Much of our lives takes place in increasingly digital spaces, and where we seek entertainment should be included in that list. As one of the cultural capitals of the world, California is often at the forefront of embracing innovation and new trends, and it has not been left behind in embracing digital forms of entertainment.
While many types of physical entertainment are still very popular, the digital entertainment industry has become a powerhouse of popularity. In California and elsewhere around the world, people are increasingly adopting digital options for entertainment, with significant amounts of convenience and huge numbers of options, digital entertainment is more popular than ever.
It’s likely that you think of California as a hotbed of innovation and the tip of the spear in embracing trends and forming cultural identity. With this thought in mind, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that digital entertainment is as prolific in California as it is anywhere, maybe more so. But what forms of digital entertainment are Californians seeking? This article will cover some of the most popular forms of digital entertainment in California.
The Golden State has an obsession with the interactive
Ah, gaming. What was once confined to simple pixels and a relatively niche interest has become one of the most popular and mainstream hobbies among young people in the world. California, trend-setter that it is, has many different ties to the world of gaming, from studios like Electronic Arts, Blizzard and Activision to esports events that happen regularly, California loves gaming.
Casino gaming
While online casino gaming is not legal in the state, there are apps and websites that offer options for players to engage in casino gaming in a legal fashion. These apps typically take the form of sweepstakes games or platforms that let players play with currency other than real money, as real-money gambling is illegal.
The state also has a thriving market of offshore platforms. These platforms, like the ones you can find by searching for a $5 minimum deposit casino in the US, are set up to cater to residents in other states but are able to serve Californian residents as well. The existence of these offshore platforms and their popularity are key factors in arguments for the regulation of this market in California.
Traditional PC and console gaming
More traditional means of gaming, such as PC and console, are more popular in California than they ever have been before. While the console wars might have ended, these platforms still fight to offer players the best experiences they can and provide millions of hours of entertainment to people across California every year.
Convenience is king
We mentioned that digital entertainment is big because of convenience, well, the most convenient way to game is also the fastest growing. Mobile gaming is growing at a prodigious rate year after year and is becoming increasingly sophisticated. As smartphones become more powerful, game developers are finding ways to offer AAA gaming experiences that fit in your pocket, and gamers are loving it.
Streaming is still big game
As you are no doubt unsurprised to learn, streaming video content is still one of the most popular entertainment options in California and the world. Part of the reason for this is that there is a huge range of different content available to stream. Everything from huge sports events to Hollywood blockbusters is available on demand.
The streaming market is slowing down, and part of that decline in growth can be linked to the increasing saturation of the market. Where once there was only Netflix, now many different production companies have their own streaming platform.
Despite the decline in growth, the market is still a healthy one, with Statista stating that more than 86% of adults aged 18 to 44 in the US are subscribed to at least one service. California, with Hollywood at its heart, is not only producing huge amounts of content but also consuming it.
People love to listen
One of the fastest-growing markets in online entertainment is podcasts. While this market is also very saturated, the saturation doesn’t seem to hurt the market itself. There are many different platforms, but the key thing about podcasts is that they are essentially just people talking, so they can be as varied as any conversation can be.
The most popular types of podcasts in California tend to be true crime podcasts, tech podcasts and shows that focus on local insights or politics. We’re sure you’ve heard of Joe Rogan, who started his podcast in LA and is one of the biggest podcasters in the world. But Joe is just the tip of the podcast iceberg, and California produces thousands of hours of listening content every week.
Social media
You might not agree that social media counts as entertainment, but we urge you to reconsider. Many people turn to platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok to get their entertainment fix, and as a haven of innovation, much of that content is produced in California.
One of the reasons that you should consider social media as entertainment is that the massive influencer and celebrity population of California drives engagement through social media. These channels aren’t just about keeping up with the Joneses, they allow content creators to keep connected with their audiences and to keep them entertained and engaged.
Final thoughts
The digital entertainment space in California looks very similar to the way it does in most of the rest of the world. The main difference for California is that with so many influencers, more content is produced from the Golden State than in many other places. But just because it is producing content doesn’t mean it isn’t still consuming it at a prodigious rate!
Digital entertainment is hear to stay, and all signs point to it continuing to grow in sophistication and popularity.
