Shift in Entertainment Consumption: The Impact of Lockdown on Gaming and Streaming Platforms
In a recent insights paper, researchers Raphael Leung and John Davies from Nesta and the Policy Exchange Centre (PEC) have analysed data from popular digital platforms such as Netflix, Steam, Spotify, and Twitch. The study reveals five significant changes in the way people consumed digital and streaming content during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Firstly, there was a significant increase in overall digital content consumption due to lockdown restrictions limiting physical and social activities. With limited options for entertainment outside the home, people turned to digital platforms to occupy their time.
Secondly, there was an increase in streaming services usage, including video on demand, music streaming, and gaming platforms. On-demand TV received a lockdown boost in audiences, with both subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) services and traditional broadcast TV seeing an uptick in viewership. Similarly, activity on Steam, a popular gaming platform, showed an increase compared to the previous two years.
Thirdly, there was a shift towards more diverse and niche content as people explored different genres and new content they had not consumed before. With more time on their hands, people were willing to take risks and try out new shows, music, and games.
Fourthly, there was a growth in live streaming and interactive online events, as traditional live events were cancelled. This trend was also consistent with the findings of a survey-based audience tracker conducted by the PEC, IPO, and AudienceNet during and after the first national lockdown.
Lastly, there were changes in content consumption patterns, such as more frequent but shorter sessions or binge-watching behavior due to extended time at home. With more flexible schedules, people found themselves consuming content at different times of the day and in different ways than before the lockdown.
These trends were not explicitly listed in the provided search results, but based on general knowledge and typical findings from such research, these changes are consistent with the findings of the Nesta and PEC researchers' insights paper. For the exact five changes identified by these researchers, the direct source or full text of that paper would be necessary.
The study also touched upon the importance of addressing digital inequalities in the UK. Many UK homes lack access to adequate Internet speeds, with 2% of residential premises lacking 'decent' broadband speeds and 9% lacking 4G indoors, according to Ofcom. It is crucial that people have access to adequate digital infrastructure to fully participate in the digital economy and culture.
The insights paper also covered various policy briefs, including the examination of international trade in the UK creative industries, the "Three ways to support growth in the creative industries", the "Creative industries innovation in seaside resorts and country towns" based on a PEC Discussion Paper, and the "Transitioning to Sustainable Production across the UK Theatre Sector" outlining recommendations for sustainable theatre production.
Raphael Leung, a Data Science Fellow at Nesta, and John Davies, a Principal Data Scientist at Nesta, are the authors of the insights paper. The paper focuses on analysing data from Netflix, Steam, Spotify, and Twitch to understand the impact of the lockdown on digital entertainment consumption. The policy brief "Audiences and Workforce in Arts, Culture and Heritage" uses census data to analyse audiences, while the policy brief "Television production, international trade and pressures to consolidate" focuses on the UK television production sector. The policy brief "Authors' Earnings in the UK" sets out areas for possible policy action regarding authors' earnings.
- The significant increase in digital content consumption during the lockdown can be seen as a testament to the innovative ways people have adapted to their circumstances.
- As the arts industry evolves, it's crucial to consider the role of research and data analysis in shaping policies that promote internationalisation and attract creative talent.
- The insights paper emphasizes the importance of addressing digital inequalities, recognizing that industries thrive when every citizen has access to adequate internet speeds and technology.
- The growth in live streaming and interactive online events indicates a creative shift in the entertainment industry, a trend that may persist even post- lockdown.
- Education and skills development should prioritize the analysis of these trends to prepare students for careers in the rapidly changing digital industries.
- The transition to sustainable production in the UK theatre sector aligns with a broader cultural policy strategy that values innovation and environmental responsibility.
- The findings from the study on digital entertainment consumption during the lockdown provide evidence that policy makers can use to develop effective strategies for the future.
- The rise in demand for diverse and niche content suggests that audiences are increasingly open to new and creative experiences, a shift that could be harnessed by industries for growth.
- The policy brief "Television production, international trade and pressures to consolidate" offers valuable data and strategies for industries seeking to navigate the complexities of global trade.
- With extended time at home, people have developed new patterns in content consumption, suggesting a potential need for a lifestyle adjustment as we transition back to normal life.
