Virtual Reality Is Changing the Game of Sports

While virtual reality is bringing to life video games by making the player feel as though he or she is living the game, it is also being used in real-life games and taking players and fans to the next level.

Virtual reality (VR) training is here. NFL teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys are using a VR system by StriVR Labs as a training tool for players. StriVR is taking the gridiron by storm with its patent-pending VR technology, which was developed and proven during the 2014 football season at Stanford University.

Co-founded by former Stanford Cardinals kicker Derek Belch and the founding director of Stanford’s world-renowned Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Jeremy Bailenson, the StriVR system uses real video instead of animated scenarios to put the quarterback "on the field" through various plays. By leveraging 360-degree views and head-tracking capabilities, the simulation allows the player to analyze and memorize plays from all angles — something that cannot be done with traditional video training.

While players are using VR to be better on the field, virtual reality is also being used to better the fan experience. The NBA recently partnered with Biglook360 to shoot the NBA All-Star Game in 360 degrees, allowing fans to watch the game as if they were actually in the arena. Samsung’s Gear VR virtual reality headset was employed for the experience.

MORE FROM DESIGN NEWS: Virtual Reality Industry Is Getting Even More Real

With nearly two decades of virtual reality experience, Biglook360 is a leading expert in virtual reality filming. It is capable of VR production, as well as live streaming of VR content. Back in 2011, Biglook360 achieved the first live streaming in VR, for the Academy Awards, using six cameras, and in 2012, it streamed the Emmy Awards for VR for the first time in HD. In 2013, Biglook360 introduced its T-Camera, or Total Viewing Camera System, which can capture the total view of a field of play, court, rink, or stage in HD -- all while allowing the operator to pan and zoom within the video while broadcasting. Biglook360’s live streaming solution allows viewers to personally interact with the video content, putting them in the driver's seat to direct their views where they want.

Biglook360 isn’t the only player in the VR live streaming space. NextVR claims to be the “only company capable of transmitting live high-definition, three-dimensional virtual reality content over the Internet” with its patented technology. NextVR has developed a custom lens-to-lens system for capturing and delivering live and on-demand VR experiences.

NextVR worked with FOX Sports to offer a first-of-its-kind experience for NASCAR earlier this year, creating an immersive experience for race car fans for the Gear VR. In July, NextVR live-streamed the Manchester United-FC Barcelona exhibition soccer match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., and in the previous month live-streamed the U.S. Open golf tournament. The six-year old company is also a partner with the NBA and NHL to deliver VR content.

2016 is expected to be a big year for VR. With new headsets coming from the likes of Facebook’s Oculus, HTC, and Sony, we are sure to see more innovations in the virtual reality space being offered to fans and players alike.

We’re heading to Philly! Design & Manufacturing Philadelphia will take place Oct. 7-8. Get up close with the latest design and manufacturing technologies, meet qualified suppliers for your applications, and expand your network. Learn from experts at educational conferences and specialty events. Register today and join us at Philadelphia’s premier industry showcase!

Tom Emrich writes about emerging technology including wearable tech, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things for many technology, lifestyle, and news publications. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for Designers of Things, Senior Editor at BetaKit, and the wearables writer for MobileSyrup. Tom’s writing covers launch announcements, funding news, hands-on device reviews, industry analysis, and editorial.