Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

Following in the footsteps of bitcoin, NFTs have gained a place in mainstream consciousness. Axie Infinity is a play-to-earn game that gives people an opportunity to create and cultivate in-game characters and collectibles, which they can sell on cryptocurrency exchanges and use to earn a living.

With infinite content at our fingertips, it can sometimes feel like digital ownership is temporary. However, as crypto-collectibles and meme-based artworks attract more major attention and money, people are considering how their digital ownership can be more meaningful.

Changing algorithms, non-stop advertising, and the dissemination of misinformation all contribute to declining trust in social media giants. Enter the passion economy: online community platforms built around niche passions. What does this mean for the state of social play?

Gamers are used to spending on virtual goods to customise characters and unlock additional content, but how would they feel about IRL brands existing in these environments? As fashion labels seek to capture the next generation of luxe shoppers, how can they engage gamers in an authentic way?