Karta, a metaverse studio specializing in interactive experiences, has launched a dedicated studio focused on building bespoke experiences within Asia-focused metaverse platform ZEPETO.
Karta aims to use its expertise in crafting virtual experiences in the service of ZEPETO’s fashion-focused avatar user base, which is primarily female. The new studio is led by 3D artist Dominique Sosseh, a key contributor to Karta’s recent growth, the company said in a press release Monday (February 12).
ZEPETO boasts over 400 million users, with 20 million monthly active users, and unlike many other metaverse platforms, has a predominantly female audience. Its virtual fashion marketplace has a vibrant creator community with over 2.5 billion virtual items sold.
Luxury brands like Gucci, Christian Dior, Nike, Ralph Lauren and makeup brand NARS Cosmetics have already integrated their products onto ZEPETO, allowing users to virtually try them on. ZEPETO’s partnership with Gucci, which started in 2021, has sold over 800,000 Gucci items on the platform.
“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our latest expansion – our new ZEPETO studio. We see huge potential in the platform and the studio team we are building around Dominique Sosseh,” Karta CEO Erik Londré said.
“Just like the other platforms Karta works on, ZEPETO has a passionate community with its own culture and expression that we can not wait to help our clients and partners connect with… in a meaningful way.”
Erik Londré, Karta
“Just like the other platforms Karta works on, ZEPETO has a passionate community with its own culture and expression that we can not wait to help our clients and partners connect with… in a meaningful way,” Londré added.
Dominique Sosseh, lead 3D artist for the new studio, added, “I am so excited to be part of the team working on ZEPETO. ZEPETO is different to other metaverse platforms, allowing us to work with a different range of clients and focus on a different audience than that of Fortnite or Roblox.”
“I love its visual style, and its focus on self-expression. As the biggest virtual fashion marketplace in the world, I think it is a platform every brand, especially those with a strong focus on a female audience, should be aware of,” Sosseh added.
This expansion marks another collaboration for Karta, following projects like the TWICE Square fan-hub and BLACKPINK THE PALACE in Roblox, as well as Spotify Wrapped’s metaverse integration.
“The achievements of Karta in crafting outstanding Roblox experiences alongside K-pop artists such as BLACKPINK and Twice make me highly optimistic about their venture into ZEPETO.”
Jay Lee, Zepeto
In December, Nicki Minaj partnered with Karta to launch her first-ever virtual shop in Roblox, called Nicki Minaj’s Gag City. It follows the launch of Karta’s Fortnite studio in August, partnering with IP owners from music, entertainment, and sports domains to create new takes on Fortnite maps and games.
In July, Karta raised $1.1 million in funding from music and gaming industry players. Karta’s Londré at the time said the investment will help the company invest in its team, platform and regional expansions.
“The achievements of Karta in crafting outstanding Roblox experiences alongside K-pop artists such as BLACKPINK and Twice make me highly optimistic about their venture into ZEPETO,” said Jay Lee, Chief Ecosystem Officer at ZEPETO.
“Their profound understanding of artists and their fan communities, combined with an adept approach to engaging the younger audience who grew up with games and virtual realms, sets the stage for continued success.”
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