June 13, 2018
On the 14th of July the 2018 World Cup will begin when the hosts Russia will kick off against Saudi Arabia in Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The 2018 World Cup will be broadcasted to millions of people around the world through televisions, mobiles, computers and for the first time in the World Cups history, in Virtual Reality (VR). This will be the biggest sporting event ever to be presented within VR with the previous World Cup in 2014 reaching 3.2 billion people.
Using its new VR application, the BBC will display all 33 matches live within virtual reality. Anyone with an Android or iOS phone, a virtual reality headset such as the Gear VR, Oculus Go, Google Cardboard or the Playstation VR headset, will be able to watch all World Cup games live. Viewers will be able to view the action from their own private box to watch the game like a typical spectator. Alternatively, viewers can watch games on the BBC sport sofa complete with big screen TV and a coffee table which pops up with live stats from the game. For a more atmospheric experience, viewers can watch the game behind either goal to really be close to the action. Lastly for those unable to view the action live, highlights of games are available to watch within VR.
Advantages of VR at the World Cup
Having the entirety of the World Cup viewable in VR has the potential to create a more engaging experience for existing viewers of the World Cup.
Using VR, viewers can have the typical spectator experience complete with sights, sounds and atmosphere of an 81,000-seater stadium, something they may have never had the chance to do. VR at the World Cup may also engage those who may not have viewed the World Cup before through traditional methods. Retention is also a big factor as VR can present a unique experience, because of this, users will be drawn back into viewing the world cup because of VR.
Sporting Events and VR/AR
Pocket Sized Hands would love to see more AR being used in sporting events. We previously spoke about using VR and AR to display more information live to the viewer about the current event, something the BBC is doing with this VR experience. We also stated about using AR, referees and officials can easily measure and verify to make decisions more accurately.
Intel has previously worked with American sports associates such as the NFL and MLB as well as the 2018 Olympic games to bring VR experiences to consumers. Utilizing its breakthrough technology called TrueView, viewers are able to see different camera angles dynamically in real time for a more immersive experience.
VR can drastically increase how immersed and engaged viewers are and it’s something we’re excited to see being developed. Do you work in the sports industry and like us, see the benefits or VR and AR applications? Drop us a line, we’d love to have a chat!
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