The entertainment field is one of the most enthusiastic advocates of VR or Virtual reality, most noticeably in virtual worlds and games. Media is another field that has entered the revolutionary virtual reality. Media and entertainment organizations want to help shape the next entertainment platform, which is virtual reality.
For the last several months, companies have delved into the revolutionary technology as a new frontier for storytelling and a possible outlet for selling advertisements. They’ve forged partnerships with companies that make VR headsets as well as software makers that broadcast events in virtual reality and attempting to determine how best to build a virtual reality content. Furthermore, some media and entertainment firms are also beginning to invest in VR companies themselves.
VR in Entertainment Field
VR has been predicted as the next big thing in the field of entertainment for some time. However, only within the last couple or three years has it begun to emerge as a real possibility. Virtual reality appeared on the Sundance Film Fest for the second year running. This time however, there are more than a dozen installations for various films, games and a range of other platforms as well. Television and films have been the main focus of VR. Important storytelling could be elevated in the virtual reality environment. The technology could be used to simulate remote parts of the world in urban homes, minimizing ‘truly complex, abstract issues’ into experiences that people comprehend. Most video made for VR currently leans toward promotional opportunities and marketing stunts.
Often, virtual reality is associated with films and TV, with majority of cultural references to it using these forms as their basis. Nevertheless, in the real world, m majority of investors are gaming and social media platform owners, including Nintendo, Sony, Google, and Facebook. Meaning that the likelihood of VR first appearing as a realistic concept in these forms is considerably higher than for TV and film. This would change ultimately the way that VR is used and the way it’s created for use by the public in general.
VR is designed to supplement the traditional style of reporting of who, what, when, where, why and how information and add to the mix an amazing experience that goes beyond the sedentary act of reading a newspaper, website or watching TV. The added lure of using special headsets make VR much more appealing for people who are into experimenting with the latest gadgets. The millennials are the key to virtual reality, since most in this demographic are more receptive and tech-savvy to accept new kinds of technological experiences than their parents who are more tradition-bound. Still, the millennials will not embrace the technology automatically. It is still too new for many people to get excited about and of course there is the price consideration. Nevertheless, media firms declare they can tell and are excited by the prospects of the revolutionary technology. Of the 133 virtual reality investments made last years, media companies participated in six. Others are diving into VR in other ways. For instance, the New York Times Company has made a short documentary content in virtual reality and worked with Google for the distribution of its virtual reality device, Google Cardboard, to subscribers. Last August, Discovery Communications introduced a service called Discovery VR, available through Android and Apple applications, as well as via other outlets. Discovery VR has over 75 reality experiences on topics such as gold mining, sharks and surfing. The app has been downloaded almost 600,000 times and has been viewed over 23 million times.
People are beginning to realize the exciting possibility that virtual reality has in entertainment to a point where the first permanent VR theatre in the world opened up in Amsterdam. Millions of people worldwide have already tried VR headsets and the number would only grow continuously. The experience is like no other, and it’s very easy to turn non-believers into virtual reality fans. More virtual reality cinemas are expected to open all over Europe. Moreover, it’s a phenomena that could easily spread all throughout the world. It’s a technology whose entertainment value is becoming more and more sought after. Additionally, people love to seek out new experiences, and the potential of VR has only just scratched the surface. This will make it a lot less surprising that people would be willing to pay to get a new experience.
The entertainment possibilities of virtual reality are endless. People are being more and more creative. For instance, The Void, which is a fully immersive VR theme park arcade, enables people to go through crazy and fun VR experiences like shooting aliens. The popularity is growing fast since it is considered as the greatest experience in the gaming scenario.
