Sony Group Corp. said Wednesday it plans to expand its presence in the metaverse to lay its claim in the new entertainment realm, drawing on its expertise developed in gaming and music.
The Japanese entertainment giant said at a corporate strategy briefing that it will focus on the metaverse -- an all-encompassing virtual world in which people can socialize, work and play.
"The metaverse is simultaneously a social environment, as well as a live networking space where gaming, music, films and anime intersect," Sony Group CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said during the presentation.
The shift in focus to the metaverse comes after the tech leader in April additionally invested $1 billion in Epic Games Inc., publisher of the worldwide smash-hit free-to-play battle game "Fortnite," as part of its move into the virtual space.
Sony also said earlier this year that it will acquire Bungie Inc., a U.S. videogame company and developer of the popular "Destiny" first-person shooter game series.
On Wednesday, Sony also said it will accelerate its move toward carbon neutrality, bringing forward its target for achieving its 100 percent renewable energy goal in its operations by 10 years from its initial marker of 2040.
The firm reiterated during the presentation that it is aiming to sell electric vehicles by 2025 through its alliance with Honda Motor Co.
