Jennifer Acree, founder and CEO of JSA+Partners, a strategic comms firm working with consumer tech, digital media and gaming companies.
With 2025 well underway, the digital media, consumer tech and gaming industries are poised for another year of dynamic transformation, building on the momentum of 2024’s exciting innovations.
Each industry weathered a turbulent 2024. While layoffs rocked the gaming sector, the rise of generative AI and UGC presented both hurdles and opportunities for digital media. But from these challenges, companies are primed to redefine entertainment and engagement in 2025 through immersive and personalized experiences.
Here are my predictions for 2025 and a closer look at what it means for industry leaders:
Entertainment and gaming will continue to converge.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a surge of movies and TV shows based on popular video game franchises, from Amazon Prime’s Fallout to the return of Netflix’s Arcane. Hollywood studios recognize the immense potential of tapping into passionate and engaged fan bases, and we’ll certainly see more adaptations as a result.
But it won’t stop there. As the lines between gaming and entertainment continue to blur, I believe 2025 will bring more experimentation across gaming platforms as studios look to meet the next generation of fans where they are. Take the Disney and Epic Games partnership, for example. By connecting generational IP with a gaming giant, collaborations across everything from traditional sports and entertainment to innovation in building brand-new immersive experiences will continue to emerge. As the pair sets a new standard for creativity through interactive narratives and cross-platform engagement, we’ll likely see more brands follow suit.
Generative AI will reach a critical inflection point.
AI is at a critical inflection point to garner trust with consumers. Deloitte’s research shows a significant shift in attitude toward AI, with adoption more than doubling in the past year among younger generations. This is especially apparent when it comes to using AI for personalized experiences. When engaging with Gen AI-based chatbots, Gen Zers and millennials are about twice as likely to consider AI chatbots as “friends” or even seek advice on personal matters from these digital companions.
This growing acceptance will pave the way for brands to leverage AI to create even more personalized and engaging “agent” experiences in 2025, from tailored product recommendations to curated content. And all of that ignores AI’s rapid growth as a production tool, from Amazon’s Secret Level to The Mandalorian and more, as the entertainment industry continues to embrace this new way of building onscreen worlds.
Demand will grow for immersive IRL experiences.
It’s no secret that consumers rely on the internet for building digital relationships, online shopping, gaming and so much more. However, with the constant push and pull of social media comes a desire for IRL experiences and connections—and the allure of doing trendy activities.
In 2025, I believe more consumers will actively seek opportunities to come together with like-minded peers to celebrate their shared love of sports, music, gaming, esports and more. These niche communities, from run clubs to book clubs, will continue to drive connections, and there’s a chance for brands to help fuel these passions. This desire for authentic interaction will particularly impact the gaming world, as publishers increasingly prioritize out-of-game activations designed to foster stronger communities and real-world relationships.
New media will continue to gain prominence.
With the rise of Substack, Patreon and Beehiiv, new media will likely continue to gain traction. As traditional media outlets face challenges, independent creators and new media platforms will fill the void, providing diverse perspectives and in-depth coverage that resonates with audiences. This shift will lead to a more fragmented media landscape, empowering consumers with greater choice but also requiring them to be more discerning about sources they can trust.
2025 is already shaping up to be a year of exciting and transformative change. The lines between entertainment and gaming will continue to blur, creating more innovative and immersive consumer experiences. AI will become increasingly personalized, catering to individual needs and preferences. And as the digital landscape evolves, there will be a renewed focus on fostering genuine connections in an increasingly virtual world. Brands that can adapt and innovate in response to these changes will undoubtedly be well-positioned for success in the dynamic landscape of 2025 and beyond.
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