The future of entertainment looks promising

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA: In times where economic downturn, cost cutting and frugal-living were a major part of the American Dream, entertainment rose to the challenge and played a pivotal psychological role in maintaining morale. This notion of entertainment as a haven of hope did not dissipate throughout the brunt of the great recession that recently shook the United States and most of the world.

James Cameron's 2009 record-buster "Avatar" is paramount proof that even in a dire economic environment, entertainment can spend a fortune to bring in a colossal return. "Avatar" became the highest-grossing movie of all time at home and internationally cashing in over $2 billion, and collecting three Oscars including Best Visual Effects.

Nowadays, entertainment has grown into many different branches including cinema, music and video games. It is anticipated that in the next few years, the global entertainment and media market will be worth over $1.7 trillion.

The fast-pace technological progression is a key element to entertainment's future. Rovi Corp., a company which provides digital entertainment technology and management of entertainment content, has been capitalizing on the growing thirst of consumers for home entertainment. The company has been constantly providing double-digit earnings for five of its most recent quarters.

The success of the "Avatar" movie in 2009 also turned the spotlights on 3D technologies which have not only revolutionize movies and created a cinematographic phenomenon, but these have also taken the gaming industry by storm.

Companies like Electronics Arts Inc. are working faster and harder to profit from the trend and keenness born in the cinema theatre so that it can be turned into a captivating experience for gamers at home as they play video games based on their favorite movies.

Times are changing; economic problems come and go, but ironically the consequences on consumers stay the same. Entertainment, however, is evolving for the better and its future is looking full of promises.