Virtual events and online concerts became more of a necessity during the global COVID-19 pandemic. In a survey conducted back then in 2021, more than 57% of respondents believed it to be the future of events. Another 14.8% thought it to be a part of the future in a hybrid format alongside offline events. While virtual gaming, like rummy online, has more or less replaced offline real cash rummy games, ensuring the popularity of virtual events will not be that simple.
This challenge is being highlighted by many now that the pandemic scare has returned to normal. They pointed out that one-to-one interaction is no longer a threat like it was two to three years ago. However, virtual events continue to remain popular thanks to their convenience, low cost, global reach and commercial viability. Virtual events now include music performances, concerts, official conferences, exhibitions, gaming tournaments, etc.
An Examination of Virtual Events and Concerts:
Virtual concerts are pre-recorded or live shows. The artist or performer appears as an avatar or digital representation and may use a simulated environment and even blockchain technology for hosting. Other virtual events can be in the form of a livestream as well.
Virtual concerts attracted millions of viewers each year when they burst into the scene during the pandemic. This includes 78 million viewers for Ariana Grande concerts, Lil Nas X attracting 33 million viewers and 11.7 million viewers watching Travis Scott live in concert.
Why Choose Virtual Events and Concerts?
Ask Metaverse regulars what their favourite activities in Metaverse are. Attending a concert is one of them alongside socialising and playing games. More and more performers and event planners are using various internet platforms and technology.
The primary reason for the popularity of virtual events is its growing acceptance in the digital era. The moment it is hosted on a virtual platform, all geographical boundaries are bypassed. This increases the audience outreach as attendees from different locations and time zones can join in without any restrictions.
The advancement and emergence of digital technology and high-quality internet have made virtual concerts possible in the first place. Organisers can offer high video and audio quality with interactive features, which the audience is more than happy to lap up. Virtual event gamification incorporates game-like features and experiences into virtual events that add to the immersive experience.
Cost-effectiveness is another key incentive for organisers and performers to opt for virtual concerts. With no physical logistic costs involved, virtual events result in massive cost savings for the organisers. In a survey conducted by MusicWatch, 47% of respondents admitted that virtual concerts are affordable compared to in-person events. Needless to say, the cost savings are cascaded down to the audience.
Attendee’s Delight:
For the attendees, the goodness of virtual concerts doesn’t end with the affordable entry cost alone. In an in-person music concert, you cannot imagine the kind of interactive experience that you get in a virtual concert. Virtual events incorporate features like live chats, virtual meets and greets, artist-attendee interactive sessions and so on.
If you have the right hardware, you could be in for an immersive and exhilarating virtual concert experience. You can, literally, be in your pyjamas, sitting on your couch and still have a “The Rolling Stones: Live at the Wembley Stadium” kind of experience. Apart from the participative experience, the flexibility of virtual concerts is unmatchable. A stable internet connection is all you need to attend one. This makes attending virtual concerts a very convenient option.
Virtual Event Popularity in Gaming:
Gaming platforms are not far behind when it comes to organising virtual gaming events. A record-breaking example of this is the biggest online rummy tournament organised by RummyCulture. It holds the Guinness World Record for the most attended online rummy event in the world. Apart from individual events like online real cash rummy, team game events are also popular in the virtual mode.
As gaming platforms have noted, virtual team games offer enjoyable and interactive gaming experiences. Virtual poker and rummy web applications can now be instantly set up. Interested gamers can invite friends or make new ones at such gaming events and maintain real-time communication with the audience. As a gamer, you can also enter in-game hangouts in Metaverse to enjoy popular multiplayer online games.
Are Virtual Events Here to Stay?
Some inherent challenges like technical glitches and internet connectivity would remain in virtual events. Besides, events involving artists also have copyright-related challenges. Most of all, the organisers have to ensure that they maintain the interest of the audience and not create audience fatigue with an overkill of offerings.
In a vFairs poll conducted last year, in-person events continue to be the desired form of attendance among organisers. However, virtual and hybrid events are also preferred by 28% and 34% of respondents, respectively. Taking its advantages and disadvantages into consideration, the popularity of virtual events will remain. If not as a dominant standalone option, it should stay prominently relevant as a hybrid option with in-person events.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
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