Stageverse, a ‘social metaverse’ platform featuring 3D virtual venues, digital content and interactive experiences, has opened public beta access today on iOS, Android and Oculus.
Stageverse was founded in 2017 by Tim Ricker (Chief Executive Officer) and Claire Seidler (Chief Operating Officer).
The company has raised $7.5 million in funding to date from key investors including Alan Breed (President, Edgewood Capital), Matt Virtue (CEO, Rival), Tom Murphy (Co-Founder, Crestview Partners) and Bill Harrison (former CEO & Chairman of JP Morgan), as well as Joubin Mirzadegan (Operating Partner, Kleiner Perkins).
Stageverse’s launch will also feature the opening of Center Stage, described as a” multi-leveled gallery, hub and meeting space” that will feature music and art, including an interactive exhibition with visual artist Shantell Martin opening in October.
The launch includes a partnership with Grammy Award-winning rock band Muse for “Muse: Enter The Simulation.”
The show was recorded in July 2019 at Wanda Stadium, Madrid and is the first cross-platform, interactive concert experience created by Stageverse for its virtual stadium that opens on September 20.
Available on both mobile (via the Stageverse app on iOS and Android) and in VR (via the Stageverse app available exclusively in the Oculus Quest App Lab), “Enter The Simulation” will let fans virtually attend the show in avatar form.
The 2-hour, uncut show features immersive, 360-degree views captured and originally performed at Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, augmented with 3D visual effects inside the virtual stadium.
The show can be watched from 16 viewpoints and attendees talk to each other, and dress their avatars selves in “exclusive virtual outfits” from Muse and fashion house Balmain Paris, designed by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing — including the recreation of frontman Matt Bellamy’s jacket, worn onstage during the show.
“Simulation Theory has always been about creating experiences that redefine the human role in programming and technology.”
Matt Bellamy, Muse
“Simulation Theory has always been about creating experiences that redefine the human role in programming and technology,” said Muse frontman and co-founder Matt Bellamy.
“We can’t wait for our fans to be able to truly immerse themselves in our Simulation Theory world and take full advantage of everything that the Stageverse experience will offer.”
“As I’ve often repeated over the past decade, my Balmain team and I are determined to always break down boundaries, as we search for new and compelling manners to communicate with an ever-expanding audience.”
Olivier Rousteing, Balmain
Balmain Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing, said: “As I’ve often repeated over the past decade, my Balmain team and I are determined to always break down boundaries, as we search for new and compelling manners to communicate with an ever-expanding audience.
“Working with Muse and Stageverse is helping us to do just that – while also continuing this house’s long association with great performances and talented musicians.”
“We’re focused on creating a place where your digital identity and culture can live and thrive, and that starts with a high fidelity, premium, and accessible experience.”
Tim Ricker, Stageverse
Stageverse Co-Founder and CEO Tim Ricker said: “We’re focused on creating a place where your digital identity and culture can live and thrive, and that starts with a high fidelity, premium, and accessible experience.
“As a result, we are attracting forward-thinking partners such as Muse, Balmain, and Shantell Martin, who are looking to provide an elevated metaverse experience to their communities.
“By rolling out our NFT economy and marketplace next, we will unlock community capitalism to the fullest extent.
“When a customer becomes a participant through ownership of their digital identity and goods, they are motivated to invest and create value for themselves and in turn the entire community.”
“We have seen the metaverse get a lot of attention recently and Stageverse will undoubtedly be a huge player in the space.”
Alan Breed, Edgewood Capital
Stageverse investor Alan Breed, President of Edgewood Capital, said: “We have seen the metaverse get a lot of attention recently and Stageverse will undoubtedly be a huge player in the space.
“They have a best-in-class team and product which will lead to fundamentally changing the way people live their digital lives and invest in their digital identities.”Music Business Worldwide
