South Korea’s Lotte Group has announced a strategic partnership with Arbitrum—a Layer 2 Ethereum blockchain network—to launch its new virtual platform, the Lotte Caliverse.
The project was unveiled at CES 2025 and aims to blend digital and real-world interactions by incorporating shopping, gaming, and entertainment into a unified metaverse experience.
The Caliverse will leverage blockchain technology to ensure secure and seamless transactions whilst offering innovative features powered by Unreal Engine 5.
Source: CaliverseWhat is Lotte Caliverse?
The Lotte Caliverse is designed to provide an immersive digital environment with practical applications in retail, entertainment, and gaming. Key features include:
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- Virtual Shopping: Users can explore a virtual mall featuring luxury brands such as Givenchy and Tomorrowland. Items purchased within the metaverse will be delivered to customers in the real world.
- Entertainment Events: Virtual concerts and events, including performances by K-pop and global artists, will allow users to experience live entertainment in a digital format.
- Gaming: The platform offers interactive games, including Caliverse: Invasion, where users can collaborate or compete in multiplayer scenarios. Future updates are expected to enable users to design custom games.
To enhance the user experience, the Caliverse incorporates advanced technology, including a glasses-free 3D application and AI-powered interactive elements. These features aim to make the metaverse more accessible and engaging for users without requiring additional hardware.
The Caliverse can now be downloaded from the official website, with regular updates and content expansions planned throughout the year.
Source: CaliverseWhy did Lotte choose Arbitrum?
Lotte selected Arbitrum as the blockchain foundation for the Caliverse due to its ability to handle high transaction volumes efficiently. Arbitrum’s Layer 2 solution enhances the performance of blockchain applications by reducing transaction costs and ensuring low latency, making it ideal for complex virtual ecosystems like the Caliverse.
“Arbitrum’s blockchain is the ideal home ground for Lotte Caliverse, delivering industry-leading 250ms block times that ensure high-quality performance within virtual worlds and gaming experiences,” said Steven Goldfeder, CEO of Offchain Labs.
The blockchain integration will also support secure digital transactions, allowing users to purchase goods, participate in events, and interact within the metaverse without delays or interruptions.