ESPN unveil new table-top virtual reality pitch analysis
October 15, 2011 · 4 Comments
ESPN pundits Kevin Keegan and Craig Burley will be coming face to face with life-size 3D images of players on a new virtual reality table-top pitch which is due to be unveiled during the Chelsea v Everton match this evening.
The new service called ESPN Arena, based around a 65-inch touchscreen built into a table bears similarities to a traditional Subbuteo pitch, only with computer generated models of players.
The presenters are able to control the players by dragging players around the table, making them run to different locations and calling up pre-set formations to help with analysis and discussion. As demonstrated in the video below, the players can be ‘flicked’ off the pitch and appear as a lifesize 3D representation in the studio.
Tell us what you think of this latest football presentation innovation in the comments box below.
Tags: Craig Burley, ESPN, ESPN Arena, Kevin Keegan, Subbuteo
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Bit gimmicky, although the flicking off the table bit is amusing
This is driving me mental. Too many gadgets, not enough content.
And the players running up and down the pitch is just pointless.
Crazy.
I think technology has a place in football coverage, but it seems overdone here.
But ESPN’s first go at it, and it’s their new toy. Presumably they will tone its use down in the coming weeks.
Keegan doesn’t look completely comfortable with the technology.