When it comes to our most popular forms of entertainment, like television, film and video games, things are getting more interactive and immersive than ever. The speed at which technology is evolving means that players and watchers are experiencing their favourite mediums like never before, with the blending of the physical and digital transforming the way we enjoy content.
In this article, we look at some of the top trends that are shaping the future of interactive entertainment. Read on to find out what they are!
AI-Driven Content
One of the most exciting advancements in technology that’s impacting so much of the way we work, live, socialise and more is AI. AI driven content is also revolutionising interactive entertainment, including of course video games.
AI is already supporting more dynamic, player driven storytelling that can change and adapt based on the choices you make; while also creating more realistic and emotionally-engaging Non-Player Characters. Which means your experience of a video game becomes even more immersive and interesting than ever before.
It’s also helping game makers create bigger, better and more exciting worlds for players to explore – which could, in theory, be limitless.
Social and Shared Experiences
Speaking of limitless, immersive worlds – it’s likely that these will become opportunities for more exciting ways to socialise with other players, no matter where they are at any given time.
And it’s not just about gaming: virtual worlds like the metaverse will probably become hubs where you can learn, work and socialise with others. While many platforms will give users more opportunities to get collaborative and creative together, where they can develop their own storylines or design game levels.
Immersive Experiences
As we mentioned above, entertainment is getting much more immersive. Some of the key technologies that are helping this to happen are virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These days, you don’t need to leave the comfort of home to experience an incredible atmosphere, as you can play in a casino online.
Thanks to virtual reality, you can experience amazing and realistic environments wherever you happen to be at the time. Or have objects and experiences brought to life in your living room (for example) thanks to augmented reality. Games have brought augmented reality and virtual reality to the masses, and it will continue to become even more immersive for players as these technologies improve. While innovations around advanced haptics, full-body motion tracking and smell technology will make these experiences feel tangible for players.
Blockchain and Web3
Blockchain technologies and Web3 might seem like buzzwords these days, but they’re already having a significant impact on just how interactive our entertainment mediums are.
Through blockchain, users will be able to own in-game assets which can be traded with other players across different ecosystems.
New hardware and wearables
It’s not just the platforms and content. New hardware and wearables are continuously being developed to support more interactive and immersive technology. Smart glasses, portable AR systems and haptic suits are just some of the innovations that are coming to the fore.
And while it seems like it’s something out of a sci-fi film, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) like Neuralink could, in the future, allow everyday users to interact with virtual environments through brain signals.
Converging the physical and digital
Thanks to interactive entertainment, other areas of our lives are benefitting from these new technologies and improving our lives too. Interactive entertainment is already being incorporated into the fitness world, with popular products like VR fitness games and Peloton helping users get in better shape.
The education system will also benefit from these technologies, with VR training simulations and gamified learning becoming even more widespread across industries and used by some of the world’s biggest educational institutions.
The future of interactive entertainment?
While no one can predict the future, trends like the ones above show that entertainment is going to continue to become even more interactive and immersive, and impact industries that affect other parts of our lives.