The Fandom Inside Entertainment report sheds light on the shifting behavior of entertainment consumers towards gaming, highlighting several key findings:
1. Transition to Gaming: The report reveals that a significant portion of entertainment consumers are shifting away from traditional mediums like watching movies and TV shows towards gaming. Approximately 67% of fans are spending the same or more time consuming content or playing video games, with 33% spending less time on cable or in theaters, with gaming being the primary activity they're switching to (59%).
2. Emergence of "Switchers": A new audience segment termed "Switchers" is identified, comprising individuals transitioning from traditional entertainment consumption to activities like gaming, social media engagement, reading, and hobbies. This shift presents opportunities for entertainment companies to re-engage audiences through innovative content strategies.
3. Symbiotic Relationship: Contrary to misconceptions, the report highlights a symbiotic relationship between gaming and entertainment industries. While gaming serves as the primary activity for entertainment fans, watching TV and movies remains the top choice for gamers seeking a break from gaming, emphasizing the interconnected nature of these mediums.
4. Opportunities in Drama Genre: The report identifies drama as a promising genre for gaming companies, suggesting narrative-driven experiences that resonate with drama enthusiasts could be successful. Genres like Role-Playing, Adventure, Simulation, Sandbox/Open World, and Puzzle are favored among drama fans who also game.
5. Marketing Strategies and Viewer Engagement: Advertisers and marketers are encouraged to view gaming as a friend rather than a foe, emphasizing the importance of targeting Switchers and developing niche gaming strategies to drive viewer engagement and retention.
6. Emotional Engagement in Gaming: The report highlights that gaming effectively serves the emotional needs of fans, with gamers feeling more interactive, accomplished, in control of the story, and invested in storylines compared to movies and TV shows.
Overall, the report underscores the evolving landscape of entertainment consumption, with gaming playing an increasingly significant role and presenting opportunities for both entertainment and gaming industries to collaborate and innovate.
