# Simulated Marketing Heightening viewer experiences, brands adopt virtual simulations. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Oct 15, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/simulated-marketing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Simulated Marketing trend? **Simulated Marketing:** Offering consumers a more immersive campaign experience, brands are adopting virtual simulators to get viewers more involved. Using simulators to create virtual environments and surreal re-enactments, brands are blurring the lines between reality and the digital sphere, allowing consumers to experience proposed products or services in a fresh, exciting way. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 27, 2013 to Jan 7, 2015 - Published: Oct 15, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Simulated Marketing trend ### Virtual reality experiences Brands are adopting virtual simulators to offer consumers more immersive experiences, blurring the lines between reality and virtuality. ### Haptic technology The first commercial mobile ad campaigns to incorporate haptic technology are emerging, which pair touch sensations with gadgets and virtual reality systems. ### Aging simulation campaigns Interactive campaigns are allowing people to talk to their future selves by generating 3D models that estimate how they'll look in the future, paired with facial motion capture software. ## What the Simulated Marketing trend means for industry ### For Tourism Real-time screens and simulations are being employed to make travel more accessible and immersive, allowing prospective travelers to experience destinations before they even book. ### For Entertainment Virtual and haptic technology are allowing for more immersive and engaging entertainment experiences, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. ### For Mental health and support services Virtual simulators are being used to simulate difficult situations and encourage empathy, allowing people to experience the challenges and emotions of others. ## Trend signals for Simulated Marketing Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 40%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 40% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Simulated Marketing trend 6 featured examples from Jun 27, 2013 to Jan 7, 2015. - [Terrifying Online Drowning Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sortie-en-mer): Sortie En Mer Promotes the Use of Lifejackets Through Fear (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The virtual reality industry can leverage simulators to create immersive safety training experiences. - [Bomb-Simulating Phone Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homeland): Homeland's Fourth Season is Marketed with Quite the Bang (Category: Marketing) Implication: The incorporation of haptic technology in ads can open up new and innovative ways to engage consumers. - [Suicide-Simulating Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volunteer-ad): A Volunteer Ad Lets You Pick Up the Phone to Save a Girl (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunities for advertisers to leverage interactive and emotional campaigns for impactful messaging. - [Tourist Simulator Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-marketing): This Travel Marketing Stunt Gives a Real-Time Tour of NYC (Category: Autos) Implication: Innovative tourism companies can leverage technology to offer virtual travel experiences and attract customers. - [Virtual Skateboarding Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-skateboarding): Mountain Dew Lets People Try Out Virtual Reality Digital Skating (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in this industry can leverage virtual reality to offer state-of-the-art training methods for aspiring athletes. - [Aging Simulation Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/talk-to-your-future-self): Orange's Interactive Campaign Lets You Talk to Your Future Self (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for tech companies to develop advanced facial motion capture software for various applications. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)