VRChat has introduced its first in-app Avatar Marketplace, allowing creators to sell directly to users without requiring technical knowledge of Unity or third-party platforms. The marketplace streamlines avatar purchasing to a simple “click and buy” process, making customized digital identities instantly accessible across VR headsets, PCs, Android devices, and soon iOS.

“Previously, creators could only market their wares to folks who were technically inclined,” VRChat states in a blog post. “This technical hurdle limited both avatar discovery and the market for creators.”

Image credit: VRChat

The avatar marketplace launch comes as Fortune Business Insights reports the global VR gaming market is projected to grow from $22.63 billion in 2024 to $189.17 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 30.4%.

Creators retain the largest revenue share from avatar sales made with VRChat Credits. The platform initially selects experienced artists and developers for early marketplace access, with plans to expand availability over time.

This development coincides with YouTube’s recent report finding that virtual creators have achieved mainstream status, with videos related to VTubers averaging 50 billion annual views over the past three years. The report indicates 57% of online users aged 14-44 watched virtual creator content in the past year.

Cross-Platform Avatar Access and Testing

The Avatar Marketplace offers discovery features for various styles, including anime, furry, human, and sci-fi. A “try before you buy” feature allows users to test avatars before purchasing, ensuring appropriate proportions and style.

VRChat’s Creator Economy program extends beyond avatars, with future plans including additional monetization opportunities for developers creating experiences.

Interest in virtual identity has grown significantly as hardware becomes more accessible. Meta recently partnered with Asus, Microsoft, and Lenovo to extend its Horizon OS to third-party hardware, while Apple launched its Vision Pro mixed reality headset in February 2024.

For creators interested in joining the marketplace, VRChat has established a three-step process: creating an account, trying the Avatar SDK, and applying to the Creator Economy program.