AI-metaverse company MeetKai, in conjunction with entertainment, gaming, and NFT metaverse platform Meta-Stadiums, has teamed up to establish a premier world soccer universe.
The two companies have also collaborated with the FIFA Licensed Match Agent, SLFC Soccer, for the successful implementation of the metaverse platform.
Through this partnership, Meta-Stadiums will take soccer enthusiasts into a virtual realm, enabling them to watch matches with select professional clubs and FIFA teams. Soccer fans can enjoy a life-like match experience ranging from stadium seating arrangements to shopping, all in the comfort of their homes.
Soccer season with a difference
The virtual stadium is expected to offer soccer fans a different and immersive streaming experience for live matches, just in time for the eSports Tournament, which started on Dec. 6.
According to an XR Today article, the platform will provide 150 live virtual soccer matches for about 137 FIFA teams. With this new collaboration, sports brands can engage with their fans in new ways with spatial technologies.
MeetKai CEO and co-founder James Kaplan said the partnership is meant to push the “boundaries of virtual experiences.”
“Meta-Stadiums is not just a game-changer for soccer enthusiasts; it’s a game-changer for the future of entertainment and sports engagement,” he said.
“We are thrilled to offer fans a unique opportunity to connect with the sport they love in a completely new way.”
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Bringing a metaverse to everyone
Commenting on the collaboration, Meta-Stadiums chief executive Delence Sheares Sr. said his company’s goal was to make the metaverse “accessible for the entire world in a practical and user-friendly way with zero barriers to entry.”
“Soccer is the number 1 sport in the world, connecting various cultures, religions, heritages, and nations. We are thrilled to bring forth a metaverse platform and experience that embraces the soccer culture alongside the delivery of superior technology,” he said.
The platform works across VR headsets, mobile devices, web browsers, laptops, and similar devices. It also allows people across all age groups to attend and increases engagement among audiences.
Easy shopping
The collaboration will also enable Meta Studios to integrate MeetKai’s online merchandising store technologies. With this partnership, sports retailers can ship physical items “directly to shoppers’ homes.”
“As technology continues to evolve, it’s important that we meet our fans where they are, and this is a great opportunity to enhance that connection,” said Fred Whitfield, president and vice chairman, Hornets Sports & Entertainment.
“The Hornet’s Virtual Fan Shop allows fans to enjoy the game-day shopping experience from anywhere, and we’re excited to offer this innovative new opportunity.”
Soccer enthusiasts can also watch matches concurrently and view digital twins of stadiums in their neighboring areas. Details about the partnership also suggest fans can sit in press or VIP sky boxes during matches to stimulate real-life match experiences.
Additionally, they have the opportunity to attend 5,000 matches archived on the server for continuous playback of previous matches.
Indications are that the platform will also host NFTs as well as other bespoke digital content to commemorate matches and key moments from the gameplay.
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