When you picture a video gamer or a science-fiction lover, odds are you?re seeing the stereotypical image of a World of Warcraft junkie or a Trekkie. However, according to social media intelligence, the typical gamer persona is a thing of the past.
You?ve probably noticed it happening all around you. More and more often, we?re seeing what used to be generally accepted as a hobby for children or game lovers become a widespread phenomenon across all ages and demographics (we?re looking at you, Pokemon Go). The sci-fi and gaming industries are exploding in popularity and experiencing an evolution of appeal?and marketers need to keep up if they want to create the next Pokemon-level craze.
Broader audiences call for broader strategies
It?s no surprise that opening-night tickets to sci-fi films like Star Wars, The Avengers and The Hunger Games often sell out weeks in advance, but what is surprising is who?s buying them. Social media intelligence suggests that sci-fi films are expanding their appeal from a niche audience to a younger millennial audience. By breaking down the data, it?s clear that those who are talking about sci-fi topics on social media are displaying a larger range of interests than ever before.
In 2010 and 2011, sci-fi lovers on social media showed a strong interest in comics, podcasts, Star Trek, Alan Moore and filmmakers. None of this is particularly surprising, reinforcing the fact that the genre reached a targeted and specific audience during those yea...