Five Minutes With Tom Ffiske
We speak to Tom Ffiske, Editor at The Immersive Wire, about the immersive industry, the metaverse and his sources of inspiration.
“Five Minutes With” is a regular feature that gives you an insight into some of the greatest minds in the immersive industry, all within the time it takes to grab a cup of coffee.
Tom Ffiske writes about immersive technologies at the Immersive Wire, a newsletter and website dedicated to all things VR, AR, and the metaverse. His goal is to bring a curated digest of the analysis that matters, helping professionals interested in immersive to reach new heights.
Tom has written about the industry since 2016, covering the latest trends and investments while keeping a pulse on the latest innovations. He has spoken in several events, published a bestselling book on the sector, and help connect professionals to help each other soar.
Alongside the Immersive Wire, Tom works as a full-time Account Director within the Technology team at 3 Monkeys Zeno, a leading global communications agency.
What’s exciting you the most about the immersive industry right now?
Not sure how to even begin here! I love all the VR experiences coming out constantly, the AR works deployed by agencies and all the projects that are indefinable and in between. Currently what gets my head rolling is AR and the idea of having contextually-relevant information as an overlay of the real world — that is very cool. But otherwise, I see so many experiences every day that they excite me in some way or another.
The ‘Metaverse’ has become the latest buzzword — what is it and why does it matter?
I like to think of it as a way to access experiences, rather than information. But really, it’s such a cluttered word that it is so difficult to define. What can the metaverse be, exactly? Can something so vague and buoyed by unsubstantiated hype be something to eye? I think so, but it’s one to observe with a bucket of salt.
In any case, it does matter. It will be the next way in which we communicate and converse, and it is worth following closely. Good or bad, nebulous or firm, it will impact us all in the future. Might as well keep a few eyeballs on it ’til then.
What and/or who is your source of inspiration?
I currently love the sci-fi writing of Ken Liu, and the writing style of Harold Evans. The former has a heart and levity to writing that is a joy to read. The former brings conciseness to writing that tightens my style.
What is your favourite thing about what you do for a living?
Meeting new and talented people every single day.
Just for Fun!
What are you reading, or listening to, right now?
Ken Liu’s The Veiled Throne. No spoilers, but it’s better than Game of Thrones.
What’s one thing you think everyone should try at least once in their lifetime?
Try something new. Not something tangentially different, but brand new. You would be amazed at what you learn about yourself.
Where is one place you want to travel to in the world and why?
Japan, because it seems very cool. Culturally fascinating and historically complex.
Whilst you’re here, is there anything you’d like to plug?
I am publishing a book! Check out The Metaverse: A Professional Guide. Or if you want to follow my jotty thoughts; check out my Twitter; for a more refined take, check out my LinkedIn.
