Screens and subscriptions: the future of entertainment uncovered

Futuresource Consulting announces a new Future Sessions episode

The entertainment industry is being reshaped across all of its three vectors. Music, video and games industries are lining up for a year of transformation. But where are the strategic opportunities? And how can businesses capture and hold the attention of consumers in 2025 and beyond?

In the latest episode of Future Sessions, Carl Hibbert, Research Director at Futuresource Consulting, sits down with James Duvall, Head of Entertainment, to explore the biggest trends defining the future of entertainment.

Airing today, Future Sessions: Entertainment Trends 2025 – Navigating Change and Growth, addresses the topics that are transforming industry disruption into growth.

“The entertainment arena has been pulled through a vortex of change,” says Hibbert. “From the aftershocks of Hollywood’s strikes, to economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviours, the industry is being forced to reevaluate and evolve. But where there is change, there is also opportunity. And that will be our focus for Future Sessions launching today.”

An entertainment market in ascendance

Despite the challenges, consumer spending on entertainment has continued to rise. In 2024, another $10 billion was added to global spend, bringing the total to over $550 billion across video, music and gaming. Streaming services, in particular, are pivoting from subscriber acquisition to revenue optimisation, introducing new tiers, pricing models and content strategies.

The streaming shake-up

“The days of chasing subscriber numbers at all costs are over,” says Duvall. “We’re seeing platforms refining their revenue streams through ad-supported tiers, premium pricing for high-quality formats like 4K and Dolby Atmos, and new bundling strategies, such as the Max, Hulu and Disney+ package in the USA.

“At the same time, global expansion remains a key driver, with services launching in new markets and aligning major rollouts with high-profile events.”

Cinema’s comeback

Following the impact of the 2023 writers and actors strikes, the visual entertainment sector is poised for recovery. Futuresource expects that big tentpole films and major franchises will bring audiences back to theatres. And in non-English-speaking markets, local content is proving to be a powerful driver of attendance.

A new content evolution

“We’ll be discussing all this and much more on [date]”, says Hibbert. “From AI-powered streaming innovations to the evolving role of Pay-TV. From the rise of premium digital releases to the continued mergers and acquisitions, such as Skydance’s recent acquisition of Paramount. It’s all in the spotlight. Do not miss your chance to access expert insights into the key entertainment trends shaping 2025.”

Register now to watch.

About Futuresource Consulting

Futuresource Consulting, established in the 1980s, is a leading research and consulting firm specialising in global market analysis, forecasts and strategic insights. With a deep understanding of emerging trends and technologies, Futuresource helps businesses navigate complex markets and make informed decisions.

Press Contact: Nicola Finn, Marketing Manager, Futuresource Consulting, nicola.finn@futuresource-hq.com

For more information about the Futuresource entertainment services please contact imad.sarwar@futuresource-hq.com or visit here.