Through an interactive and educational game installed on Oculus, Seguros SURA delves into the “parallel world”, offering to educate Internet users about the proper use of data, cyber dangers and other phenomena that can occur on the web.

The concept of the metaverse is not something new. In fact, if we go back in history, this term was first used in the book Snow crash, in 1992, exactly thirty years ago. It could be defined as a network of interconnected virtual worlds that work with technology augmented reality and virtual reality. And, making a deeper analysis, one could talk about the evolution of the Internet itself, being a new version of what is now known as the Cyberspace.

Fredy León, director of research and digital development at Seguros SURA, describes it as a place where you can go to socialize, work or play, and provides the option to connect with other people through avatars. “You can do this through specialized hardware that will take you to the metaverse where you are going to connect”, contributes.

León says that, since the 90s, video games have contributed a lot to the creation of this metaverse. Today you can not only play with your avatar, but you also have the possibility to customize it, buy outfits and things that do not even aim to improve the ability to play; only to how the avatar looks. Even big brands like Nike or Adidas They are working on topics related to selling specific clothing designs within the metaverse.

The Interconnected virtual worlds already exist and can be seen in games like the Fortnite or Call of duty. They are always there, available. “You arrive, you connect, you enter through an avatar to that part and you can socialize with people, chat, chat and play at the same time.” However, the concept that is currently in full development has to do with that of different connected metaverses, explains Leon, who is working “Through large companies like Meta (formerly Facebook), focusing on something very virtual and a bit more professional. Not just for gaming.”

The director of digital research and development at Seguros SURA says that it is no longer just a matter of exposing content, but of “exposing mass content” such as, for example, a concert or an art exhibitionSomething that draws people in and gets them to put on their hardware, log in, and participate as if they were there in person.

The opportunities of the metaverse

While Leon points out that the opportunities that the metaverse can offer to companies are still under study, many speak of a “virtualization of services”. For example, for issues related to consultancies or health issues. 

In this sense, he elaborates that with all the w -electronic devices that are worn on the human body and that interact with other devices to transmit or collect some type of data- that people have interconnected today, such as Apple Watch, FitBits or those that release insulin or monitor sleep (that are connected to a network), could connect to a metaverse, take all that information with them and have a doctor virtually see them and analyze the metrics.

“I think that when these great worlds of the metaverse are established, companies will be able to set up their virtual branch,” predicts the expert, adding that “this has put into question a lot what physical location, real estate and offices are, because there are many companies that now with the pandemic realized that they can work through a virtual mode.

So, “why not create a virtual environment exactly like your office?” suggests León, “where avatars that are your employees are serving other avatars that are your clients.” 

And he concludes: “There is an opportunity for companies to seriously digitalize their entire services.”

How SURA explores the metaverse

Like giants like Meta and Microsoft, SURA also entered this world. It did so through an interactive game that is installed on Oculus (Meta technology), where through a journey in virtual reality, people can learn about the risks and trends they are immersed in with technology. 

The proposal is pedagogical and was initially installed in a few Oculus in Latin America. However, the idea is to take it to more people in order to educate them about the proper use of data, cyber dangers and other phenomena that can occur on the web.

The game is designed for all ages, However, one of the most vulnerable populations when surfing the Internet is older adults, who tend to open emails from strangers, share suspicious information and have less knowledge of the vulnerabilities of the web. Therefore, the probability of being scammed is greater.

“What we created was a Virtual Reality environment, where you put on the Oculus and then you start touching, as if you were doing it with your own hands, content that you can start playing and reading inside a room,” explains León. 

However, he clarifies that technically It is not a game, as there is no scoring or competition with other people.. He also points out that, although it is not yet in the metaverse, these types of environments are easily exportable there. “If we buy a space in the metaverse, we could export it so that people can simply access our interactive content,” he says.

In an increasingly digitalized and hyperconnected society, the metaverse presents itself as a great opportunity, both for companies and brands that today seek to considerably reduce their costs and get closer to new generations. In addition, this new developing world will bring new ways of connecting and consuming experiences. That is why SURA decided to take the plunge and explore these augmented reality and virtual reality scenarios, which will forever change the way companies relate to their audiences.