THE growing popularity of watching other people play computer games is a step forward for zero-effort entertainment, experts believe.
Experts believe Google’s $1bn valuation of a website where users watch strangers playing video games is part of a trend towards the ultimate non-participatory leisure experience.
Software developer Nikki Hollis said: By comparison to looking at other people’s games of Pokemon, watching normal telly is a mental challenge on a par with reading War & Peace in a single sitting.
“Right now the question is how to make entertainment more suited to inert people.
In the next Grand Theft Auto, characters will simply complete missions on their own, leaving the player free to go to sleep.
LucasArts is planning a game based on Star Wars Part VII which involves players watching other players controlling Han Solo during a long bath. So youll just be watching someone occasionally hitting X to top up the hot water.
Hollis said companies were now developing completely new, effort-free entertainment technology, such as the Sony WatchBall, a small plastic ball that trundles around a room which can be watched or completely ignored.
She added: Microsoft is hoping to get a share of the market with a television that constantly explains whats going on while tucking the viewer up under a large duvet.
Our only limit is our laziness. In 2030 well probably entertain ourselves by floating semi-conscious in a vat of liquid anaesthetic while listening to Enya.
