Building and Minecraft have now become synonymous, but US mobile operator Verizon put a new spin on the concept by creating a fully functional Minecraft phone inside the wildly popular video game.
Essentially, Verizon set out to create a phone network that would work in Minecraft, as well as the rest of the world. Rather than simply appearing in a user's in-game inventory, the phone must be built in the same way as any other objects in the Minecraft universe. After building the phone's body, Minecraft players must put together a tower in order to build a network.
Once assembled correctly, Minecraft players have the ability to take selfies, order pizzas and even make calls from the in-game phone. In order to introduce this feature, Verizon teamed up with a number of influential gamers on YouTube to share the news in a fun and easy-to-follow way.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- In-game Functional Devices
- Gamification of products that can be used both in and out of the respective games they're developed for.
- Virtual Social Interaction
- Utilization of virtual spaces to connect and interact with people in the real world, with potential for improved social experiences.
- Augmented Advertising
- Incorporation of virtual ads in video games, with potential for immersive and personalized advertising experiences.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Mobile Gaming
- Opportunity for game developers to create merchandise and in-game products that add practical use beyond the game for players.
- Telecommunications
- Opportunity for telecom companies to further integrate games with communication and real world functions.
- Marketing and Advertising
- Opportunities for marketing companies and advertisers to incorporate virtual ads in video games for personalized marketing experiences.
