In recent months, if there is one story of huge success besides the growth of the virtual goods industry (reportedly exceeding $1 billion in sales in 2009), it is the worldwide popularity of the movie Avatar. Currently, Avatar is on track to become the highest grossing film of all time. What is particularly interesting about this movie is that it is driving people in hordes to 3D showings and IMAX theaters, and paying more than the usual movie theater ticket price to do so.

Now you may wonder why this is relevant to the virtual goods industry. After all, virtual economies are centered on consumers purchasing virtual, intangible goods such as power-ups and armor, and digital flowers and drinks to send to their friends. Yet, movie tickets are very real-world, tangible objects that enter you into to a physical theater for an offline experience. I challenge you to look at this model differently.

When you watch a movie at the theater, you don’t walk away with anything in your hand or your pocket, such as a DVD or a CD with the soundtrack for the movie. All you walk away with is the memory of a rich experience enjoyed with friends. The $15 you paid at the theater wasn’t for a physical good, but instead it provided you 162 minutes in front of a large screen, seated in the dark wearing a ‘borrowed’ pair of 3D glasses.

When you consume a virtual good, you don’t get anything delivered to your doorstep, or walk away with anything new in your pocket. All you walk away with is your experience, and potentially this experience can be repeated over time (such as leveling up in an online game) as well as something that maybe your friends can share (such as a virtual gift). For virtual goods, you may have only paid $1 or even less, but what you got in return was enjoyable experiences that may have extended more than 162 minutes, perhaps even for a very long time.

Aren’t these two purchases more alike in the value they provide than you ever imagined?

The success of Avatar in IMAX and 3D formats underlines yet another aspect of the economy we live in that we’ve discussed previously: Ever more, we live in an experience-based economy. People are willing to pay for a differentiated, unique experience — something they enjoy. And, this experience doesn’t need to be born from tangible objects. These experiences – whether they are about driving fun, entertainment, relaxation, or competition – are the kind of experiences that virtual goods deliver, and deliver exceedingly well.

Next time you see a long line of people waiting to pay $15 to see Avatar in 3D or IMAX and walking out of the theater empty-handed, let it be a reminder to you why virtual goods have grown to be such a successful market and the opportunities that lie ahead.