A Game Changer Beyond The Screen
The pandemic changed the game for all of us, forcing us to rethink how we connect and experience the world. One of the most significant challenges was bringing people together when we couldn’t physically be in the same space. Concerts, bars, live sports – it was a tough reality. But necessity brings innovation, accelerating the development of VR and AR technologies. Now, we’re witnessing how this could revolutionize entertainment, especially in the world of sports.
But maybe it could be like the 3D fiasco – everyone thought that was the future of movies, but it didn’t pan out. What we do know is that new technologies like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 are changing the way we experience sports as fans. However, can they make this experience as meaningful as watching sports side by side with your father on TV?
Immersive broadcasting is going to change the fan experience. With VR and Mixed Reality (MR), fans can watch a live game from anywhere in the world and feel as though they are sitting courtside, on the field, or even in the dugout. Imagine choosing your own camera angles, interacting with other fans in real-time, and even feeling the sound of the crowd as if you were actually there. This offers a level of immersion unimaginable.
We’re already seeing glimpses of this future with the increasing use of POV cameras in mainstream sports. Imagine watching a football game through the eyes of Messi, experiencing the split-second decisions and the adrenaline rush as he runs the field. Or, see the intensity of a tennis match from the ball’s perspective, tracking its trajectory. These technologies offer a unique and thrilling perspective that traditional broadcasting simply cannot replicate.
The convergence of technology and sports is ushering in a new era of entertainment and engagement. We eagerly anticipate the next wave of innovations that will further redefine the way we experience and interact with our favourite teams and athletes; the possibilities are truly endless. But I still have my doubts. These infinite possibilities sometimes backfire. For example, during the 2022 World Cup, you could watch games from different angles, but people consistently chose the same one. Maybe this immersive experience will be very exciting at first, but I’m unsure if it’s sustainable.
Thinking about the first soccer match I watched and wondering what made me fall in love with the sport. It was because I was alongside my grandfather, watching a match on an old TV with a terrible image. But seeing my grandfather talk with passion and hugging him when his team scored was an experience that technology will never be able to recreate. Because sports are not just about how you watch them; they’re about the people who are with you, suffering and enjoying every part of the match.
It’s amazing what technology can achieve, but in terms of engagement, I’m not sure this is the way. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m still a romantic when it comes to sports. For me, it’s about passion, tradition, and family. These experiences are going to be like a roller coaster – amazing the first, maybe the second, or third time – but what will really keep the audience engaged is the passion that older generations brought to us.
