2021 media and entertainment industry outlook

May 1, 2021 | 159 views

Since spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been accelerating structural challenges and trends that have long faced the media and entertainment (M&E) industry. Kevin Westcott, Deloitte’s US Tech, Media, and Telecom leader, explores the biggest media trends for 2021 and shares his entertainment industry analysis.

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Daily Planet Productions, Ltd.

Daily Planet is a full-service Chicago video production company; we do content creation, editing, 3D animation, design, VFX, and live action to help clients creatively connect with their customers in social media, online and on TV. We work together with our clients to conceptualize, create, produce, design, shoot and edit in a vast array of styles and platforms. From digital content to broadcast film, corporate videos, explainer videos and digital animated video production, Daily Planet works with agencies, PR firms, marketers.

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MEDIA AND BROADCASTING, BUSINESS

Microsoft’s xCloud game streaming arrives on iOS with some Apple restrictions

Article | August 4, 2022

Microsoft is expanding its Project xCloud service to the iPhone today. The software giant is launching a beta of xCloud through Apple’s TestFlight service, allowing xCloud testers to try the service on an iPhone or iPad. It’s the first time we’ve seen a cloud game streaming service appear on iOS since the days of OnLive — and OnLive’s iOS app wound up in limbo when Apple didn’t approve it. Google’s Stadia and Nvidia’s GeForce Now are still not available on Apple’s devices, either, and neither company has been able to tell us when that might change.

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MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Apple's AR & VR headset may not need external input for orientation & motion detection

Article | June 14, 2021

Apple is continuing to investigate headsets like its "AR Glasses," as part of its exploration of Augmented and Virtual Reality systems. One such headset in future may utilize sensors that can detect angular rotation, such as that experienced when the device is placed on a user's head or removed. "[It] may be beneficial for the VR headset to be able to detect when a head-worn device (e.g., headset, eyeglasses, headphones, etc.) is being removed from the user's head, is being placed on the user's head, or both," says Apple in US Patent No. 10,557,724, "Angle detection of a rotating system using a single magnet and multiple hall sensors."

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MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Game On: These Entertainment Stocks Hit New Levels

Article | June 17, 2021

Some Chinese entertainment stocks listed in the U.S. got a boost last week after the People Bank of China (PBOC) said it would pump $173 billion into the economy. Since news of the report from Beijing hit the street, one of the biggest gainers was Chinese gaming giant NetEase Inc. (Nasdaq: NTES) NetEase, a partner of California-based Blizzard Entertainment in China, traded as low as $317.48 per American depositary share within the last couple of weeks, and soared as high as $347.95 apiece last week. NetEase rolled out its international presence in recent years in Japan and North America, lowering its China dependency.

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The Future of Tech: Gaming Consoles, the Xbox and PlayStation of Tomorrow

Article | February 10, 2020

Consoles have come a very long way since the arrival of first-generation machines from Atari and Coleco in the seventies. Even the original PlayStation (1994) and Xbox (2001) look dated compared to the 4K/HDR-capable machines of today, and that divide will grow even larger once the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X arrive at the end of 2020. But what about the future? More than once console makers have tried to break new ground, by focusing on functionality beyond gaming, but for the most part those attempts have failed. Nintendo has found the most success with specialized hardware that still focuses on games first, while Sony and Microsoft have seemingly understood that building powerful general purpose machines that are akin to PCs is their best and safest bet.

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Spotlight

Daily Planet Productions, Ltd.

Daily Planet is a full-service Chicago video production company; we do content creation, editing, 3D animation, design, VFX, and live action to help clients creatively connect with their customers in social media, online and on TV. We work together with our clients to conceptualize, create, produce, design, shoot and edit in a vast array of styles and platforms. From digital content to broadcast film, corporate videos, explainer videos and digital animated video production, Daily Planet works with agencies, PR firms, marketers.

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MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Partners With IGN Entertainment to Launch ESIX Gaming, the World’s First-ever Theme Park Based Gaming Experience

businesswire | May 22, 2023

Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Thrill Capital of South Texas, in partnership with IGN Entertainment, today announced the May 20 official launch of ESIX Gaming powered by Coca-Cola™. IGN, the world’s number one entertainment platform, becomes the official streaming and media partner in debuting this new, top-of-the-line competitive gaming campus. As the largest gaming-focused media platform in the world with over 286M+ unique users, IGN is positioned to bring the excitement of ESIX to gamers of all ages. Through this partnership, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and IGN Entertainment will host and stream a range of competitive events throughout the year featuring the biggest games, teams and IGN’s array of beloved hosts. “Six Flags Fiesta Texas is excited to partner with IGN Entertainment to launch a new, cutting-edge gaming experience, the first of its kind at any theme park in the world,” said Park President Jeffrey Siebert. “As leaders in the gaming industry, IGN Entertainment brings an unprecedented level of excitement and expertise to ESIX Gaming powered by Coca Cola,” added Siebert. “With the development of this new state-of-the-art ESIX Gaming arena, Six Flags not only raises the bar for the amusement industry but also shows the world its commitment to the gaming category,” said IGN Strategic Partnerships & Innovation SVP Karl Stewart. “Their new arena offers guests unprecedented access to the latest games, technology and favorite teams in an intimate and highly competitive environment. IGN is honored to support bringing Six Flags’ vision to our audiences around the world.” ESIX Gaming powered by Coca-Cola™ has incredible features coveted by the gaming community: Event Stage – Guests will feel the intensity of live tournaments in a 5v5 gaming format; Razer™ Gaming Stations – In partnership with Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, the ESIX experience will include 50 custom-built gaming PC stations. Guests of all skill levels can play, compete and experience their favorite competitive titles on top-of-the-line Razer gaming hardware. Each gaming PC station is equipped with the latest 4080 graphic cards, 280 Hz monitors, and a suite of Razer gear including their latest keyboards, mice and headsets; Gaming Console Stations – Console competitors will also be supported with the newest next-generation consoles and professional-grade Razer controllers at five console stations; Razer Live Streaming Station – Guests will have the opportunity to broadcast and host their own live content from an ultimate professional livestream setup that includes Razer’s multi-tasking Stream Controller, professional dynamic microphone, Razer’s 4k webcam, key lights and an iconic Razer gaming chair; Bar, Restrooms and Enhanced Amenities – Guests can relax in the ultramodern 52-seat lounge with cell phone charging stations, sip a signature cocktail from the new bar menu or test and purchase the latest gaming equipment; Coke VIP Lounge (second floor) – During events, athletes are able to relax and enjoy the upscale, full-service environment and watch live streaming game play; and Zaragoza Theater – A 1,601-seat, full-sized theater can be used for esports events and game play during large scale tournaments. ESIX Gaming powered by Coca-Cola™ debuts Saturday, May 20. Visit www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas for updates on this and all the exciting developments for the 2023 season. About IGN Entertainment IGN Entertainment is one of the leading Internet media companies focused on video games and entertainment. IGN reaches more than 288 million monthly users around the world, and is followed by more than 51MM social and YouTube followers. With an extremely engaged audience, watching over 566MM minutes of content monthly. IGN also publishes daily content on 34 platforms including TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat Discover. Established in 1996, IGN is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Sydney and London. IGN content is localized in 25 languages and 112 countries and hosted on websites and native applications on mobile, connected TV, and Xbox and PlayStation platforms. For more information, visit IGN.com and follow @IGN on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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SOLUTIONS

#paid Launches Content Usage Rights Platform Solution

businesswire | May 26, 2023

#paid, a leading creator marketing platform, has announced the release of Creator Content Usage Rights, a new offering that allows brands to purchase rights to creator content for use across a full range of marketing channels out-of-home, print, in-flight, cinema, broadcast, in-game, online video, display, virtual reality, and paid social media. #paid is the first platform to centralize the process of purchasing creator content usage rights, transforming the way brands and creators collaborate. For creators, the tool ensures fair compensation when their content is used beyond the social feed., and it allows them to generate passive income from content long after its creation. For brands, it ensures consistency and standardization of rates, and it further cements creators as a cost-effective way to produce high-quality, creative content for marketing campaigns. "The magic behind this new industry-first feature is our proprietary pricing algorithm built on top of our first-party data," said Bryan Gold, CEO of #paid. "Until now, there has been no standardized way to price creator content on channels like out-of-home or virtual reality. Now, we have paved the way in what was previously the wild west of our industry. Creators have long been vulnerable to having their content misused. Until now, managing the legal process, and tracking and monetizing usage rights have been onerous tasks, often leading to exploitation. Brands, too, have struggled to use creator content at scale because contracts are difficult to negotiate and manage; there is no standardized usage rights pricing, and usage cannot be tracked properly. Now, says Gold, “Creators are protected and empowered to monetize their content in new ways, while brands have a scalable and cost-effective way to amplify their marketing using creator content across their entire marketing mix.” The #paid Creator Content Usage Rights product will be revolutionary for brands and creators alike, providing a simplified process to secure usage rights with standardized pricing, automated contracting, and easy-to-manage terms. #paid is proud to continue its pioneering in the creator marketing industry, introducing innovative products that continue to instill trust and accountability in the space. It looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the creator economy. About #paid #paid is a creator marketing platform situated at the nexus of brand and creator collaboration. The company powers the campaigns of Fortune 500 brands like Phillips Hue, Unilever, and Sephora, who leverage the platform to activate creators for growth. #paid is building the go-to platform that fuels content creation and distribution for brands globally, while providing creators with an unparalleled environment to do what they love create.

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SOLUTIONS

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Gamefam Unveil New Immersive World on Roblox

Gamefam | May 30, 2023

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Gamefam, a leading metaverse game developer, are joining forces to create Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever immersive experience on Roblox, a global immersive platform where millions of people connect and communicate daily. In Cirque du Soleil Tycoon, users can build their own Cirque du Soleil universe filled with performers, artists, sell-out crowds and some of the most visually stunning performances in the metaverse. Community members will have the chance to build and manage their own Big Top performance, try their skills in interactive challenges and mini-games, hire acrobats, and set the stage to create their very own custom Cirque du Soleil site. Inspired by Cirque du Soleil’s brand-new touring show, “ECHO”, which explores the relationship between humans and nature, the experience incorporates whimsical and fantastical Cirque du Soleil details and brings existing and new fans together for a behind-the-scenes look at how Cirque du Soleil productions work. Roblox community members will also have access to unique virtual items, such as animal head masks inspired by real-life ECHO costumes, allowing them to customize their avatar and express their creativity in true Cirque du Soleil fashion. “Cirque du Soleil Tycoon will channel the influence of global online platform Roblox for immersive shared experiences and harness Cirque du Soleil’s high-end entertainment expertise, creative DNA, and multi-generational fanbase. To launch Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever digital experience on a major immersive platform like Roblox made a lot of sense for us – just like the story of ECHO which centers around connection, Roblox is all about bringing people together, and in this case, also enabling us to offer a coveted behind-the-scenes experience to millions of fans at once, sans distance or other physical limitations,” said Sébastien Ouimet, Head of Filmed and Immersive Entertainment at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. This unique experience supports Cirque du Soleil’s newly defined mission to diversify its offering beyond live shows by bringing its world-renowned creative development engine to the immersive world of Roblox and allowing new and existing fans to engage with a first-of-its-kind metaverse experience. “With the creation of Cirque du Soleil Tycoon, we underscore the increasing importance of widening our portfolio of brand experiences across 3D immersive and filmed entertainment, premium content, gaming, and beyond,” notes Nickole Tara, Chief Growth Officer, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “It has been a privilege to bring one of the world’s most admired and magical attractions to Roblox and invite the community to experience Cirque du Soleil beyond the physical big top,” added Ricardo Briceno, Chief Business Officer at Gamefam. “Cirque du Soleil Tycoon serves as yet another great example of how beloved brands can extend their reach and engage new fans right where they are spending time each and every day.” By tapping into Gamefam’s metaverse gaming expertise, Cirque du Soleil aims to engage some of the 66 million+ daily active players on Roblox, attract a new fan base, and provide people globally an easily accessible way to experience the creativity and universe of Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil Tycoon will be available for free on Roblox via most platforms and devices, including consoles, PCs, mobile, and tablets starting in summer 2023. About Gamefam Gamefam, a leading metaverse game developer and publisher that creates connected experiences with gaming communities and well-known brands, is building the next generation of pop culture franchises born from the metaverse. Our mission is to create dynamic experiences for an amazing community while we grow the next generation of super hit gaming and entertainment franchises from within the metaverse. Gamefam operates the largest network of games on Roblox with over 25 million daily game sessions and 115 million hours of engagement each month across 30+ live games in the company’s portfolio. Gamefam’s top franchises include Sonic Speed Simulator, Twilight Daycare, Tower of Misery, Funky Friday, Ultra Power Tycoon, Starving Artists, Hot Wheels Open World, Easy Obby and Weapon Fighting Simulator. The Gamefam experience also extends into metaverse destinations including its operation of the three leading Minecraft servers and development of Fortnite’s top 40 maps. With its headquarters in Los Angeles, the Gamefam team combines the business and production expertise of longtime brand experts and game industry professionals with the metaverse’s top creators.

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MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Partners With IGN Entertainment to Launch ESIX Gaming, the World’s First-ever Theme Park Based Gaming Experience

businesswire | May 22, 2023

Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Thrill Capital of South Texas, in partnership with IGN Entertainment, today announced the May 20 official launch of ESIX Gaming powered by Coca-Cola™. IGN, the world’s number one entertainment platform, becomes the official streaming and media partner in debuting this new, top-of-the-line competitive gaming campus. As the largest gaming-focused media platform in the world with over 286M+ unique users, IGN is positioned to bring the excitement of ESIX to gamers of all ages. Through this partnership, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and IGN Entertainment will host and stream a range of competitive events throughout the year featuring the biggest games, teams and IGN’s array of beloved hosts. “Six Flags Fiesta Texas is excited to partner with IGN Entertainment to launch a new, cutting-edge gaming experience, the first of its kind at any theme park in the world,” said Park President Jeffrey Siebert. “As leaders in the gaming industry, IGN Entertainment brings an unprecedented level of excitement and expertise to ESIX Gaming powered by Coca Cola,” added Siebert. “With the development of this new state-of-the-art ESIX Gaming arena, Six Flags not only raises the bar for the amusement industry but also shows the world its commitment to the gaming category,” said IGN Strategic Partnerships & Innovation SVP Karl Stewart. “Their new arena offers guests unprecedented access to the latest games, technology and favorite teams in an intimate and highly competitive environment. IGN is honored to support bringing Six Flags’ vision to our audiences around the world.” ESIX Gaming powered by Coca-Cola™ has incredible features coveted by the gaming community: Event Stage – Guests will feel the intensity of live tournaments in a 5v5 gaming format; Razer™ Gaming Stations – In partnership with Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, the ESIX experience will include 50 custom-built gaming PC stations. Guests of all skill levels can play, compete and experience their favorite competitive titles on top-of-the-line Razer gaming hardware. Each gaming PC station is equipped with the latest 4080 graphic cards, 280 Hz monitors, and a suite of Razer gear including their latest keyboards, mice and headsets; Gaming Console Stations – Console competitors will also be supported with the newest next-generation consoles and professional-grade Razer controllers at five console stations; Razer Live Streaming Station – Guests will have the opportunity to broadcast and host their own live content from an ultimate professional livestream setup that includes Razer’s multi-tasking Stream Controller, professional dynamic microphone, Razer’s 4k webcam, key lights and an iconic Razer gaming chair; Bar, Restrooms and Enhanced Amenities – Guests can relax in the ultramodern 52-seat lounge with cell phone charging stations, sip a signature cocktail from the new bar menu or test and purchase the latest gaming equipment; Coke VIP Lounge (second floor) – During events, athletes are able to relax and enjoy the upscale, full-service environment and watch live streaming game play; and Zaragoza Theater – A 1,601-seat, full-sized theater can be used for esports events and game play during large scale tournaments. ESIX Gaming powered by Coca-Cola™ debuts Saturday, May 20. Visit www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas for updates on this and all the exciting developments for the 2023 season. About IGN Entertainment IGN Entertainment is one of the leading Internet media companies focused on video games and entertainment. IGN reaches more than 288 million monthly users around the world, and is followed by more than 51MM social and YouTube followers. With an extremely engaged audience, watching over 566MM minutes of content monthly. IGN also publishes daily content on 34 platforms including TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat Discover. Established in 1996, IGN is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Sydney and London. IGN content is localized in 25 languages and 112 countries and hosted on websites and native applications on mobile, connected TV, and Xbox and PlayStation platforms. For more information, visit IGN.com and follow @IGN on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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SOLUTIONS

#paid Launches Content Usage Rights Platform Solution

businesswire | May 26, 2023

#paid, a leading creator marketing platform, has announced the release of Creator Content Usage Rights, a new offering that allows brands to purchase rights to creator content for use across a full range of marketing channels out-of-home, print, in-flight, cinema, broadcast, in-game, online video, display, virtual reality, and paid social media. #paid is the first platform to centralize the process of purchasing creator content usage rights, transforming the way brands and creators collaborate. For creators, the tool ensures fair compensation when their content is used beyond the social feed., and it allows them to generate passive income from content long after its creation. For brands, it ensures consistency and standardization of rates, and it further cements creators as a cost-effective way to produce high-quality, creative content for marketing campaigns. "The magic behind this new industry-first feature is our proprietary pricing algorithm built on top of our first-party data," said Bryan Gold, CEO of #paid. "Until now, there has been no standardized way to price creator content on channels like out-of-home or virtual reality. Now, we have paved the way in what was previously the wild west of our industry. Creators have long been vulnerable to having their content misused. Until now, managing the legal process, and tracking and monetizing usage rights have been onerous tasks, often leading to exploitation. Brands, too, have struggled to use creator content at scale because contracts are difficult to negotiate and manage; there is no standardized usage rights pricing, and usage cannot be tracked properly. Now, says Gold, “Creators are protected and empowered to monetize their content in new ways, while brands have a scalable and cost-effective way to amplify their marketing using creator content across their entire marketing mix.” The #paid Creator Content Usage Rights product will be revolutionary for brands and creators alike, providing a simplified process to secure usage rights with standardized pricing, automated contracting, and easy-to-manage terms. #paid is proud to continue its pioneering in the creator marketing industry, introducing innovative products that continue to instill trust and accountability in the space. It looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the creator economy. About #paid #paid is a creator marketing platform situated at the nexus of brand and creator collaboration. The company powers the campaigns of Fortune 500 brands like Phillips Hue, Unilever, and Sephora, who leverage the platform to activate creators for growth. #paid is building the go-to platform that fuels content creation and distribution for brands globally, while providing creators with an unparalleled environment to do what they love create.

Read More

SOLUTIONS

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Gamefam Unveil New Immersive World on Roblox

Gamefam | May 30, 2023

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Gamefam, a leading metaverse game developer, are joining forces to create Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever immersive experience on Roblox, a global immersive platform where millions of people connect and communicate daily. In Cirque du Soleil Tycoon, users can build their own Cirque du Soleil universe filled with performers, artists, sell-out crowds and some of the most visually stunning performances in the metaverse. Community members will have the chance to build and manage their own Big Top performance, try their skills in interactive challenges and mini-games, hire acrobats, and set the stage to create their very own custom Cirque du Soleil site. Inspired by Cirque du Soleil’s brand-new touring show, “ECHO”, which explores the relationship between humans and nature, the experience incorporates whimsical and fantastical Cirque du Soleil details and brings existing and new fans together for a behind-the-scenes look at how Cirque du Soleil productions work. Roblox community members will also have access to unique virtual items, such as animal head masks inspired by real-life ECHO costumes, allowing them to customize their avatar and express their creativity in true Cirque du Soleil fashion. “Cirque du Soleil Tycoon will channel the influence of global online platform Roblox for immersive shared experiences and harness Cirque du Soleil’s high-end entertainment expertise, creative DNA, and multi-generational fanbase. To launch Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever digital experience on a major immersive platform like Roblox made a lot of sense for us – just like the story of ECHO which centers around connection, Roblox is all about bringing people together, and in this case, also enabling us to offer a coveted behind-the-scenes experience to millions of fans at once, sans distance or other physical limitations,” said Sébastien Ouimet, Head of Filmed and Immersive Entertainment at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. This unique experience supports Cirque du Soleil’s newly defined mission to diversify its offering beyond live shows by bringing its world-renowned creative development engine to the immersive world of Roblox and allowing new and existing fans to engage with a first-of-its-kind metaverse experience. “With the creation of Cirque du Soleil Tycoon, we underscore the increasing importance of widening our portfolio of brand experiences across 3D immersive and filmed entertainment, premium content, gaming, and beyond,” notes Nickole Tara, Chief Growth Officer, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “It has been a privilege to bring one of the world’s most admired and magical attractions to Roblox and invite the community to experience Cirque du Soleil beyond the physical big top,” added Ricardo Briceno, Chief Business Officer at Gamefam. “Cirque du Soleil Tycoon serves as yet another great example of how beloved brands can extend their reach and engage new fans right where they are spending time each and every day.” By tapping into Gamefam’s metaverse gaming expertise, Cirque du Soleil aims to engage some of the 66 million+ daily active players on Roblox, attract a new fan base, and provide people globally an easily accessible way to experience the creativity and universe of Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil Tycoon will be available for free on Roblox via most platforms and devices, including consoles, PCs, mobile, and tablets starting in summer 2023. About Gamefam Gamefam, a leading metaverse game developer and publisher that creates connected experiences with gaming communities and well-known brands, is building the next generation of pop culture franchises born from the metaverse. Our mission is to create dynamic experiences for an amazing community while we grow the next generation of super hit gaming and entertainment franchises from within the metaverse. Gamefam operates the largest network of games on Roblox with over 25 million daily game sessions and 115 million hours of engagement each month across 30+ live games in the company’s portfolio. Gamefam’s top franchises include Sonic Speed Simulator, Twilight Daycare, Tower of Misery, Funky Friday, Ultra Power Tycoon, Starving Artists, Hot Wheels Open World, Easy Obby and Weapon Fighting Simulator. The Gamefam experience also extends into metaverse destinations including its operation of the three leading Minecraft servers and development of Fortnite’s top 40 maps. With its headquarters in Los Angeles, the Gamefam team combines the business and production expertise of longtime brand experts and game industry professionals with the metaverse’s top creators.

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