In the saturated world of online entertainment, choosing a new format to try out for the first time can be a complicated task. People get comfortable with what they are used to and switching to a different platform or game can represent a heavy investment.
For this reason, it’s a great idea to weigh up some considerations before trying out some new entertainment. Asking yourself a few simple questions can help you zone in on the perfect choice for you.
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How Involved do you Want to Be?
Some people simply want to be a passenger when it comes to entertainment, while others like to be actively involved. Which of these statements is better suited to your personality?
If you’re one for being swept away in something that’s completely out of your control, films and television series are usually the best bet. There are so many online services to choose from thanks to the success of Netflix, each offering a slightly different take on the small screen.
If you haven’t tried Disney+ yet, it could be the ideal time to make the switch. It seems that this platform is trying to create an immersive world for viewers, in which almost everything is interconnected. It has the Marvel universe, which now spans television series like Loki and WandaVision, and the Star Wars franchise, which has branched out into hit shows like The Mandalorian.
On television, some works now allow viewers to have more involvement. An example of this is Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, a choose-your-own-adventure in which viewers have a lot of choice about how the story can pan out. This was a unique idea, and it could inspire other production companies to follow suit and create similar offerings.
In the gaming industry, being able to play games is obviously more important to people who like to be in control. But passengers also have options now with platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. On these channels, you can sit back and watch other people play games. There is, of course, the chance to have your say and impact events as well, though, by commenting in the chatbox.
Do you Have a Set Budget?
Another thing to consider is your budget. Is money no object, or do you need to be careful about how much you spend on entertainment? The industry nowadays is flourishing thanks to the fact that it is accessible to people of all economic backgrounds. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are affordable at £5.99 and £7.99 per month respectively, with both offering a free 30-day trial. People on a budget may choose to use one of these, while those who can splash out could opt to join all the services.
In the gaming industry, there are plenty of incredible deals for players who want to stick to a budget. On mobile, most games come with a free play option before players are asked to pay any money. Consoles have started incorporating a Netflix-like subscription model that gives players access to a vast amount of games for a low monthly cost.
The online casino sector is awash with great deals for players as well, especially in growing markets where a lot of newcomers to the scene are emerging. For example, in South Africa, there are some exciting welcome bonuses available in the country’s fledgling industry. These include free spins and cashback offers, meaning that people can start playing casino games without having to invest much in the beginning. Some sites even offer a refer-a-friend bonus too. Of course, people with vast budgets can also take advantage of these deals before they invest money on the sites.
Is This a Solo Venture or With Friends?
The final thing to consider when embarking on a new entertainment format is whether you are going to be doing it alone or with friends. If you prefer to go solo, there are plenty of options that are ideal for independent people, such as streaming platforms. For those who want to join friends, there are some fantastic things to choose from as well.
Online multiplayer games are probably the best way to consume entertainment with friends. Nearly every game has some online elements these days, with PC and console offerings probably being the best options for collaboration. When playing titles like Call of Duty, friends can take part in the same missions and communicate with one another via headsets. It’s almost like being in the same room as people.
There’s simply not enough time in the world to watch or play every form of entertainment, which is why moving onto a new one is a big decision. If you weigh up all these factors first, you should be able to settle on something that suits your lifestyle.
