New research suggests gaming now has an "immersion edge" over traditional streaming services. While you might passively watch a show on Netflix, gaming provides a deeper emotional and cognitive "quotient" that younger audiences (Gen Z) prefer. This has led media companies to acquire platforms that support creators, such as acquisition of Saweria to help streamers monetize their content. 2. The Rise of "Microdramas" & UGC
To grasp where we are, we must first look back. The 20th century was defined by the . A single source—an NBC studio, a printing press, a record label—produced content for a passive, mass audience. Popular media was a monologue. Walter Cronkite told you what happened. Rolling Stone told you what to listen to. Siskel & Ebert told you what to watch.
What comes next for entertainment content and popular media? Three trends will define the next decade.