The industries of technology and entertainment are intrinsically linked. Just about every time we come up with new tech that has real use, we find a way to make an amusement out of it. Which means in today’s technologically explosive age, we’re pretty lucky in the kind of entertainment we have. And it’s still evolving. The staples of cable television and controller-based video games are changing into new forms. Offering whole new possibilities for entertainment. So, what are some of the current trends to get most excited about?
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments as of late is our foray into new spaces. We’re not talking about 3D, either. Stereoscopic 3D is a fad that has tried to come in every decade and always leaves relatively soon after. Virtual reality and augmented reality, however, could change the whole landscape for good. With tech like the Oculus Rift and the Vive, VR gaming, movies and other kinds of experiences are still in the early stages of experimentation. Same for augmented reality, with the hugely acclaimed Pokemon Go being the most obvious success of that yet.
Not all spaces on the rise are entirely new, however. In fact, we’re going back to some of the oldest media available with the spike in e-reader popularity over the past few years. Supposedly, one-fifth of American adults has read an e-book. As accessible and as light on storage needs as it is, it’s easy to see why it might eclipse print in the near future. Not just in terms of reading, either. Nowadays, it’s easier to self-publish through sites like Amazon, too. Making it simpler than ever for writers to reach their audiences, too.
There have been a lot of rumblings of the idea that ‘TV is dead’. We don’t believe this at all, however. With the rise of shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and Mr. Robot in recent years, it’s clear that there’s a huge audience for the right content. What that content is and how it’s delivered, however, is changing. Nowadays, online services like Netflix or Show Box make it easier for people to stream and binge their favourite shows. Before long, these options might replace the notion of traditional TV altogether.
It’s not just the technology of the entertainment itself that matters. It’s also the social aspect that goes along with it. Some franchises will live on for years after their end because of the impact of social media. Trends, fandoms, and memes mean that it’s easier for something to become ultra popular or a target of disdain. The latest trends of Pokemon Go and VR for instance. Part of the reason they’re so popular is because of that social twist. We imagine that the entertainment of the future is going to only be empowered by incorporating this social aspect.
We have no doubt that, in a few years, some of these are going to already be obsolete. But we’re looking forward to seeing what their next evolution is.
Main Image: Source