Games

Implications - While increasing salaries doesn’t always lead to increased employee satisfaction or loyalty, offering perks that come with a challenge increases motivation to reach goals and provides a stronger sense reward once completed. By directly correlating achievements with rewards, employers are demonstrating trust in the skills of their employees, making them more likely to feel accountable for their own success. [More]

Implications - Giving children a chance to have some flexibility and control of the narrative presented to them in character-driven stories sends a powerful message to young Gen Zs that their decisions have implications and make an impact on the story's final outcome. This not only fosters critical thinking and confident decision making early on, it also encourages young minds to become more invested in the narratives that they’ve contributed to. [More]

Implications - As consumers become increasingly used to convenience-enabling technology, voice control capabilities are being adapted to entertainment, to make even the most enjoyable activities that much more intuitive. This permutation of voice-controlled technology demonstrates the rise of demand for responsive entertainment that allows the user complete control and ease of use. [More]

Implications - Smartphone gaming tends to evoke images of mainstream consumer-friendly apps, however, peripherals and in some cases, tweaked mobile design is skewing more toward the hardcore gamer. This is being executed by taking direct cues from console gaming. This shows a convergence of two opposing subcultures within gaming culture as a whole. [More]

Implications - Creating a sense of community within their fan base, video game developers are reusing familiar characters and themes of the past to spark emotional attachment amongst Millennial players. Reimagining highly recognizable characters from gamer’s adolescence increases brand engagement with new players as well as their core demographic base. This cyclical movement demonstrates a proclivity in the Millennial demographic to turn towards childhood nostalgia-inducing stimuli as a way to elevate their mood in times of stress or boredom. [More]

Implications - With younger generations being more open and discussions revolving around sexuality growing, adult entertainment brands are approaching promotions in a new way. Looking to expand its reach, Pornhub and other adult entertainment brands have implemented VR technology to make its experiences more realistic. In addition, its name has been associated with fashion shows and interactive games for couples -- helping to broaden how consumers see the brand and expand its reach organically. [More]

Implications - Seeking a new audience, brands are sponsoring events and launches within the video game industry. This signifies a rising interest in Gen Z and Millennials as these groups gain an increase in spending power. Coinciding with the surge of public gaming functions, as well as the growth of the gamer community by way of phenomena like Pokemon Go, this shift shows the power in fast adaptability to consumer growth. [More]

Implications - Capitalizing on the popularity of classic video games in a fresh way, low-tech board games based on digital franchises are beginning to emerge. Both novel and nostalgic, this approach to fandom appeals to consumers who want to engage with much-loved characters and narratives in a way that they haven't had a chance to before: offline. [More]

Implications - Entertainment is now very much a communal experience for young men -- especially within China. Moviegoers and gamers want to take their fandom to the next level by actively seeking out competitions, festivals and virtual platforms that allow them to interact and emotionally connect with those who have shared interests. These niche interests are embraced within their community, and members feel a sense of acceptance, achievement and greater purpose because of their network. [More]

Implications - A way to play up the social aspect of such games as well as a means of highlighting the fast-growing emergence of livestreaming apps, various products and services are being specifically designed to cater to the culture of eSports in China. Serving to educate users on high-level gaming expertise and rounding out the entertainment function, this progression demonstrates the opportunity for brands to embed themselves into the social gaming experience. [More]