Games/Interactive
Vast Media VR Round-Up (MESA)
Story Highlights
Here’s a run-down of recent virtual reality-related entertainment items via Berlin-based research and consulting company Vast Media. For the Sept. 18 broadcast of the 68th Emmy Awards, Facebook worked with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to host a 360-degree video of Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue, featured across several Facebook pages. Viewable on desktops, smartphones and the Samsung Gear VR headset, the goal was to reach those not watching the awards broadcast.
• The Sept. 17 Ohio State vs. Oklahoma college football game was broadcast live in virtual reality, with Fox Sports and VR platform company LiveLike offering the first-time experience on an app for iOS, Android, Gear VR and the Oculus Rift. News emerged Sept. 23 that the app drew an estimated 37,000 viewers, causing Fox Sports to give the green light on a second live VR broadcast for the Oct. 8 Oklahoma vs. Texas game.
• On Sept. 15, NBC launched a YouTube 360-degree exclusive experience for the drama series “Blindspot.” Looking at the season’s premiere, it was NBC’s first behind-the-scenes VR project, and worked via mobile and desktop.
• Ahead of its premiere Sept. 22, the premiere of the Syfy futuristic murder mystery “Halcyon” was featured on AltspaceVR, with a Q&A with the show’s creators. The series is comprised of 10 short-form videos and five interactive VR episodes.
• The new spy thriller “Berlin Station,” premiering in October on Epix, saw a unique 360-degree experience developed by Ayzenberg, Wirewax and Scopic, offering fans a deeper view into the series. Broken up in 10 parts, the 360-degree offering is available on both desktop and mobile devices.
