Tupac, Jacko - who’s next? Pulse Evolution says many holograms of stage stars coming soon as era of ‘digital humans’ beckons

“Digital humans” are coming to a stage, classroom or video game near you as the company behind Michael Jackson’s appearance as a hologram at the Billboard Music Awards in 2014 expands its reach beyond celebrities who have passed away.

Since temporarily reviving the King of Pop via some clever technology, Pulse Evolution has been at work developing digital versions of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.

The company, which was created by the former owners of visual effects company Digital Domain, is also developing new ways to bring more realistic characters to games using virtual reality so that gamers can fully immerse themselves in and interact with such 3D worlds.

WATCH: even Jacko’s hologram is a slave to the rhythm at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards

“When you’re in a VR environment, you’ll meet other humans, but they won’t be flesh and blood, they’ll be digital and we think they should be realistic and compelling,” said John Textor, executive chairman of Pulse Evolution.

Last month, the company announced a partnership with British music mogul Simon Fuller to create “digital pop stars” using real artists who have just started out.

One project reportedly involves a young woman who aims to become the first singer to launch in person and as a digital presence at the same time.

WATCH: Tupac hologram at Coachella HD, from the film reel of Pulse Evolution’s John Textor

Virtual reality entertainment sales are expected to reach US$5.1 billion globally in this year, according to SuperData, which provides data and insights on the global games market. Virtual reality gaming in Asia is forecast to be worth US$1.1 billion.