Month: August 2024

Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player... A cacophony of amusement and attraction events continued in the run into Summer. The Cinema scene in Europe is in the spotlight, while the continued swirling of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring impact the market, seeing major developments for well-known corporate brands in the sector and beyond. AI Constructed Brief CineEurope 2024, held in Barcelona June 17-20, marked a pivotal moment for the European cinema industry amidst a challenging box office landscape. The 33rd edition of this annual convention, produced by The Film Expo Group and officially associated with the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC), brought together major, regional, and independent cinema exhibitors to showcase upcoming films, discuss industry trends, and explore technological innovations. Despite recent box office disappointments, the event highlighted the industry's resilience and adaptability, with a focus on diversification strategies […]

Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player... We continue to catch up on the developments in the sector impacting entertainment and leisure experiences. We look at the impact the current consumer videogame upheavals are having on the market, and then look at how consumer VR and MR are weathering the storm. AI Constructed Brief The video game industry is experiencing significant upheaval due to mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring, with major publishers like Take-Two reporting record losses and studios like Fall Damage and Phoenix Labs facing layoffs and closures. The B2C game media landscape is also shifting, with IGN acquiring Gamer Network's brands and speculation about further consolidation. Meanwhile, rumors suggest Microsoft is considering a $16 billion acquisition of Valve Corporation, which could have far-reaching implications for the PC gaming and VR sectors. The "Videogame Apocalypse" is a term used […]

Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player... While many have been on the road, attending a chaotic mix of international trade events, the aspects of the entertainment business have seen many developments, some fueled by the M&A conditions, as well as the explosion in new trends in the market. We attempt to chart these developments. Competitive Socializing Bonanza AI Constructed Brief Australian mini-golf brand Holey Moley is expanding into the US market, with plans to open three new locations in Denver, Austin, and San Francisco in 2024. The expansion is being led by Funlab, the parent company that owns Holey Moley and other competitive socializing concepts. Funlab recently received investment from private equity firm TPG Capital, which will help fuel the brand's growth in the US. The news comes as other competitive socializing and "eatertainment" concepts like TOCA Social, […]