Fast-food chain Wendy’s is collaborating with creators to create a virtual presence with Meta’s Horizon Worlds. Their Wendyverse (of course) makes its metaverse debut on April 2.
“For years, we’ve been meeting our fans in unexpected ways and places with our unique approach to social media, gaming, and engagement,” comments chief marketing officer at Wendy’s, Carl Loredo, in a press release. “We’re excited to take this to the next level by launching the Wendyverse in Meta’s Horizon Worlds and bringing a totally new dimension of access to our fans. Truly a first of its kind, the Wendyverse bridges the best of today with tomorrow to show up for our fans across every world – with a Frosty® and fries in hand.”
Horizon Worlds is Meta’s metaverse through which users socialize via avatars while using virtual reality headsets. In February, the metaverse, which launched in 2021, reached 300 thousand users.
“Wendy’s, Meta’s Creative Shop, and Horizon Worlds creators worked together to bring this experience to life,” said Nicky Bell, Meta’s Vice President of Creative Shop, in a press release. “Wendy’s has always been an innovative leader in how they work with creators. Building this world is a great example of how brands can show up in Horizon Worlds in intentional, meaningful ways with their communities.”
Beyond a virtual fast-food restaurant, the Wendyverse includes a basketball court, The Buck BiscuitDome. Here users can go one-on-one against a virtual Baconator. Additionally, to promote the Wendyverse, the fast-food franchise is offering customers of its physical world locations Sausage and Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits for just $1 from April 1 through May 1.
To experience the Wendyverse, users will need a Meta Quest 2. However, those without a Quest 2 can find a viewer-only version on Wendyverse.com.
Brands in the Metaverse
Other well-known companies have also begun to make their presence in the metaverse known. Forever 21 has a virtual store within the Roblox metaverse. Likewise, Heineken recently joined the metaverse, launching the first virtual beer, Heineken Silver. Nikeland, Nike’s metaverse presence, has attracted nearly 7 million users since its launch five months ago.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
