The growing popularity of online gambling can’t be denied. Gambling websites now generate billions of dollars, and more and more players are signing up to play games online. There are plenty of reasons why this might be the case. However, the simple truth is that it isn’t just online casinos growing in popularity. Online entertainment, in general, is on the rise.
What is Online Entertainment?
Online entertainment is anything that encompasses forms of entertainment that you can find online. The phrase encompasses streaming services, online multiplayer games, Twitch, YouTube, and online sports betting and gambling (iGaming).
Streaming services like Netflix and Twitch are the most popular out of the ones discussed here. Though online casino ratings continuously become much more positive, they may still need to reach the popularity of websites like Twitch, Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube.
But, with the increasing popularity of online entertainment, many people wonder about the inclusivity of the online entertainment industry. In this article, we want to explore this topic and discuss how inclusive the industry is.
Streaming Services
In 2014, a study showed that marginalized groups are heavily underrepresented in popular media such as film, television, and video games. While film studios have gone out of their way to change this, there is no denying that they still have a long way to go. However, where Hollywood has failed, streaming services have stood out.
Streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and others, are a driving force in media inclusivity. Netflix, especially, has produced more shows featuring racial, ethnic, gender, and sex minority characters than most film studios.
A recent example that took the world by storm would be the live-action adaptation of the hit manga series One Piece, which features a Brazilian protagonist backed by a supporting cast of diverse characters representing multiple races and ethnicities.
Video Sharing Platforms
Video-sharing platforms are a huge part of the online entertainment industry. Twitch and YouTube are the two most popular video-sharing platforms today, with Twitch dominating the streaming world and YouTube being far ahead in video sharing.
Straight, white men primarily dominated YouTube for a long time. However, recently, many minority voices have come to the forefront, whether it be women, people of color, transgender people, or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
TikTok is another popular video-sharing platform that has contributed to the growth of minority voices. Many POC women have risen to the top of TikTok through their videos on black fashion, social justice, or miscellaneous topics.
Video Games
Video games have become a lot more diverse. Not only can we see a lot more representation from side characters, but there is an increasing number of games where the protagonist is some kind of a social minority.
The reason for this is simple. Video games are more diverse because players and game developers are more diverse. There are now more female and black game developers and players than there ever have been. Also, many non-minority gamers are becoming socially conscious and demanding more representation.
A recent example of excellent representation would be the Dungeons & Dragons-based game Baldur’s Gate 3, in which the player can choose between various races, both fictional and real-life races, change their gender, and even manually input their pronouns. On top of that, there is a broad range of real-life races represented in the game by important and side characters alike.
Inclusivity in the Future
Many sociology experts predict that the future will hold wider and better inclusivity. As our society changes, so do a lot more people become value-conscious. Young people are interested in social justice, equality, equity, and representation. It wouldn’t be surprising to see more emphasis on inclusivity and diversity in entertainment in the next ten years.
Some may be asking the question, “Why is inclusivity important?” People are rallying behind diversity and inclusivity because it shines a light on marginalized people who have been excluded or outright discriminated against by our society for years.
FAQ
Are we improving in terms of inclusivity as a society?
Yes. Studies have shown that society is much more inclusive today than it ever has been before.
Could online entertainment be called inclusive?
For the most part, yes. Online entertainment has been a driving force in diversity and inclusivity.
Are video games more inclusive now than ever?
Indeed, video game developers are trying to create more diverse and inclusive gaming worlds. Mostly, they are successful, with many modern games featuring a roster of characters from different ethnic, racial, and sexual backgrounds.
Has online entertainment had an impact on mainstream inclusivity?
Seemingly so. Many mainstream films are now doing their best to feature diverse characters. The MCU is a great example, producing many films starring women and POC protagonists.
Will inclusivity get better in the future?
According to many experts, the future will be a lot better with inclusivity. Younger generations are much more socially conscious, which wouldn’t be surprising.
