platform compatibility, allowing users to maintain consistent identities and possessions across different metaverse environments. This technical infrastructure layer could command 5-15% transaction fees on all cross-platform transfers.

Comfortable wearable hardware remains unaddressed, with current AR glasses too heavy for all-day use and VR headsets causing fatigue. Startups developing lightweight, fashionable AR glasses with 8+ hour battery life could capture early market share before tech giants release consumer products.

Content moderation tools for real-time safety in 3D environments lag behind 2D social media solutions. AI-driven moderation systems that understand spatial context, voice tone, and behavioral patterns in virtual spaces could serve the entire industry as SaaS solutions.

Enterprise-focused platforms offering customizable, secure virtual office suites with enterprise-grade privacy and compliance features represent a $50+ billion opportunity. Current consumer platforms lack the security and customization requirements for large enterprise adoption.

Localized experiences for high-growth APAC and Latin American markets remain underserved, with most platforms offering Western-centric content. Region-specific virtual worlds with local languages, cultural references, and payment methods could capture emerging market users before global platforms adapt.

Conclusion

Sources

1. SQ Magazine - Metaverse Statistics
2. Exploding Topics - Metaverse Statistics
3. Archyde - Meta Horizon Worlds Fund
4. IdeaUsher - Metaverse Development 2025
5. YouGov - Metaverse User Preferences 2025
6. AI Journal - Industrial Metaverse Market Report
7. Business Wire - Industrial Metaverse Report
8. CNBC - Metaverse Resurrection
9. Exploding Topics - Number of Metaverse Users
10. Virsabi - Metaverse 2025
11. Electronic Specifier - Metaverse Hardware Hurdles
12. IDTechEx - Hardware Hurdles Research
13. TechRepublic - Metaverse Infrastructure Requirements
14. Beyond Games - Metaverse Market Value
15. GMO Research - Southeast Asia Metaverse Study
16. Deloitte - Metaverse Regulations
17. ITU - Metaverse Guidelines
18. AMINA Group - Metaverse Regulation Research