Q2 2023 insights into Digital Media.

Alec Dafferner, Partner at GP Bullhound, said: “In this quarterly report, we have highlighted several key trends driving the sector: the rise of video games movies and series is forcing Hollywood and investors to look at significant investments in this market; AI-driven content creation is growing, and future iterations will focus on hyper-personalisation, prototype acceleration and predictive analysis; major AR/VR headset releases this year show that the gaming world is continuing to evolve toward more realistic experiences and the pipeline of new titles for this market is promising. While market conditions remain uncertain, the GP Bullhound Digital Media diversified indices had a great quarter, rising by c. 8.8% compared to Q1 2023.”

The renaissance of video game movies and series

• The video game industry has experienced remarkable growth, generating an annual revenue of close to $100bn in the US alone
• Now, adaptations of video games are becoming highly-successful, with The Super Mario Brothers movie and the HBO Series The Last of Us being met with strong critical acclaim and box office success
• Given the success and potential to foster closer ties between two previously distinct sectors of the entertainment industry, Hollywood and investors are set to make significant investments in this market

Content providers increasingly relying on AI to streamline creation process

• The creative industry has seen an increase in the use of AI, allowing content providers to automate tasks, reduce their costs, increase their precision, and curate better user experiences
• All AI tools used have as a main goal the optimisation of practices, where AI and NLP algorithms allow for scalable content creation and efficient content methods
• Future trends in the industry include hyper-personalisation, prototype acceleration and predictive analysis

Growing pipeline of high-quality AR and VR games

• AR and VR scored gains during the pandemic as the pursuit of high-quality entertainment fueled interest in VR accessories such as headsets, controllers, and bodysuits
• In 2023, AR and VR continue to gain traction in the gaming industry as players increasingly seek realistic experiences. AR and VR games are creating new levels of engagement and immersion
• Competition between providers of AR/VR accessories is intensifying as tech giants including Meta, Sony, HTC, and Apple announced new headsets this year

Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact Alec Dafferner, Partner, at alec.dafferner@gpbullhound.com

About GP Bullhound
GP Bullhound is a leading technology advisory and investment firm, providing transaction advice and capital to the world’s best entrepreneurs and founders. Founded in 1999 in London and Menlo Park, the firm today has 14 offices spanning Europe, the US and Asia.