# Virtual Imagination Pop culture entertainment is adapted for a hands-on consumer. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Mar 28, 2016 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-imagination ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Virtual Imagination trend? **Virtual Imagination:** Virtual reality is transforming the entertainment landscape, as consumers demand content that is not only more interactive, but also more immersive. When it comes to popular culture, VR applications that both liven and gameify the experience contribute to a growing climate of "active," as opposed to "passive" consumers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 11, 2016 to May 11, 2017 - Published: Mar 28, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Imagination trend ### VR-based Entertainment Consumers demand for a more immersive and interactive form of entertainment, which is fulfilled by VR-based technologies. ### AR/VR-based Marketing Marketers utilize AR/VR-based experiences to provide consumers with memorable, unique, and sensory shopping experiences that features their favourite superheroes and characters. ### In-Theater VR Experience Regal Cinemas provides consumers with an in-theater VR experience, transporting them to the world of their favorite films using Oculus Rift demo kiosks. ## What the Virtual Imagination trend means for industry ### For Entertainment Industry VR based technology and immersive multi-sensory campaigns has the potential to revolutionize the entertainment industry and provide consumers with a new form of storytelling that is interactive and engaging. ### For Marketing Industry The utilization of AR/VR-based marketing campaigns has the ability to create a unique and immersive experience for shoppers and may disrupt traditional forms of advertising and promotion. ### For Technology Industry The development of high-quality VR/AR technologies such as the Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR provides the foundation for creating a new form of interactive and immersive experience for both consumers and business professionals alike. ## Workshop question Where can you incorporate more active participation from your consumer demographic? ## Trend signals for Virtual Imagination Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 39%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 57% - Activity: 39% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Imagination trend 4 featured examples from Jan 11, 2016 to May 11, 2017. - [Virtual Reality Sci-Fi Cartoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-rickality): Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality Offers a Deep Dive in the Show (Category: Tech) Implication: The success of Virtual Rick-ality highlights the potential for video game developers to partner with popular television shows to create immersive, cross-media experiences. - [In-Theater VR Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alien-covenant): Regal Cinemas is Launching an Immersive VR Experience for 'Alien: Covenant' (Category: Tech) Implication: The 'Alien: Covenant In Utero' VR game presents an opportunity for film exhibition companies to enhance the movie-watching experience and attract a wider audience segment. - [VR Roller Coasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supermanthemed-coasters): This Theme Park is Equipping Its Superman-Themed Coasters with VR Headsets (Category: Marketing) Implication: Theme Parks can utilize VR technology to enhance the rider's experience by providing them with the option to experience an immersive experience in different fantasy worlds. - [AR Superhero Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-mall): This Augmented Reality Mall Stunt Promotes the Batman vs. Superman Film (Category: Marketing) Implication: The entertainment industry can utilize augmented reality mall experiences to enhance audience engagement and promote movies, creating a more immersive experience for viewers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)