With 2020 coming close to an end, we may take some time to reflect on the year and all that came with it. Although this year threw us for a loop, it helped us realize what is important to us. One of those things being social activities and entertainment. Think about all the significant events that were missed out on this year– from games to music to sports. As social distancing orders continue to take place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, technology improves at a constant rate.
Nonetheless, 2020 has sped up the adoption of digital technologies by several years– and many of these changes could be here to stay. As augmented reality (AR) continues to develop, there are more opportunities for creativity and innovation. Developers of AR can leverage these opportunities to make big changes in the entertainment industry.
AR is transforming storytelling and entertainment and finding unique ways to immerse users. AR and VR will certainly be the next major medium of storytelling. In the future, you could find yourself enjoying one of your favorite music artists from the comfort of your home–or watching a sport’s game like you have front row seats. Immersive technologies allow us to bring the location to people rather than bringing people to the location. The ability to capture events from around the world and share it with whoever chooses is incredible.
One strong use case of AR will be the sports industry. Whether you have nosebleed seats or you’re watching from home, AR allows access to a close-up experience of a game. Per a recent article, predictions were made that watching a live sporting event will become more immersive with ways to access content, view player stats, and see the game. In fact, in 2018, the NBA released an AR app that brought you courtside to the basketball finals. Soon enough, we will see more extraordinary ways that AR will bring sports lovers together– digitally– to enjoy a game.
With music festivals, like Coachella, drawing in attendees from across the country, the event could be even more appealing with the addition of emerging technology. Artists already seem to be creating new spectacular visual experiences each year– but AR could be the next big wow-factor for a live show. AR-generated characters or 3D animations allow for a brilliant performance. Additionally, navigating concerts and music festivals can be confusing, to say the least. If AR wayfinding was implemented, concert-goers would be able to find their way around using their phone and augmented 3D cues.
Clearly, AR has a vast potential for growth in other entertainment niches like gaming, museums, and theater. Most importantly, AR allows for more audience engagement and participation– making it appealing to the entertainment sector. As a matter of fact, according to Statista, “ AR experiences in media and entertainment are most valued by consumers worldwide as of spring 2019”. As technology progresses, we will have the chance to experience the things we love– no matter where we are.
How do you predict AR will disrupt the entertainment industry?