Nowadays, companies have to constantly find and set up new methods of communicating with customers. A growing number of businesses are adopting synthetic worlds – computer-based simulated environments – to connect with customers or interact with employees. Some companies have developed innovative ways to integrate virtual world technologies into their business model, effectively generating value for their business.

Within the next five years, synthetic worlds are predicted to become dominant channels with significant potential to drive brand building. Companies already established in these interactive environments will win competitive advantage in terms of both innovation and growth.

But, the decision for a business to enter into a virtual world carries risk and a high element of entering into the unknown, and therefore demands rigorous assessment. To help companies navigate this little known area, Deloitte has developed a practical approach that takes a long-term strategic view of synthetic worlds as a new route to the emerging online consumer market.

To find out more about our three-step approach for businesses interested in entering virtual worlds, download our publication Breathing a Second Life into synthetic worlds. (PDF, 87KB)