For over four decades, G-SHOCK has captivated fans with its unmatched shock resistance and iconic designs. Now, get ready for an exhilarating new chapter as Casio introduces "G-SHOCK in VRChat," a virtual world store dedicated to the G-SHOCK brand. Opening its doors on October 6, this immersive experience transports G-SHOCK enthusiasts into a cutting-edge metaverse.
Embracing the Metaverse to Expand the G-SHOCK Community
As one of Casio's core businesses, watches hold a special place in the brand's legacy. Kazuharu Ashikaga, the driving force behind this metaverse project, shares, "We are venturing into the VR metaverse to expand the G-SHOCK fan base, leveraging our brand's power and creating new frontiers in the watch industry."
The VR metaverse offers a plethora of social platforms, and after careful exploration, VRChat emerged as the ideal location for the G-SHOCK VR metaverse store. Ashikaga explains, "VRChat's versatility and ability to handle diverse digital data, including Casio's 3D watch models, make it the perfect fit. Moreover, VRChat attracts users from across the globe who possess a keen interest in metaverse entertainment."
The Birth of G-SHOCK World in VRChat
VRChat is a dynamic environment where companies create immersive "worlds" for users to engage and interact with one another through their avatars. Casio recognized the unique avatar culture within the metaverse, where users revel in fashion by adorning digital items through their avatars.
"G-SHOCK has always been adored as a fashion statement. In the metaverse, we saw an opportunity to offer added value as a wristwatch that avatars proudly wear," Ashikaga remarks.
With a mission to attract new G-SHOCK fans through VR experiences and establish a metaverse market for wristwatches, Ashikaga's development team embraced two key challenges within VRChat.
Firstly, they created a dedicated "world" for G-SHOCK, going beyond the traditional rules of VRChat for manufacturers. Casio forged a direct partnership with VRChat, paving the way for the launch of a fully immersive G-SHOCK world—a virtual store within VRChat designed to showcase the allure of G-SHOCK.
Secondly, the team expanded the range of G-SHOCK avatar items. Within this virtual world, they meticulously reproduced the renowned "G-SHOCK STORE SHIBUYA" and introduced a collaboration with pixiv's "BOOTH," a comprehensive marketplace for creative works. This collaboration brings an official shop to the metaverse, offering a wide array of 3D G-SHOCK items.
Immerse Yourself in MY G-SHOCK's Shibuya Store in VRChat
Through these bold endeavors, Casio aims to cultivate new G-SHOCK fans and pioneer a flourishing wristwatch market within the metaverse. They are committed to delivering a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be relished in this digital realm, pushing the boundaries of what G-SHOCK watches can offer.
G-SHOCK fans now have the opportunity to explore a virtual world dedicated to their beloved brand and interact with fellow enthusiasts in an entirely new and captivating manner. Casio's foray into the VR metaverse not only showcases their dedication to innovation but also their profound understanding of the ever-evolving digital landscape. Get ready to step into the future with G-SHOCK's MetaVerse Museum, where the possibilities are limitless!
