Laser Digital, a cryptocurrency business, and its parent company, Nomura, are stepping into the metaverse with the launch of their first virtual environment.
The “Botanical Garden Experience,” hosted on The Sandbox platform, showcases a Japanese-style botanical garden for exploration and engagement. Users can embark on quests, partake in mini-games, and engage in activities such as cultivating bonsai trees.
As users progress through the quests, they will have the opportunity to interact with avatars representing senior management from both Nomura and Laser Digital. QR codes scattered throughout the virtual environment provide users with insights into Nomura, Laser Digital, and their investments in Web3.
The experience includes a variety of plants, animals, and mythical creatures like the Phoenix and dragon, as well as an array of avatars and non-playable characters influenced by popular Japanese pop culture, including manga and samurai-inspired characters.
The development of this experience was a collaborative effort with Metaverse Studio, a Web3 development company.
This move by Laser Digital mirrors a growing trend among financial institutions embracing the metaverse to engage a wider audience, particularly younger generations.
Recently, the Housing Bank of Jordan celebrated its 50th anniversary with a metaverse experience, guiding customers through its services and emphasizing digital innovation in banking.
In June, Mizuho Bank announced plans to launch “Metaverse Coin,” a payment service tailored for the metaverse. In 2022, DBS Bank partnered with The Sandbox to introduce its metaverse experience, aimed at illustrating the importance of creating a more sustainable world.