A few years ago, virtual reality (VR) seemed more like a far-fetched, futuristic scene from a sci-fi movie than something that would ever become mainstream or widely available. However, with the advent of technology like Oculus, Samsung Gear VR, and other affordable virtual reality platforms, it has become apparent that VR technology is no longer just for the movies. Mainstream virtual reality technology is here and marketers are starting to take notice.

Considering how VR could affect the world of marketing begs an important question: Is virtual reality just a fad?

Like so many technologies that quickly arrive on the scene, will we look back on this trend in a few years and laugh about how everyone thought it was the next big thing?

To be honest, it’s hard to say. While there’s always a possibility the VR craze will fade away with time, all current signs point to it sticking around for a while.

In a 2016 report on the future of virtual and augmented reality, Goldman Sachs Research found qualities that led them to believe this technology could become as widespread as the smartphone.  KZero has even predicted the Virtual Reality market will be worth $5.2 billion by 2018. Looking at these numbers,  whether or not VR is a technology that disappears in a few years, it cannot be ignored in the here and now.

Even major brands like Facebook are racing to be at the forefront of the VR trend. The social media giant recently announced the beta version of Facebook Spaces - an offer exclusive to Oculus Rift users, with which they can create a virtual version of themselves and interact with friends in a virtual world.

Game of Thrones (HBO)

This iconic TV show was one of the first to use VR to allow viewers to experience its  fictional with  its “Ascend the Wall” exhibit. Creators put fans “inside the show” by virtually placing them in familiar scenarios from the Game of Thrones series, where they feel like they are participating in the story rather than watching it.