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FANDOM DECODES THE TUG-OF-WAR FOR FAN ATTENTION BETWEEN GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT COMPANIES IN 2024 INSIDE ENTERTAINMENT STUDY

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Study Identifies a New Target Audience – The “Switchers” – and Why Dramas Could Be the Next Big Gaming Franchise

 

Forget the gaming vs. entertainment narrative. Fandom, the world’s largest fan platform, today released its annual Inside Entertainment study which reveals a nuanced reality: fans crave both immersive gaming worlds AND timeless storytelling across tv and film, NOT one or the other. Leveraging first-party data from Fandom’s extensive platform – 350 million monthly unique visitors, 45 million pages of content and 250k fan-powered wikis – coupled with a global study, Inside Entertainment: The Entertainment & Gaming Tug of War goes beyond industry headlines to:

  • Understand the dynamic coexistence between the gaming and TV/film industries
  • Identify a brand new audience – the “Switchers”
  • Detail why dramas and book adaptations present a huge opportunity to be the next hit video game franchise

“Every industry analysis refers to the battle for fans’ attention across entertainment and gaming but we’ve found that it’s not an either or. In fact, combined, entertainment and gaming experiences strengthen fan connection and deliver incremental engagement,” said Stephanie Fried, CMO of Fandom. “Understanding the interplay between these mediums is key to building authentic and enduring fan experiences; and understanding the value and role of each medium is essential for developing powerful marketing messaging to attract and retain fans.”

Key Findings

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  • 67% of fans are spending the same or more time consuming content or playing video games, but their behavior is shifting:
  • 33% are spending less time on cable or in theaters – and the number one activity they’re switching to is gaming (59%

Switchers’ refers to the audience moving away from watching movies & binging TV shows in their free time to do other activities. Outside of gaming, switchers are also spending time:

On social media (47%), reading (56%) and doing hobbies (37%)
With 56% of the switcher audience spending time reading, it presents an opportunity to re-engage this audience and pull them back into the ecosystem with new content strategies, like book-to-game or book-to-film cross over adaptations

But don’t worry entertainment companies. Just as gaming is the #1 activity for entertainment fans, watching TV and movies is the #1 activity gamers turn to when taking a break from gaming – which means these industries are inevitably intertwined and could benefit from joint endeavors or conquest/win-back strategies

Drama could be #1 untapped genre for gaming companies to explore when looking for their next big hit. Our data uncovers that drama fans who also game gravitate towards genres like:

  • Role-Playing (RPG): 73%
  • Adventure: 72%,
  • Simulation: 62%,
  • Sandbox/Open World: 62%,
  • Puzzle: 60%

Gaming wins on super serving the emotional needs of fans, identifying a niche area streamers & studios should not only be aware of – but double down on:

  • 82% of gamers think video games are more interactive & engaging than movies and TV
  • 59% feel more accomplished when playing a video game
  • 53% like that they have more control in the story when playing video games
  • 45% feel more invested in the storylines in video games

Top 3 Takeaways For Advertisers and Marketers

1. Gaming is a Friend vs. a Foe

  • Despite common misconceptions, there is a true symbiotic relationship between the gaming and entertainment industries – they both serve different emotional needs for fans and can actually complement each other – with the right fan strategy.
  • Therefore, if studios, networks and streaming companies cater to the distinct emotional desires of their specific audiences, they can successfully influence a fan’s choice between mediums and content types and build out a more robust conquest strategy for both retention and acquisition.

2. Sway the Switchers

  • Switchers are the audience entertainment companies should be first and foremost targeting in this “tug of war” to capture fan attention, because switching to watching TV & movies is the first activity gamers engage in after they stop playing.
  • This underscores the importance for entertainment companies to develop strategies that resonate with these “switchers.”

3. Find your Niche

  • With the growing intersection between gaming and entertainment, it’s crucial for studios, networks, and streamers to align on a gaming strategy that drives viewer engagement and retention.
  • While many entertainment companies know they need a focus on gaming to drive their business forward – how and where are often barriers. Developing a gaming-specific fan strategy by finding niche pockets in the vast ecosystem – like targeting drama fans or creating book adaptations – is key for reaching a high affinity target at scale.

For an interview with a Fandom executive to discuss the study in more detail, please contact Rachelle Savoia at [email protected]

Methodology

The 2024 Inside Entertainment study regionally analyzes the dynamics between diverse forms of entertainment based on a survey of 5,500 entertainment and gaming fans aged 13-54 These insights were validated and deepened through Fandom’s proprietary, first-party data from 2024 – more than 350 million monthly unique visitors, 45 million pages of content across 250,000 wikis. This methodology provides a 360-degree view of franchises and fan interest across the entertainment and gaming landscape through the eyes of Fandom.

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Portuguese start-up FootAR is enhancing the Euro 2024 experience with AR tracking and smart data

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With the summer of football heating up, FootAR is showing how live sports can be enhanced with augmented reality. It has created a real-time companion that gamifies the sports experience and emulates player movements with 3D foosball-like figures, adding smart stats and prizes for fans.

FootAR has already made its mark in Portugal, where two notable media organisations have integrated it into their coverage. GMG (Jornal de Notícias) and SportsMultimedia (VSports) use FootAR to bring a 3D experience to Euro 2024 fans.

FootAR is one of 22 companies in the Portuguese games development and creative industries cluster eGamesLab. This ambitious R&D project led out of Madeira aims to attract and develop new talent and technology focused on the growing national video game industry.

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FootAR’s platform went live earlier this year. The initial rollout covered Portuguese league games, partnering with some of the biggest Portuguese clubs like SC Braga and CD Nacional before expanding to cover all the matches at Euro 2024. It offers real-time statistics, in-depth analysis, and seamless integration for news outlets covering live games on their websites.

Fans can relive every goal, track every pass, and stay connected to the game with real-time updates and AR-enhanced visuals. The technology allows fans to rewatch the most significant moments in a live game and view them from multiple angles, together with an accompanying audio commentary.

“We understand the insatiable appetite for football data and the desire to go beyond the final score,” says David Olim, Co-Founder of FootAR. “FootAR empowers fans to delve deeper into the action, following their favourite players, teams, and leagues, and is the perfect way for enthusiasts to analyse the beautiful game – but that’s just the start. As a father of two young children, my goal is to shape how younger generations immerse themselves in these communal experiences. Looking to the future, our interests go way beyond sports. We are starting with football, but within five years, we will have personalised experiences for clubs, artists, and brands to build their own interactive events. 

 

Key Features:

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Augmented Reality – relive the match’s key moments from multiple angles through 3D AR visuals, and get closer to the action with real-time data overlays to follow the game how you want to.

Custom Data Suite – access in-depth statistics for players and teams such as expected goals, pass accuracy and tackles lost. In-game notifications can be customised, ensuring key moments in the game are never missed.. 

Audio Commentary – FoorAR can sync with local radio broadcasts, creating a combination of live commentary and live data which really brings events to life.

With FootAR, new avenues for monetizing audience engagement and sponsors are available to media companies and clubs looking for a solution to drive greater fan engagement, as well as opening up new revenue streams through in-game activations.

Fans can transform their football experience today by downloading FootAR for free on Android and iOS and using the Web/Desktop app. Apple VisionPro and Meta Quest versions of the experience are also being developed and will be released in Q3 2024.

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Week 27/2024 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Evolution announced the launch of Balloon Race, its latest-generation online slot game that brings together traditional, much-loved slot features with the excitement of a live game-show-style bonus round featuring a ball drawing machine. Balloon Race, in which players soar high and accumulate multipliers in Qualification and Top-Up phases, follows on from the likes of Evolution’s hugely successful Crazy Coin Flip and Crazy Pachinko slot games with live bonus rounds.

Evolution launches Balloon Race, colourful, latest-generation online slot with live bonus round

 

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Blueprint Gaming’s renowned folklore series returns in style as a host of thrilling mechanics lead the way including the lavish Cash Strike Bonus round and the studio’s brand-new Rapid-Fire Jackpots™ in Luck O’ The Irish Cash Strike. The classic 3×3 grid takes its place under a true Irish rainbow in the countryside as a feast of fruits is accompanied by diamond and golden coin symbols in the base game.

Boundless gold awaits in Blueprint Gaming’s Luck O’ The Irish Cash Strike

 

Booming Games launches yet another instalment in its buffalo migration adventure with its latest game – Buffalo Hold and Win Extreme. This is a stunning 5×3, 25 payline slot which is set against the stunning backdrop of grasslands and canyons where players will experience the most thrilling and hazardous part of the buffalo trek.

 

The team at Blue Guru has paid homage to this unpredictability and insanity in St. Louis 1904 which is packed with bonus features that will keep players pounding the dusty tracks of Missouri in search of victory and potentially big wins. This includes Instant Money Medal Symbols and a Progressive Multiplier Free Games Bonus. Free Spins are triggered when three or more Scatter symbols land on the reels – in the base game, if two Scatters land a second chance feature can trigger.

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AC MILAN AND BOOMERANG SIGN A NEW REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP DEAL

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The global company offering a wide range of iGaming products becomes Rossoneri’s Official Regional Betting Partner in Europe

AC Milan is delighted to announce a new partnership with Boomerang, which will see the company become the Official Regional Betting Partner of the Rossoneri in Europe.

Boomerang, a global company founded in 2021, has rapidly established a strong worldwide presence. Its portfolio features a diverse range of sports betting products, including the flagship brand – Boomerang Sportsbook. The company has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, underscored by numerous industry awards.

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This partnership represents a significant milestone for both AC Milan and Boomerang. Both organizations are dedicated to building solid brand credibility and creating an innovative, long-term vision. Boomerang’s rapid growth and dynamic approach align perfectly with AC Milan’s commitment to excellence, strategic global growth, and fan engagement.

Maikel Oettle, Chief Commercial Officer of AC Milan, commented: “We are excited to team up with Boomerang, as this partnership holds great value for our fans. Together, we aim to enhance fan engagement across Europe, offering unique experiences that celebrate our shared passion for sports. By working closely with Boomerang, we look forward to creating memorable moments and strengthening our connection with sports enthusiasts in Europe.”

Ivan Kraynov, Co-Founder of Boomerang, added: “We are incredibly excited to become the Official Regional Betting Partner of AC Milan. This collaboration with the Rossoneri marks a significant milestone for Boomerang. We join forces with the team with which we share our commitment to winning, bravery, and innovation. Together, we’ll strive to drive sports trends and deliver an exclusive experience to fans, partners, and users.”

The post AC MILAN AND BOOMERANG SIGN A NEW REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP DEAL appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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