Related: The recent AI craze has drowned out all the hubbub surrounding the Internet’s most popular fashion topic to date – the metaverse – but it hasn’t gone away. Companies are still interested in putting their products and services in the virtual space, and Major League Baseball will be doing just that next week.
Major League Baseball will enter the metaverse next Wednesday when it debuts its first regular season game in its virtual stadium. The Tampa Bay Rays host the Los Angeles Angels on September 20th. The league will broadcast the game as usual, with a simulcast in virtual space.
It will be like watching someone play an MBL video game. The 3D virtual stadium looks as you’d expect, but has futuristic features like giant floating jumbotrons above the seats and in the parking lot. Live game action is tracked by the same Sony Hawk-Eye cameras used for MLB’s Statcast data and translated into 3D avatars in the virtual world. The live broadcast will also be broadcast on the ballpark’s Jumbotrons.
MLB announced today that its interactive virtual ballpark will stream its first regular-season game on September 20 @RaysBaseball host @Angels. By syncing with Gameday 3D, fans can watch a 3D representation and live broadcast of the game from anywhere while exploring the new space. pic.twitter.com/dD7mKmkjdV
– MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) September 14, 2023
During breaks or when users are bored, the experience offers other activities. Spatial audio allows fans to hear and talk to other viewers or friends near them. There are quizzes and a scavenger hunt for NFT trading cards. Users can also wander around, explore the area, or head to the virtual parking lot for a tailgate party.
Although it sounds perfect for a VR experience, there is currently no general support for stereoscopic 3D or VR headsets. Currently, the best way to watch the game within the Metaverse is on a laptop or desktop via a web browser. Using Safari on iOS or Chrome on Android also makes sense if you need to watch TV on the go.
The promotion begins September 20th at 6:40 p.m. EDT. To be there, go to the MBL’s website and create an MBL profile, then go to Virtual Ballpark website on game day. The virtual gates open at 6:30 p.m. and you have about 10 minutes to create a custom avatar or find your friends before the first pitch. A disclaimer is not necessary, but headphones or earbuds are strongly recommended.