As we close 2024, the world of media is standing on the cusp of a major transformation, with Spatial Media emerging as the next frontier. At Skyrim.AI, we’ve spent the past year developing the next generation of technologies and innovations that will shape this rapidly evolving industry. Our State of Spatial Media Report offers a comprehensive look into the current landscape, historical context, and future outlook of volumetric video, transitioning into what we now define as "Spatial Media."
Spatial Media: A New Media Format
The report underscores a critical shift in how volumetric video is perceived. Instead of viewing it as a technical file type akin to MP3 or MP4, we position Spatial Media as a new media format, much like Betamax, DVD, or Blu-ray. This perspective highlights the transformative potential of Spatial Media to change how we capture, create, and consume content.
Key takeaways:
Historical Insights: We detail the journey from early volumetric video experiments to today’s advanced AI-driven spatial reconstructions.
Adoption Trends: Media and entertainment continue to lead in adoption, with sports emerging as a dominant category driving innovation and scalability.
Gen 3.0: Our report introduces the concept of "Gen 3.0," a clean slate leveraging advancements in AI and 3D media to deliver scalable, immersive experiences.
Lessons from History
The history of media formats teaches us that successful adoption hinges on offering consumers clear, compelling benefits. Videotape allowed viewers to watch and record shows at home, and DVDs offered better picture quality and usability. Similarly, Spatial Media must provide experiences that are undeniably better than 2D media.
In sports, for example, Spatial Media enables fans to customize camera angles and immerse themselves in the action, much like playing a video game. This practical, personalized approach shows how Spatial Media can bridge the gap between innovation and consumer value.
Industry Categorization
Our report categorizes the companies driving this transformation into clear segments:
Gen 1.0 Companies: Focused on traditional volumetric capture techniques.
Codec Innovators: Developing compression technologies critical for scalability.
Era 2.0 Leaders: Leveraging neural radiance fields for photorealistic reconstructions.
Brand Activations and Special Effects: Bringing Spatial Media to audiences through fashion, marketing, and entertainment.
Sports: Leading the charge in creating scalable, consumer-driven applications.
This breakdown highlights the diversity of approaches and identifies where innovation and investment are concentrated.
A Look Ahead
The report also outlines the future of Spatial Media over the next two years:
Next 6 Months: Incremental advancements in Era 1.0 and Era 2.0 technologies, while Era 3.0 begins to take shape.
12–18 Months: Content creation and scalability become priorities, with a shift toward storytelling over technical innovation.
18–24 Months: Cost reductions, real-time performance, and global scalability will position Spatial Media as a mainstream format.
Redefining Audience Engagement
One of the most exciting aspects of Spatial Media is its ability to balance active and passive audience engagement. Unlike traditional media, Spatial Media allows users to interact with content—customizing camera angles or choosing their perspectives—while still enjoying passive, curated experiences.
The question remains: Will society lean into active engagement, or will passive consumption continue to dominate? This tension between customization and storytelling will define how Spatial Media evolves in the coming years.
Download the Report
Our 50-page report dives deeper into these insights and projections, offering a detailed roadmap for the future of Spatial Media. Best of all, it’s available for free.
Tune into Our Podcast
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new podcast, The State of Spatial Media by Skyrim.ai. Available wherever you get your podcasts, it’s your go-to source for the latest conversations and insights shaping the future of media.
Whether you’re an industry veteran or simply curious about what’s next, this is your chance to explore the possibilities and join the journey into the next era of media.