Entertainment in Wales is evolving at a rapid pace. Consumer preferences and cultural shifts have a key part to play here, and as time goes on, it seems that Cardiff is emerging as a frontrunner when it comes to adopting new technology, as it steams ahead of other parts of the UK.
Cardiff is becoming a hub for entertainment and game development
Online entertainment is taking over right now. Digital events are becoming more popular and platforms such as Netflix are providing more streaming options than ever. As a result of this, viewer preferences are shifting, as people are now choosing to pay for movies at home over visiting the local cinema. This has created an increased demand for more content. To respond to this change, Cardiff is growing its movie production facilities, with Bad Wolf Studios being one of the largest film facilities in the UK. Thanks to its high-tech facilities, the production facility has already attracted numerous international projects, including the filming of Doctor Who.
Other forms of entertainment are following the same trend, too, including online gaming and casino gaming. At one point, if you wanted to bet on a slot machine, you’d have to travel to a local casino and wait for a machine to become free. Now, thanks to online betting, you can find slots of casino games online, with more themes than ever to choose from. It would be impossible to offer all of these themes at traditional establishments, but by moving online, it’s now possible to play everything from Western-themed games like Outlaws to Greek-inspired titles like Gates of Olympus. Even though this trend has been evident for quite some time, Cardiff in particular seems to be embracing the online gaming movement. The city is slowly becoming a hub for game development, with over 20 studios, including The Other Guys, Tugboat Games and Future Lab. In comparison, Leeds is only home to 15, and Nottingham currently has 10, showing that Cardiff, in particular, is steaming ahead when it comes to embracing the world of digital online gaming and its worldwide potential.
Digital streaming for events and sports
The Principality Stadium is another example of how Cardiff is embracing the digital movement. Over the last few years, the stadium has embraced various forms of smart technology. One example would be the LED lighting, which adjusts automatically depending on the time of day, event and atmosphere. The venue also has smart LED screens, providing fans with live broadcasts, advertisements that can be changed according to demand and customised event schedules. The modern stadium also has advanced broadcasting facilities, with multiple high-tech camera setups, AV equipment and HD production suites. This ensures that all broadcasts from the stadium are of the highest quality possible for those streaming from home.
Numerous festivals in Cardiff have also adopted a virtual format. The National Eisteddfod of Wales might be an in-person event, but it has adapted to include virtual programming. This includes offering a range of online performances, as well as concerts and lectures. These showcase Welsh culture, helping to preserve the past while embracing the digital age. You also have the Made in Roath festival, a Cardiff art festival which has hosted several virtual events. This includes workshops, talks and art exhibitions, giving audiences across the globe the chance to participate and take onboard new and exciting information in a convenient format.
So as you can see, Cardiff is indeed at the forefront of digital entertainment. This is especially the case when you look at how the city has adapted to new technological trends. Cardiff has taken significant steps to blend in-person events with hybrid digital formats, allowing festivals and celebrations to be shown to a global audience. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, Cardiff looks to be positioning itself as a leader in the UK.
