Abstract: An online virtual reality ecommerce system provides parallel, linked real and virtual products with parallel benefits to users and to their avatars, thereby increasing user-perceived linkage with their avatars, and increasing user motivation to engage in the ecommerce. Embodiments include linked purchases and deliveries of tangible goods, status goods, movies, fitness training, lectures, and travel. In some embodiments, services are delivered simultaneously to the avatar and to the user through the virtual reality world. Benefits to the user and to the avatar can include entertainment, enhanced status, enhanced health, enhanced employment opportunities, and travel to desired destinations.

Abstract: An ecommerce system is claimed that enables users to purchase real-world consumables within a virtual reality world, and then to immediately receive and consume the real-world consumables without leaving the virtual reality world. Users purchase and consume consumables such as movies, TV shows, lectures, books, magazines, consultations with advisors, psychic readings, and horoscopes, by controlling actions of avatars within the virtual world. In some embodiments, an avatar can earn virtual money by purchasing real-world consumables, and can use the virtual money to purchase additional real and/or virtual consumables. In other embodiments, avatars can earn virtual and/or real money by working in the virtual reality world. In various embodiments avatars can gain status, and can receive rewards based on status, such as access to special locations in the virtual world. And in some embodiments, avatars can compete with each other based on relative wealth, virtual possessions, and/or status.

Abstract: An online merchandising and promotion system is disclosed that closely simulates an interior space of an actual place of business in a virtual reality world. As consumers use avatars to explore the simulated space, they become simultaneously familiar with both the simulated and actual places of business, and thereafter can shop at both locations with equal ease. Previous familiarity with the actual place of business can motivate a consumer to visit the corresponding simulated location. In preferred embodiments, users can purchase virtual and/or real goods at the simulated place of business. Some simulated spaces enable avatars to socialize with each other, thereby prolonging their shopping and/or their exposure to advertising. In various embodiments, avatars can work to earn money, and/or avatars can earn virtual money by making real money purchases. Avatars can also gain status, and can compete with each other based on wealth, virtual possessions, and/or status.

Abstract: An online virtual reality ecommerce system imposes needs upon its avatars, thereby enhancing the simulation of reality, and providing need-based motivations for ecommerce in addition to enjoyment-based motivations. The virtual needs also cause avatars to be perceived as independent beings which can independently enjoy, desire, and suffer based on experiences and purchases within the virtual world. This causes users to emotionally bond with their avatars, and to feel compassion, empathy, and even friendship toward them. Users feel increased desires to spend time online with their avatars, and to purchase goods for their avatars as well as for themselves. Avatars can be fantasy avatars in a virtual fantasy world, and their needs can include special, fantasy items. Basic needs can include food, clothing, shelter, exercise, bathing, shaving, medicine, and haircuts. Entertainment can be needed to avoid boredom, and specific tools, equipment, fuel, and/or transportation can be needed for various activities.