Major League Baseball Game to be Streamed in 3D in the Metaverse
Baseball fans will have the opportunity to watch a live Major League Baseball (MLB) game in 3D within the metaverse. Metaverse technology company Improbable will stream the first regular season MLB game in a virtual ballpark on Wednesday night. The game will feature the Tampa Bay Rays hosting the Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field in Florida.
Improbable’s web-based experience will showcase 3D renderings of the game using MLB’s Gameday 3D technology, which is powered by Sony’s Hawk-Eye camera-tracking system installed in all 30 team stadiums. Users who enter the virtual ballpark will be able to watch the same game recreated in real time, offering a new and immersive way to experience the action.
The CEO of Improbable, Herman Narula, believes that this technology will create new opportunities for sports leagues and partners. It could lead to additional revenue streams through microtransactions, VIP access, and fan zones. In addition to the 3D representation, the traditional broadcast of the game will also be streamed on a digital video board inside the virtual ballpark.
The Immersive Fan Experience
The virtual ballpark offers fans a unique and immersive experience. Viewers can select their desired angles for watching the game and interact with other online visitors through spatial audio. Avatars can communicate with each other as if they were physically present in a stadium. Trivia games and a digital scavenger hunt will also be available for fans to enjoy during breaks in the action.
MLB previously collaborated with Improbable for an online watch party during its All-Star Celebrity Softball Game. However, this upcoming event marks the first time that a live MLB game will be recreated in real time within the metaverse. Improbable has raised significant funding and has been valued at $3 billion. The company has also developed metaverse experiences for other events, including a charity soccer match and the Bored Ape Yacht Club game.
Hot Take: Expanding Possibilities for Sports Broadcasting
The streaming of a live MLB game in 3D within the metaverse opens up new possibilities for sports broadcasting. Improbable’s technology allows for immersive experiences that go beyond traditional flat video streams. This innovation could lead to increased revenue for broadcasters through the creation of unique experiences, such as microtransactions and VIP access. The virtual ballpark also offers fans the chance to connect with each other and enjoy interactive activities alongside the game. As the metaverse continues to evolve, we can expect more innovative ways to experience sports and entertainment.
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