A few short decades ago, print and television were the entertainment options of choice. People would set their clocks to catch new episodes of their favourite shows live, and gamers were mostly relegated to in-person shops and events. Today, online entertainment is quickly replacing traditional or ‘legacy’ media. This is especially true in the UK, where more people are flooding into the market than ever before.
In this article, we’ll explore the rise of online entertainment in the UK and what is driving the boom in popularity.
Projections for future growth
According to PwC, the gaming sector in the UK is poised to continue its recent boom well into the future. Online entertainment, in particular, is projected to hit massive highs and might even see the UK overtaking Germany as Europe’s biggest media and entertainment market. By 2028, the industry is expected to exceed £121bn, setting the benchmark for entertainment growth across Europe.
Incredible variety
One of the most important trends driving growth in online entertainment is the variety of games available. Online gaming isn’t a new concept, but it has taken until relatively recently for the floodgates to open and a wealth of game types to hit the market. From iGaming favourites such as poker and roulette to beloved pastimes such as bingo, there is something for just about everyone – and more titles are added daily.
If you are looking for a fast-paced industry with something new debuting every day, online entertainment might be the best choice in the UK. Find your niche, but don’t be afraid to try something new! There are too many incredible games to stick to one genre.
Great titles
Another reason why online entertainment is rapidly growing is the wealth of content providers. This varies depending on the game variety, which pertains to the types of games available. We’re referring to specific developers of games, movies and film, among others. A decade ago, you might have been hard-pressed to find big titles online, be it iGaming favourites or blockbuster movies. Today, it’s possible to find streaming services dedicated to just about any kind of entertainment possible. If you’re looking for shows from a specific studio, for example, there is likely a streaming service, and perhaps even a proprietary offering, available.
As the number of incredible titles available online grows, so also will the online gaming market in the UK. Don’t be afraid to explore new providers, particularly when you can sift through their offerings in a handy streaming portal or aggregator.
Ease of access
As more people look to tighten their monthly discretionary expenses, affordable streaming options are more important than ever. Instead of paying for a costly cable bill, for example, more people are opting for relatively low-cost monthly subscriptions granting them access to the content they want to see without paying for channels they don’t. From services offering titles from a variety of providers to provider-specific options, savvy buyers can often save a bit of money by picking more focused streaming options.
In addition to increased financial access, online entertainment allows like-minded fans to build online communities dedicated to their interests. This helps nourish hobbies and enables people to form new relationships, making online entertainment one of the best social opportunities around.
HD streaming
Few things attract gaming and film fans like high definition. This might sound strange, but I can explain. First, gamers, in particular, love titles that look realistic. Titles that help players immerse themselves in the game tend to quickly become fan favourites. As network connections improve and more detailed artwork can be supported via online gaming providers, ultra-HD titles are perfect to attract gamers from all across the country.
With that said, film fans are just as likely to enjoy HD content. In fact, you probably remember a time when special effects blew you out of the water in theatres. Those memories stick with you even years later! Just like with gaming, as internet connections strengthen, ultra-HD streaming becomes more accessible. This offers you the opportunity to stream cinema-quality content directly to your home TV. This means that you can get that ‘wow’ factor without ever walking into a theatre.
Do you have a favourite game, genre or film you can stream online? For millions of people across the country, accessing the latest and greatest titles has become as easy as a click of the mouse. From high-quality titles to a vast array of genres, online entertainment is quickly becoming a part of life.