Entertainment, and the entertainment industry, have grown at an unbelievable rate. When you consider the fact that 100 years ago it wasn’t even common to see movies in color, it is amazing to see how far humanity has come.

Now, we have immersive home gaming setups, 3D movies, and many more ways for more immersive entertainment. We’re exploring some of the ways that entertainment is taking strides to become even more immersive below.
 

Casino Gambling in The Home

One of the industries we’re seeing make a big push toward more immersive technology is the casino industry. Casinos and gambling companies are trying to give their users a more immersive experience, and one that is reminiscent of actually visiting a casino.

One huge innovation has been the advent of live casino games. When someone logs into a platform to play video poker they can connect to a dealer and other players in real-time, providing an experience closer to what they would have in an in-person casino. Video dealers are becoming more common in the gambling industry, so people are connecting with other humans rather than just online interfaces.

Other forms of casino gambling are becoming more immersive, with slot games having more advanced 3D graphics and soundtracks, too.

Live Theatrical Experiences and Themed Events

In the world of theater and live events that people attend in person, there are also lots of ways that immersion is creeping in. The Masque of the Read Death is a play that had a hugely successful run in London and encouraged audience participation. It was designed in a way that allowed people to be a part of the show as well as watch it as a spectator.

The desire for amazing horror experiences has also helped to drive this immersion, too. Through festivals and conventions as well as in-person haunted houses that enlist actors, the thrill of a horror experience can be a draw for those who love horror and all things spooky. These kinds of events aren’t just for Halloween, either, and many are open all year round.

Better Audio Immersion

Audio technology is another way that entertainment is becoming more immersive. This is a particular area of growth in the home entertainment industry.

Once upon a time, people might have huddled around a small TV screen to watch a movie. Now, there are so many options for how it can be enjoyed, including incredible audio options that can make people feel like they are in the heart of the action. The first 5.1 version of surround sound was released on the market in 1987 but was cost-prohibitive. Modern systems are much more affordable, with the Dolby Atmos soundbar market growing, and forecast to continue growing until 2030.

Soundbars and immersive audio systems can be purchased for the home, which can give a full, 3D soundscape. A lot of these systems include subwoofers, which can also provide the rumble of an explosion and the sound of a helicopter overhead, or animals in a jungle.

For those who enjoy listening to music in immersive formats, this is also facilitated by the same kinds of systems. 3D speakers and technology like Dolby Atmos can allow you to hear amazing albums and songs in a way that you have never experienced before.

VR and AR

It is impossible not to mention VR and AR technologies in this context. Virtual reality has become much more widespread now that the technology is compatible with a lot of computers and top game consoles. Huge companies have embraced virtual reality technology. There are currently more than 15 million VR headsets in operation, and that number is forecast to grow.

At the moment, some of the hardware is cost prohibitive for some, but as time goes on, expect there to be a growing niche in the world of virtual reality as well as augmented reality.

We’ve seen some AR games prove to be hugely successful already. Most of us remember the huge buzz when Pokemon Go was first released. The AR technology in this game makes it look like there are real Pokemon in the room with you.

Choice-based Entertainment

Immersion doesn’t just come in the form of things looking and sounding great. It comes in the form of people being more involved.

One way that people can be more closely involved and immersed in a story is to make choices along the way. We all know that games have an element of this, with many open-world games allowing you to pick the storyline you wish to follow.

Companies like Netflix are also developing movies where you can choose certain outcomes, and choose your own adventure books are also immensely popular, and growing. The most popular example of this was 2018’s meta adventure Bandersnatch.

Conclusion

One of the benefits of growing technology is the fact that it provides new ways for people to be entertained.

Entertainment companies are good at pushing the boundaries, whether that means casinos coming up with new games and variations of classics, or movies being made that provide a more immersive experience for the viewers. It is an exciting time for engaging entertainment.

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