Over the past few decades, technology has transformed ideas we previously considered science fiction into reality. And with a projected market value of $97.76 billion by 2028, AR technology has undoubtedly been at the helm of this movement. Augmented Reality, or AR, combined real-world conditions with computer-generated content to create interactive experiences. It has applications in many industries but experts predict it will revolutionize entertainment the most. Here is a look at what the future holds for this collaboration and how it will change the way we consume movies and music.
Merging with Gaming
Industry experts predict that a merger between traditional film and gaming is inevitable. In line with this vision, Microsoft recently bought video game giant Activision Blizzard in a $69 billion deal. The idea is that the gaming industry already has a larger-than-most stake in the VR and AR industries. Video and online gaming providers already have the IP, technology, and revenue, making them well-positioned to capitalize on the industry’s growth. Additionally, their implementation of recent innovations and strategies, such as offering players enhanced gaming experiences such as the BestCasinoBonuses, has further fueled the rapid expansion of the gaming industry, with projections indicating a global worth of $200 billion by 2024.
As the first ones in the game, the gaming industry will collaborate with the film industry to change how people consume movies. A great example of this in action is Fortnite, the popular online game, and how it was used to stream three films. It is expected that as this collaboration grows, you will be able to watch movies, attend concerts, and enjoy music within your favorite gaming worlds.
Story Living
VR headsets and AR glasses are yet to become everyday accessories available to everyone. But industry experts expect that they will become cheaper and easier to acquire within the next decade so that people can enter the Metaverse on a large scale. The expectation is that more people will be able to interact with virtual worlds, including movies, in what is being termed as story living.
At the moment, the possibilities are mostly theoretical. However, in 10 years, you might just be able to wear AR glasses and immediately see the world around you transform into a scene from your favorite film. It is possible that you might even be able to insert your avatar into the movie in real-time.
Virtual Concerts
Fortnite did more than premiere three Christopher Nolan movies; it also hosted a concert. Artists like Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber staged live shows within the game in their avatars and fans with VR headsets were able to join. And while this seems to focus more on VR, Katy Perry recently used AR technology to deliver a transcendent American Idol performance. The two technologies will continually be used together to change how people consume music. Perry herself predicted that fans may have to bring their Metaverse gear with them to concerts and that artists will be able to perform to millions of fans from across the globe through AR and VR.
Immersive Social Experiences
As the lines between the physical and digital worlds blur, augmented reality (AR) will fundamentally reshape the way we interact socially, leading to entirely new types of entertainment. Imagine attending a movie premiere or a music festival in an AR-enhanced environment where you can not only witness the event in a new dimension but also interact with it, all from the comfort of your home. Augmented reality could provide context-sensitive interactions, allowing fans to engage in real-time with their favorite artists or characters. These immersive social experiences will redefine how we connect, socialize, and entertain ourselves, breaking down geographical barriers and offering opportunities for shared experiences, unlike anything we’ve seen before.
Interactive Storytelling
In the future, augmented reality will change the narrative framework by enabling interactive storytelling, offering an unparalleled level of engagement and personalization. Traditional linear narratives will give way to dynamic, user-driven storylines where the viewer becomes a participant, influencing the plot based on their decisions and interactions. For example, AR could turn your local park into a fantasy world where you are the main character on a quest, or your living room could become the set of a detective mystery, and you are the detective. These experiences would go beyond mere spectacle; they could evoke deeper emotional responses and attachment to the story, making entertainment more meaningful and immersive than ever.
Edutainment Revolution
Augmented reality is set to revolutionize edutainment – the blend of education and entertainment. By overlaying digital information in real-world environments, AR can provide experiential learning in a fun and engaging way. Think of a history lesson where instead of reading about a significant event, you’re transported to that time and place, interacting with the key figures and witnessing events unfold. Or a biology lesson where you can explore the human body in 3D, peeling back layers to understand the intricate mechanisms within. The immersive nature of AR makes it an ideal tool for learning by doing, which can improve retention and understanding. The edutainment revolution brought about by augmented reality promises to make learning more enjoyable, accessible, and effective, transforming it into a form of entertainment that individuals of all ages can appreciate.
Wrapping Up
It is not up for debate that AR technology is already changing how we perceive our environment. The entertainment industry is prime for the change that the Metaverse – powered by AR and VR – will bring. And while it may take a while, about a decade at the very least, these technologies will transform how people watch movies, play games, listen to music, attend sports events, and more. The potential of AR and VR extends beyond mere entertainment. They hold the power to shape our social interactions, educational experiences, and ways of storytelling, truly blurring the lines between the real and the virtual. The metamorphosis of our digital lives brought about by AR and VR is not just imminent – it’s inevitable, and the dawn of this new era in entertainment is only just beginning.
