He was on the OFM Business Hour unpacking key findings on the Metaverse outlined in the 2022 SA Digital Customer Experience Report which he co-authored alongside Amanda Reekie from ovatoyou and Julia Ahlfeld of Julia Ahlfeldt CX Consulting.

The Rogerwilco co-founder says the Metaverse is trying to provide people with an immersive experience which at its most elementary is like playing Candy Crush Saga on your cellular phone. At its most sophisticated the Metaverse “will be a space where we put on virtual reality headsets and have a chance to talk to companies, talk to people like us and live the full potential of a world we simply can’t properly operate in right now,” says Stewart.

Despite this he says companies who don’t see what the benefits of engaging in the Metaverse today, are well-advised to purchase some real estate now because 1) it’s only going to get more expensive as the sector booms and 2) buy now because this will guide ones’ business strategy and force leaders to start thinking how to use the Metaverse to their business’ benefit.  Stewarts’ advice stems from key findings outlined in the aforementioned report.

Key findings made in the 2022 South African Digital Customer Experience Report:  

• Of the over 2000 consumers surveyed in the study 53% shared they have never heard of the Metaverse.
• 23% of the consumers reported hearing of the Metaverse, but have no real idea of what it is.
• Only 5% of the people surveyed said they had been inside the Metaverse.
• Once researchers explained what the Metaverse is, 79% of respondents said they anticipated that at some point in the future, they might engage with a brand in the Metaverse.

Current trends in the Metaverse:

Stewart says for now brands are joining the virtual space for media benefit/publicity, but there is an anticipation that this will change as it booms. Cities and municipalities like Seoul in South Korea are also exploring how the Metaverse can help improve service delivery.

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The future issue of governing the Metaverse:

The Rogerwilco CEO says regulating this virtual world is “the ethical question of the future” but is necessary.

The full version of the 2022 South African Digital Customer Experience Report can be accessed at: cx-report.co.za