Is Virtual Reality The Next Wave In Entertainment?
With almost everybody in the digital world working on some form of augmented reality or virtual reality, most companies are focused on the gaming industry. There’s the HTC, Playstation VR, and Oculus so far on the market testing the capabilities of digital worlds. Even Apple is said to be working on augmented reality glasses that would echo Google’s goals for its Google Glass. So far the main focus on these devices has been the gaming industry bringing a whole new experience to console-style gaming. But what if there’s one thing they could ultimately shift to, the entertainment industry.
Right now, with theaters struggling the way they are the movie industry is trying their hardest to keep viewing audiences interested. Home viewing and streaming options have only been strengthened by the pandemic forcing audiences to stay at home for their favorite content. However, it will only be a matter of time before they need to figure out their next wave of the experience unless they want to run into the same $30 plus subscription Disney+ is forcing Mulan audiences to pay up front. But in the long run that hurts one service or the other. If fans have to pay the initial fee, will it not be available on streaming? If so how many fans would be willing to wait it out? If future movies release with the same price tag, how long before subscribers lose the sense of value?
More Tech: Apple – The Future Is Augmented Reality
What does this have to do with augmented/virtual reality?
Imagine home viewing with the next wave in technology. If Apple truly is working on a wearable for augmented and virtual reality then the market will soon explode. Even if you don’t like their products or their “fanboys”, you have to admit they set the market when it comes to new tech. Plenty of companies came out with smartphones, tablets, and smart watches before Apple but each market has inflated tremendously once they joined it.
Fast forward to the virtual reality wave and entertainment industry evolution. Right now, Netflix is already toying with their “choose your own adventure” style movies and shows. These movies set you up to make a choice what happens next in real time and take you to a different ending on what you’re watching. How long will it be before the long struggling virtual reality wave takes us into these shows with the same kind of niche?
Say for instance you’re watching an episode of Stranger Things. Instead of being behind the fourth wall, you pop on your VR headset and become a bystander in the gang’s adventures. Then it syncs with your mobile device and you have to investigate real world augmented reality hunts to further progress the show. Pokémon Go proved that the world will buy into a fad market if it benefits their overall enjoyment. Could the entertainment industry develop this far?
Right now, virtual reality is only an extension of console gaming but the future might be closer than you think. Augmented and virtual reality have a place in homes once there’s an every household need. If theaters continue to struggle, could we see a whole new avenue in the viewing experience?
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
