Do users need access to a headset for full immersion?
Alexander: If you want to be fully immersed, where you see nothing but the world we’ve created, then yes, you’ll use a headset. If you want a fully explorable environment, your phone will still work to do it. So, if you’re on the subway on your way to work, you can still jump into these experiences. Works across devices.
Can you talk about your business model?
Alexander: We work with some very large brands that pay for different types of experiences. Obviously, there’s also the revenue share associated with Different World, advertising and sponsorships.
Each of the worlds we work with, such as NBPA, will have e-commerce or social elements, gated content and gamification elements. In them, there are pay-to-play opportunities—superior ways to interact with these worlds. The same can be said about Charlemagne. If you want to go to his private interview session and have exclusive access, we are taking people in.
As more people join, you’ll see a big shift toward social experiences that are effectively powered by advertising.
Charlamy, has this benefited your business or increased viewership?
That will happen when we start implementing many of these different initiatives. We have eight million monthly listeners on The Breakfast Club. We are now live on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. It’s just a different way for them to interact with the show.
Our Nipsey Hussle (Los Angeles rapper and entrepreneur) The interview on our YouTube page has millions of views. Imagine being a die-hard Nipsey Hussle fan, and Nipsey is no longer with us, but you can sit in the studio and feel like you’re sitting there with him. I just think it’s a unique experience.
When the Metaverse became popular, many people considered it a far-fetched technology. What if people are not yet open to virtual reality?
Charlemagne: Sure, but that’s not why you invest in things. I already see people invested in the VR world and walking around with headsets. And virtual reality video games are huge right now.
Alexander: Ultimately we open up our tools so anyone can build whatever experience they want. The tools are no-code solutions and can be used by anyone who is very good at coding.
Charlemagne: Remember when cell phones were huge and then shrunk down to compact smartphones? I think we’ll see similar growth in the Metaverse as headsets become more advanced. One of the things that attracted me to virtual reality was the boxing game Creed. I love Creed and Boxing and being in that world made a lot of sense. When you allow people to not only create their own world, but to be in a world they’re already familiar with, it makes people want to contribute more.