The world of digital entertainment is an ever-evolving one, shaped largely by the latest innovations in technology – with artificial intelligence and augmented reality having transformed the sphere over recent years and continuing to impact upon the ways in which we source and consume entertainment.
Even so, they aren’t the only trends that have been changing things up – although it’s fair to say they are the ones that get the most attention for doing so and that they underpin a large number of the latest and greatest concepts we’re seeing emerge. As 2023 continues to unfold, immersive experiences and revolutionary new platforms are springing up seemingly by the week, and from gaming to streaming and even travel, never before have we had so much choice. If you’re wondering how things are changing then here, we take a look at five of the most notable emerging trends of the year so far.
Traditional gaming reimagined
If you like to play bingo online or visit digital casinos to scratch that itch for gaming, then good news. These traditional pursuits are certainly nothing new, but they have undergone a considerable revamp over recent years. First and foremost, they’ve moved well and truly into the digital world, with both AI and VR allowing them to provide better service and a more immersive real-time experience and paving the way for players to enjoy all of their favourite games whilst on the go, or from the comfort of their own homes. More convenient and accessible than ever, the recent global pandemic sparked rapid growth of the online gaming sector, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Virtual travel
There’s nothing quite like a spot of escapism to take you out of the day-to-day drudgery of your usual routine, and another area of entertainment that has developed quickly over recent years is the concept of virtual travel and exploration. Where once, a plane ticket was the only way to sunnier climes and more intriguing cities, immersive technologies like VR and augmented reality (AR) have made it possible to do so from wherever you happen to be, transporting you to dream destinations without the price tag or the hassle of real life long-haul flights and train journeys. From AR-guided nature walks to virtual museum tours, nothing is out of the question – and you can optimise your itinerary by minimising travel time so that you can enjoy every corner of your destination of choice more efficiently.
Gamification of learning
Learning as a form of entertainment? You might have to bear with us on this one, but take it from us, ‘edutainment’ is the future. Transforming learning experiences into engaging and immersive games through the use of the latest tech innovations, dedicated edutainment platforms are making it their mission to make learning as fun as possible, bridging the gap between the two. It’s widely believed that the more enjoyment that can be derived from learning, the more likely we are to retain the knowledge we glean from the process – and the gamification of learning is becoming a powerful tool for engaging learners and igniting curiosity in new ways.
The Metaverse
The concept of the Metaverse – a virtual online world where users can interact in real time – is perhaps one of the biggest developments when it comes to digitalisation, and one that is likely on all of our radars. Yes, it’s another application of the virtual reality tech we keep hearing so much about, but it can’t go without a mention because it could be about to change just about every element of our lives in dramatic fashion. Already, we’re seeing platforms and ecosystems become hubs for everything from social interaction and gaming to business and events, and this strange new world signals a paradigm shift in how we consume digital entertainment, creating new opportunities for shared experiences. And while the Metaverse could take some years to complete, it’s undoubtedly one of the most exciting new concepts of the modern age, with some even dubbing it the ‘internet 2.0’.
Empowering user-generated content (UGC)
Where once upon a time we would have looked only to the most esteemed organisations to source entertainment – from big name magazines and newspapers to the most popular TV channels and streaming services – the past decade has seen a shift towards the consumption of user-generated content, disseminated by independent creators and influencers. It’s a trend that is making us more creative in a host of new ways, with platforms where users can showcase their talents and express themselves through everything from photography to videos and music. Largely consumed through social media, it’s expected that the Metaverse will also begin to present new opportunities in this sphere, too – although what exactly those will be, only time will tell.
