ESPN, EA Partner On Videogame Technology To Enhance Analysis
ESPN is "looking to extend its domain in virtual worlds by merging video game graphics with real-life sports anchors" through EA Sports Virtual Playbook, a technology that "would allow ESPN commentators to interact live with realistic-looking, three-dimensional virtual players as they pontificate about coming matches during broadcasts," according to Brooks Barnes of the N.Y. TIMES. ESPN Exec VP/Content John Skipper: "We want to make sure we remain connected to lots and lots of fans, and using the language that gamers understand is one way." The technology, which will "make its debut this Sunday" on ESPN's "NFL Countdown," involves using an EA title with "specialized digital camera equipment in the studio." Using the technology, ESPN anchors "could reprogram an actual sequence to show, for example, what would have happened had [Colts QB] Peyton Manning thrown right instead of left." ESPN NFL Studio Senior Coordinating Producer Stephanie Druley: "We think this will wow our viewers. No one has seen this before." EA Sports President Peter Moore: "Virtual Playbook is going to give us a lot of opportunity to talk to football fans." Barnes notes ESPN will showcase Virtual Playbook on programs including "Monday Night Countdown," "NFL Live" and occassionally on "SportsCenter." ESPN VP/Emerging Technology Anthony Bailey said that the net "hopes to expand the feature to analysis of other sports like basketball and soccer." Neither ESPN nor EA would say whether the technology is part of the 15-year deal reached in '05, or if the two companies "reached a new licensing agreement." An ESPN spokesperson said that "current contracts with the [NFL] allow it to use the likenesses of players to enhance its programming" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/5).
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