Researchers conducted surveys and industry expert interviews to understand current and future consumer demand for AR, VR and Metaverse entertainment options. The survey indicated that consumers were most interested in using AR and VR to enhance experiences in concerts, educational content, and gaming. Respondents also indicated that they were interested in joining the metaverse to participate in social experiences and to attend live music events. The research unveiled generational differences, emerging opportunities, and trends to follow to best meet consumer demands.
The Potential Market for AR, VR and the Metaverse
Even though VR, AR, and the metaverse are already a growing part of the consumer
marketplace, it is still important to define these relatively new technologies since they are not yet
mainstream. VR technology enables users to immerse themselves in and “interact with a
computer-generated environment, a simulation of the real world or an imaginary world” (Akbari
et al, 2022). In contrast, AR technology incorporates digital elements or objects into the real-
world environment in real-time (Akbari et al, 2022). The VR market is expected to generate a
global revenue of $20.8 billion, and the AR market is projected to grow to $31.3 billion by 2027
(Statista, 2022a). The market projections indicate the potential growth and opportunities in these
immersive technologies.
Survey Results: Audiences and Generative AI and the Comic Book Industry
Studies focused on the “artistic” aspects of generative AI reveal negative bias, and a preference for human creations. None of these studies, however, account for the multimodality of comic books: text and image. Is a human-written story a mitigating factor for readers? Is it feasible for writers to become “AI comic book artists" or will consumers drive AI imagery out of the market altogether? Given the multitude of information making it difficult to discern how comic book consumers perceive AI imagery, the following provides first-person research by generating an AI comic and conducting a survey on unsuspecting comic book customers.
Part Two: The Globalization of Virtual Production in Film and Television - Past, Present and Future
This project delves into the potential expansion in LED volumes, assessing both benefits and challenges. Our findings emphasize the impact of virtual production on labor markets, economic advantages of increased investment in LED screens, and the necessity of integrating virtual production across Sony's various entertainment divisions. Additionally, we highlight the significance of driving technological innovation to solidify Sony's leadership in this evolving landscape. The information revealed in this research, through a conducted survey, will further explore the current state of the virtual production industry and the creative evolution underlying its widespread adoption. For a deeper understanding of virtual production, please see Part I of this research.
The Intersection of Equity & XR in Museums
XR is an exciting venture for museums for a variety of reasons ranging from stretching the limits of exhibition possibilities to expanding access and elevating the transfer of knowledge to an interactive, long-lasting experience. But how can museums thoughtfully incorporate XR into their programming, aligned with the sector’s increasing awareness and incorporation of equity goals?
Top 10 Articles of 2023
December News: AI, Art & Pop Culture
As 2023 comes to a close, Artificial Intelligence remains front of mind as tech giants continue to develop more powerful language models. The rapid development comes with growing concern for privacy and energy consumption. Meanwhile, arts organizations use technology to stay on top of trends - bringing popular culture into museums or adjusting to changing voice in social media. And, as the year comes to a close, the Arts Management and Technology Laboratory is taking a break for the next couple of weeks. Check back January 1 for new content, follow us on socials, or rewind to some of your favorite 2023 articles and podcasts.
How President Biden's Executive Order Might Affect Artists and Arts Organizations
On Monday, the headlines were ablaze with President Biden’s executive order addressing safe, secure, and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. At 111 pages, the order offers a breadth of policy frameworks and standards creation that affect government operations and industry reporting. However, several areas of note have a direct potential impact on the work of artists and arts organizations: Watermarks of content authenticity, Copyright, and Labor.
AI and Virtual Production: The Past Meets the Future
Technology has played a critical role in the film industry since its inception. Advances in the film industry are always closely related to technological advances in society, integrating them quickly into the filmmaking process. Almost every aspect of filmmaking, from pre-production to post-production, from digital cameras, editing software, sound and music, distribution, exhibition, and of course, special effects, has undergone major changes and has evolved over the last 190 years.
Contemporary, traditional film production involves building physical sets, scouting locations, and coordinating large crews and equipment, all of which can be time-consuming and expensive. To overcome some of these "problems" or “needs” was born what we know today as Virtual Production. Virtual production has and will be further enhanced by the opportunities afforded by artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence Can Change the Game for Artists and Organizations
The successful future of the arts and arts organizations will include artificial intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence operates in many spheres, from generative AI, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, DALLe or VALLe, or OtterAI’s transcription tools to robots cleaning offices to machine learning algorithms. While the opportunities seem both endless and perhaps intimidating, strategic application of these tools can make a significant difference.