Things are about to get extreme as ESPN announced it will for the first time live stream the X Games in virtual reality.
Using Samsung’s VR app and Gear VR headset, ESPN will offer an immersive view of the event taking place July 13-16 in Minneapolis. VR content will be include the Skateboard Vert, BMX Street and Skateboard Street Amateurs events.
ESPN is shooting the events with 360-degree camera systems and offering a multicamera livestream experience that includes real-time graphics, X Games talent and feature segments integrated into Samsung VR. ESPN and Samsung partnered with VR production company Digital Domain to offer the feature.
“X Games has always been a laboratory for innovation and progression, both for the world’s top action sports athletes and for ESPN’s production of events and use of technology,” said Tim Reed, vice president of ESPN X Games, in a statement. “We are always pushing to create new and better ways for fans to experience and interact with X Games. Working with Samsung to produce these three great events for Gear VR is an awesome example of that.”
The Skateboard Vert and BMX Street events will also be offered in standard 2D.
RELATED: Samsung signs live VR content deals with UFC, Live Nation, X Games
Details about Samsung’s and ESPN’s VR plans for the X Games emerge after Samsung previously announced VR content deals with the ESPN as well as UFC and Live Nation.
“We are excited to offer Samsung Gear VR users the opportunity to experience their favorite live music and sporting events through our industry-leading VR ecosystem,” said Younghee Lee, CMO and executive vice president at Samsung Electronics, in a statement. “Partnering with these companies to expand our VR services helps us to open up a new gateway of opportunities for fans and demonstrate our commitment to delivering experiences that make the seemingly impossible, possible.”