news 2022 5 min read
disguise launches Metaverse Solutions division enabling next-level extended reality experiences
We are launching our Metaverse Solutions division to enable the next generation of extraordinary live, virtual production and audiovisual location-based experiences for the metaverse.
The recent rise of real-time 3D graphics rendering capabilities in gaming platforms means that today’s audiences are craving richer, more immersive experiences that are delivered via the metaverse. While the metaverse is already defined as an $8 trillion dollar opportunity by Goldman Sachs, companies are still finding it challenging to navigate the technical elements needed to start building metaverse experiences.
disguise Metaverse Solutions will build on already existing disguise solutions that empower live events, audiovisual, location-based experiences and virtual production content in order to allow businesses to start taking advantage of the unique opportunities the metaverse has to offer.
Launched within the past two years, our market-leading extended reality (xR) workflow has powered over 600 productions in over 50 countries. These include the delivery of live events in the metaverse, such as Kaskade’s in Fortnite and Rocket League as part of its Llama-Rama event series as well as supporting launches for major brands like Gucci and Ferrari.
Read our case study on Kaskade's concert in Fortnite and Rocket League
We will further leverage our extended reality solution together with our partnerships with metaverse event enablers Surreal and advanced content creators ZOAN while also combining our workflows and expertise with Epic Games’ suite of applications, such as architectural visualisation tool Twinmotion, web 3D viewer Sketchfab and 3D photogrammetry software Capturing Reality. With this, we will build capability to offer virtual production workflows custom-designed for the metaverse.
In the metaverse, live concerts hold more appeal than any other experience, with 45% of all adults eager to listen to live music in a virtual world. According to Rolling Stone, we are on the brink of a virtual artist revolution with Ariana Grande, J.Balvin and DJ Marshmello being the early adopters.
For over twenty years, disguise has powered spectacular experiences including music performances for the biggest artists in the world: Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Camilla Cabello, Katy Perry, DJ Kaskade and J Balvin, as well as for major shows like Coachella and Glastonbury to name a few. Our solution has been used by brands like Nike, Underarmour, Volvo, Siemens and Walmart as well as to power spectacular augmented reality and projection mapping experiences in the 2020 Expo Al Wasl Plaza dome, the BTS ‘Love Yourself, Speak Yourself’ Tour and rapper Dave’s 2020 Brit Awards performance.
Our ability to enable infinitely scalable content has been used extensively in entertainment venues such as the newly-opened Nashville-based Nightscape venue and the Atlanta and Vegas-based Illuminariums which, through cinematic scenes generated in real-time at a 240-degree native field of view, allow visitors to experience being in another world, without using any VR devices.
This rich history will allow the new division to work with major and emerging Metaverse platforms, such as Fortnite, Roblox, Sandbox, Niantic and others, to deliver integrated solutions so brands and performers can create metaverse experiences that resonate with their audiences.
“Our mission is to help create experiences that challenge expectations. We believe in connecting the physical with the virtual worlds, to create Gateways to the Metaverse. Through this we will enable a world that fulfils essential human needs: to connect, to collaborate and to be included. The promise of the Metaverse is to unleash a new wave of opportunities for every kind of creator, including partners, brands, and performers alike," says disguise CEO Fernando Küfer
"We have always focused on simplifying complex technology to unlock creativity that empowers our users to create the most amazing experiences. The creation of our Metaverse Solutions division and the launch of disguise Labs, are a key part of this strategy.”
Fernando Küfer, disguise CEO
Led by disguise Chief Experience Officer, Alex Wills, the Metaverse Solutions division will be fuelled by the creativity, technical consultancy and innovation from disguise’s newly-formed exploration unit named disguise Labs that is led by disguise’s Chief of Staff, Abi Bowman.
disguise Labs will be a global initiative, creating unique spaces for brands, creatives and technologists to test and experiment metaverse workflows. First established in New Zealand by Sam Folkard, Head of Labs New Zealand, Labs will now expand - bringing together local partners in key locations such as Los Angeles, New York, South Korea, London and Montreal. disguise’s Global Head of Labs, Lara Bowen will be leading Labs’ global expansion.
Built in partnership with experts in virtual production, live shows, broadcast and corporate communication, these Metaverse Experimentation Spaces will ignite innovation for future metaverse experiences. Brands or creatives wanting to explore the metaverse are invited to make use of the unique workflows, technology and expertise these spaces have to offer.
“There is a huge amount of interest and investment in this space right now and, what is most exciting about launching this new division is that we offer a tangible solution to help brands and creators develop the next generation of experiences,” says disguise CXO and Head of Metaverse Solutions, Alex Wills.
"Our xR technology combines key metaverse building blocks including real-time 3D graphics, spatial technologies and advanced display interfaces – all to deliver a one-of-a-kind gateway to the metaverse,"
Alex Wills, disguise CXO and Head of Metaverse Solutions
If you would like to learn more, join us at our next webinar, ‘Opening the Gateway to the Metaverse’, taking place on 15 June 2022 at 3:30pm BST in the Metaverse via the Surreal Platform and featuring key thought leaders from Epic Games, Amazon AWS, ZOAN and disguise.
