157: The Collision Of Gaming And Retail

There is much hype about retail and the metaverse at present. But to understand more, we can learn from the gaming industry where computer games have been forging their own worlds for decades. So you can learn from Hilmar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, known most for their flagship game, EVE Online. Join Oliver Banks and explore the collision of retail and gaming (and life) – plus the opportunities it presents you with.

Listen to this episode of the Retail Transformation Show to hear:

• Examples of how the gaming and retail industries can learn from each other.
• The power of community that games create.
• Why games can be so immersive.

 

Introducing Hilmar Pétursson

Hilmar Pétursson is CEO of CCP Games. He’s been working in and around the metaverse for over 2 decades. And he’s led the creation of the EVE Online universe from inception, initially as Chief Technical Officer in 2003, and as CEO since 2004.

Under Hilmar’s management CCP’s critically acclaimed sciencefiction game EVE Online pioneered concepts like player-driven digital economies, democratically elected community governments, and free-to-play mechanics long before they became commonplace in the industry. EVE Online, as the largest living work of science fiction, has been celebrating over 17 consecutive years of continuous growth in subscriber engagement with no sign of slowing down.

Prior to joining CCP in 2000, he served as the CTO of SmartVR, an OZ.com spin-off based on that company’s multi-user virtual reality
technology. In addition, he is active on boards and committees relating to Icelandic information technology and innovation.

Introducing CCP Games

CCP Games are an Iceland based video game developer. They’re most commonly known for EVE Online – a space based MMO (massively multiplayer online game).

In EVE Online, players become a space pilot and can explore far-reaching corners of the universe. And in the game, you can make a huge number of decisions. From what you wear and look like, through to how you spend your time, and from the corporations or groups that you belong to, and even the career that you take.

Find out more about CCP Games or EVE Online.

With thousands of concurrent players, EVE Online presents a metaverse where people can learn skills, build relationships and create their own destiny. The community aspect of being part of a navy or corporation earns player loyalty and commitment.

Players get the chance to reimagine and control how they are perceived in the virtual world. And online retail in the EVE Online universe is a great opportunity for CCP Games to help players achieve their ideal persona.

Further episodes of the Retail Transformation Show to listen to.

After listening to this episode, here are four more episodes to check out.

Firstly, in episode 113: Disruptive Thinking For A Volatile World, Dr Jackie Mulligan arms us with skills and techniques to explore what a dystopian future could look like for you.

Next, metaverse expert, Cathy Hackl, joined in episode 128: AR, VR And Retail In The Metaverse. This is closely related and if you’re interested in learning more about retail in the metaverse, this is an interesting listen to challenge your thinking.

Also, listen to episode 60: Your Store Is The Stage where you can hear how you can put your customer at the heart of a story to engage and captivate them.

And finally, in episode 156: The Many Changing Facets Of Retail, Oliver Banks shared his thoughts from Retail Week Live – where the metaverse was a key theme for how retail is changing.