When you want to spend quality time with your partner or friends and colleagues and you start looking for a good movie in the nearest theater, that’s when you realize that cinemas are not just places to watch a movie. Those are triggers to spend time with our loved ones and why not, have some social connections? And maybe this is why we can say from the very beginning – no, cinemas haven’t lost their popularity.
In fact, the revenue in this market is expected to surpass US $85 billion this year, resulting in a growth of more than 5%. With this being said, another argument about cinemas being challenged by many competitors is valid and worth discussing. So, who are the challengers and does the cinema market have all the potential to come out of this competition strong?
Games and games again
Two things contributed to the advancement of gaming the most – technology and the internet. If the first one helped to create more immersive games, the latter one distributed those games to millions of people around the globe. That’s what online gambling took advantage of and started challenging traditional casinos and even streaming services.
To make this clear, let’s start with the fact that for a large group of internet users, the same online casinos or other gaming platforms are a way of entertainment. They may play a game of video poker to distract themselves from their daily routines or busy schedules. The whole idea is that when we have several types of entertainment options, they start working against each other, hence the same streaming services struggle to stay a top option in the field of entertainment.
Although games do not directly impact the popularity of cinemas, they increase the number of alternative entertainment options, which can be even more convenient given the fact that people don’t even leave their homes. Moreover, many of them find their gaming communities to be socialized and share the same interests. But hold on, cinemas have already initiated some steps to keep up with the current trends led by the massive interest in games.
We are not going to cover this part in the current article extensively, but just Google cinema gaming and make your analysis about whether it’s a good idea or not that some cinemas allow gamers to have fun, using the big white screen for the best immersive gaming experience, while adding the cinematic environment as salt and pepper to it.
The Streaming Wars: Can Cinemas Compete with On-Demand?
Probably no one can argue that the reality where streaming services are highly demanded has fundamentally changed the way we consume entertainment. And this is not because our circumstances simply changed, but because those aforementioned services created the right offer for our needs. Today, the possibility of watching any kind of movie or series from the comfort of our homes may seem a usual thing, but several years ago people would dream about it. This leaves cinemas in a difficult position, as they can no longer rely on simply being the only place to see the latest premiere of their favorite movies.
Now, remember when you were deciding how to spend the Friday night: Scrolling the website or the app of the closest cinema would offer you what, up to 10 titles? Plus, consider that each of those movies would be shown on different days and hours. It’s enough for an average Netflix user to browse the platform and dive into the ocean of more than 5000 titles. This is too far from what any cinema could ever offer.
And let’s talk about the price factor. It’s not a secret that many people complain about the strategy of Netflix and other streaming services that raise subscription fees continuously. But is the monthly fee of $15 or even $20 too high compared with cinemas, where the cost of taking a family of four to the movies can easily reach $100 with tickets, snacks, and drinks?
Beyond the Blockbuster: How Cinemas Are Adapting
Luckily, they are evolving and innovating to stay relevant in the ever-changing entertainment landscape, by betting big on creating a unique experience that can’t be replicated on a laptop screen. Think luxury reclining seats, gourmet food and beverage options, and state-of-the-art sound and projection technology.
AMC Theatres, for example, invested heavily in plush recliners and expanded their food and drink menus to offer cinema-goers an elevated experience. Beyond mainstream releases, many cinemas curate niche programming like independent films, live theater broadcasts, and classic movie nights. These appeal to discerning moviegoers craving something different, attracting those who seek a more curated, special-occasion experience. Finally, cinemas are positioning themselves as spaces for more than just movies.
They’re becoming community hubs by hosting local film festivals, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and other special events. This aims to foster a sense of cultural engagement that goes beyond simply consuming content, and building loyalty amongst cinema fans.
