Top 5 Practical Use Cases of AR and VR in the Entertainment Industry
The growth of Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is obvious nowadays. It is gaining popularity day by day and becomes an integral part of our life. A large number of industries are experiencing the adoption of AR/VR including traveling, sports, education, healthcare, retail and logistics, media and entertainment and many more. In this blog post, we are going to describe how AR and VR reflects the entertainment sector.
First, let’s recall what is the difference between augmented reality and virtual reality.
How Augmented and Virtual Realities are Used in the Entertainment Industry
The most vivid example of AR/VR usage in the entertainment industry is probably XD (3D, 4D, 5D, 7D, 9D) films and cinemas. However, the use of AR/VR is much wider than this. Let’s have a look at top 5 entertainment niches where these technologies can be successfully applied.
Theater
According to the recent surveys, over 66% of people are more likely visiting an immersive or interactive theater performance rather than a traditional one. Immersive performance allows the audience participating in the action which makes the process more entertaining and engaging. Let’s recall a New York show ‘Sleep No More’ which was a great success. So, AR/VR is a very promising trend in creating theater performances.
Museums and Art Galleries
The use of AR and VR technology in museums and galleries is not a new trend but rather the one increasing in number.
These examples are just a few ones from all existing in the world and showing how virtual and augmented realities can make exhibitions interactive, entertaining and helpful. Many world-famous museums and galleries have already created AR/VR apps to attract more visitors, some have it on the agenda but some are still thinking whether it is worth it.
Whether you need to create a museum tour or make exhibits more interactive, or put objects in context and show their true scale, we are here to help you introduce AR/VR technology to your institution, exhibition, collection or else.
Music Shows and Concerts
Although concerts with the use of AR/VR are still at an experimental phase, like the ones used by such bands as Maroon5, Eminem, Coldplay, U2, Imagine Dragons, and many others, it is inevitable that this technology will become an integral part of most live shows. Thanks to AR and VR such concerts become incredible and never-to-be-forgotten. Many music fans are ready to pay extra to watch VR performances and concert shows.
Amusement and Theme Parks
Virtual reality for amusement and theme parks is on the go helping create exceptional and extraordinary experiences. Many are either incorporating a VR component into existing rides and roller coasters or adding new VR rides to their parks (Coastality, Demonen in Tivoli Gardens, Galactica at Alton Towers in Alton, UK, Final Fantasy XR in Universal Studios, Japan, and many more).
But there are many more examples, from a swinging pirate ship turning into a fantasy dragon ride, to a drop ride becoming a virtual interactive battle to save a futuristic city from mutant spiders. So to stay competitive and to attract as many people as possible theme parks should definitely adopt AR/VR technology.
Sports
In order to improve fans’ experience and engage a large number of audience, the sporting industry should think of implementing AR and VR technology.
VR technologies allow to broadcast live sport events in a 360-degree format providing immersive experience to sports fans all over the world.
AR technology allows sport experts and fans to get significant real-time information at the stadium, tennis court, golf course, etc. Such information might include the speed and trajectory of the ball, weather parameters, player background and track record or other important information.
Definitely, AR/VR technology can’t replace real spectators’ emotions during the game but might be a good alternative for many people.
Bottom line
AR and VR technologies seem to bring enormous benefits to different fields in the entertainment industry from theaters and museums to football matches and music concerts. In pursuit of gaining new audiences and improving their engagement experience, entertainment business owners should think of integrating AR/VR technology. That is where the SCAND team can be of help. Get in touch!