Arts & Culture, Audience Engagement, Emerging Technology, entertainment, Multi-Media
Cosmo Wang
World-Building's Power Through Narrative ...

In an earlier article, we explored how live music concerts are evolving beyond mere performances into expansive, immersive storyworlds, using Silence Wang’s One Hundred Thousand Volts tour and its fictional setting of “Romance City” as a pioneering case study. By adapting world-building frameworks traditionally found in film, literature, and gaming—specifically the core principles of invention, completeness, and consistency—Wang transformed his stage into a dynamic socio-ecological system where the audience's emotional participation actively powered the narrative environment. Building upon this foundation of visual and spatial storytelling, this article will delve into the auditory and transmedia expansions of Romance City, examining the strategic role of sound and musical arrangement, the development of one of the world's first XR interactive concert films, and the unique integration of a "Concert Artbook" to deepen audience immersion and IP expansion.

World-Building's Power Through Narrative Dimensions and Audience Immersion: Silence Wang's "One Hundred Thousand Volts"
Arts & Culture, Audience Engagement, Community Building, Design, entertainment
Cosmo Wang
Immersive Live Music Concerts: How Silence Wang ...

How do you create an audience experience that drives not a one time purchase but a fan for life? Live concerts need to consider creating immersive worlds that engage fans before, during, and after their 2 - 3 hours in the space. This article uses a case study to unpack exactly how to to expand IP and build a world that creates a career sustaining model.

Immersive Live Music Concerts: How Silence Wang Uses World-Building to Transform the Audience Experience
Artificial Intelligence, creative industries, Digital Futures, entertainment
Raven Fischer
Toward Smarter Opponents: Rethinking AI in ...

Turn-based games often rely on scripted opponents that are predictable, exploitable, and strategically limited. Through case studies from Final Fantasy X and Pokémon Trading Card Game Live, this article examines how current game AI falls short of creating engaging tactical experiences and explores whether more intelligent, adaptive opponents could improve player enjoyment and game design.

Toward Smarter Opponents: Rethinking AI in Turn-Based Games
entertainment, Research, Surveys, Audience Engagement
Staff Researcher
The Price of Loyalty: Analyzing Consumer ...

In Part II, this research moves from market context and prior literature to empirical analysis and actionable strategy. While Part I established the streaming landscape, reviewed existing research on Gen Z and millennials’ consuming behavior, Part II presents findings from the online survey and interviews with industry experts. Synthesizing these primary insights with our secondary literature review, we identify what drives and what undermines the subscriber loyalty among 18–34 age group, and conclude with six recommendations for Roku across its SVOD, FAST, and AVOD platform ecosystem.

The Price of Loyalty: Analyzing Consumer Behavior in Streaming TV, Part II
entertainment, Audience Engagement, Strategy, Research
Staff Researcher
The Price of Loyalty: Analyzing Consumer ...

This study examines what drives loyalty among 18-34 age streaming consumers. The problem we looked to solve through our study is how Roku can better reach older Gen Z (18-24) and younger millennials (25-34) and retain them, beyond an initial one-time acquisition. This is especially relevant in an age where streamers are continually competing with each other and other media companies for the consumer's attention. Part I analyzes the conceptual groundwork for our research, tracing the evolution of the streaming market, reviewing prior literature on Gen Z and millennial viewing habits, and introducing our mixed-methods research approach. Part II of this research will present the empirical findings, industry interview insights, and final analysis and recommendations for Roku.

The Price of Loyalty: Analyzing Consumer Behavior in Streaming TV, Part I

music industry

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World-Building's Power Through Narrative Dimensions and Audience Immersion: Silence Wang's "One Hundred Thousand Volts"

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World-Building's Power Through Narrative Dimensions and Audience Immersion: Silence Wang's "One Hundred Thousand Volts"

In an earlier article, we explored how live music concerts are evolving beyond mere performances into expansive, immersive storyworlds, using Silence Wang’s One Hundred Thousand Volts tour and its fictional setting of “Romance City” as a pioneering case study. By adapting world-building frameworks traditionally found in film, literature, and gaming—specifically the core principles of invention, completeness, and consistency—Wang transformed his stage into a dynamic socio-ecological system where the audience's emotional participation actively powered the narrative environment. Building upon this foundation of visual and spatial storytelling, this article will delve into the auditory and transmedia expansions of Romance City, examining the strategic role of sound and musical arrangement, the development of one of the world's first XR interactive concert films, and the unique integration of a "Concert Artbook" to deepen audience immersion and IP expansion.

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Remixing the Music Industry: Strategies for 21st Century Record Labels, PART II

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Remixing the Music Industry: Strategies for 21st Century Record Labels, PART II

This study provides a comprehensive strategy for Shaboom Records to enhance its status as an independent music label in a highly competitive market, focusing on three key areas: revenue growth, digital service provider (DSP) strategies, and fan engagement. The supportive research reveals the need for companies to effectively navigate changes in the music industry, such as globalization and the rise of streaming. The goal of this research is to identify the most effective revenue streams for U.S. independent labels expanding into emerging global markets and the digital engagement strategies that yield the highest conversion rates and retention metrics for Gen Z and Gen Alpha listeners. Significant to this goal is the recognition that DSP optimization is largely based on securing relationships with playlist curators. Furthermore, social media has democratized the music industry, giving artists control over their narrative and the ability to connect with fans. 

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Remixing the Music Industry: Strategies for 21st Century Record Labels, PART I

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Remixing the Music Industry: Strategies for 21st Century Record Labels, PART I

This study provides a comprehensive strategy for Shaboom Records to enhance its status as an independent music label in a highly competitive market, focusing on three key areas: revenue growth, digital service provider (DSP) strategies, and fan engagement. The supportive research reveals the need for companies to effectively navigate changes in the music industry, such as globalization and the rise of streaming. The goal of this research is to identify the most effective revenue streams for U.S. independent labels expanding into emerging global markets and the digital engagement strategies that yield the highest conversion rates and retention metrics for Gen Z and Gen Alpha listeners. Significant to this goal is the recognition that DSP optimization is largely based on securing relationships with playlist curators. Furthermore, social media has democratized the music industry, giving artists control over their narrative and the ability to connect with fans. 

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Disruption and Acquisition in the Entertainment Industry - March News

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Disruption and Acquisition in the Entertainment Industry - March News

An eventful March unfolds in the arts, technology, and entertainment space. With the sale of TikTok still pending, well-known tech investors like Perplexity, Microsoft, and Oracle throw their hats in the ring. And, though ethical debates of AI-generated and AI-assisted work are ongoing, it is finding success in the auction houses and award ceremonies. Meanwhile, recent tech acquisitions may signal a shift in the music industry, and South by Southwest (SXSW) is making a strategic adjustment following this year’s festival. Read the highlights.

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June News: Artists Take a Stand on AI

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June News: Artists Take a Stand on AI

This month, it’s hard to find a headline that doesn’t mention “AI.” For artists and arts managers, it can now be integrated in every aspect of our work - from creation, to promotion, and general administration. Even your iPhone may soon have AI features integrating messages, calendar, photos, and other personal content. In both music and visual spaces, artists are finding ways to push back on unethical use – while some take legal action, others call for change through the spaces they share their work.

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In the News: April 2023

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In the News: April 2023

Technologies like artificial intelligence and NFTs continue to break into new industries this April. The United States government licensed ChatGPT, dancers paired with robots, and music industry leaders have been taking a stand on AI-made music. We are in the midst of figuring out where these technologies fit into our lives, and how they will change our industries. Feelings of uneasiness continue. The following stories illustrate a variety of viewpoints on the ways in which technology has been integrated into new and unique settings as of late.

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In the News: October 2022

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In the News: October 2022

As issues surrounding AI and NFTs continue to come to light, conversations about ethical uses of technology become more complex. This month, we are taking a look at stories that address the issues of data privacy in AI technology, the ongoing legal battlefield of NFTs, and digital strategies in theatre.