How gaming technology is changing sports

In today's ever-changing technological landscape, science fiction and improvements that often look outlandish end up becoming reality. The boundaries between gaming technology and traditional sports continue to blur, with examples such as virtual reality to motion tracking, these advancements in gaming tech are also revolutionising sports, both for fans and for athletes.

As explained by an interesting ExpressVPN article we're at an interesting time in which we're glimpsing a convergence of futuristic concepts and finding interesting, and perhaps creative practical applications. Among these technologies are virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which have found their way into the realm of sports, enhancing training methods and spectator experiences alike.

VR, once confined to the realm of gaming and perceived as nothing more than a niche technology, is now making waves in sports training. Athletes can immerse themselves in virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing for safer and more controlled practice sessions that focus on specific tasks to complete or improve upon. This technology has the potential to revolutionise sports training and has proven effective thus far, by providing athletes with a platform to hone their skills in a virtual space.

Furthermore, motion tracking systems, originally developed for gaming purposes, have been adapted for use in sports analytics. These systems collect data on player movements and performance metrics, providing coaches and analysts with valuable insights into player behaviour and strategy. By leveraging this data, teams can optimise training regimens and make more informed decisions during games.

A great example was former Stanford kicker Jet Toner, who trained in a controlled environment using a VR headset. The allure of virtual reality also allowed him to better review footage of his play and how to improve, he mentioned in an interview with The New York Times.

The role of gaming technology in sports extends beyond training and analysis— in a lot of cases, it also influences the way we experience sports as an audience, opening the door for potential fans to engage with the gamified version of a sport before jumping in to try the real deal.

Games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater have not only inspired a generation of skateboarders but have also paved the way for the integration of the sport into the mainstream, even if the act of skating remains almost entirely analogue.

Sports Interactive's Football Manager has also led many players down the path towards becoming professional coaches. Will Still, current manager of Ligue 1 team Stade Reims, spent thousands of hours as a FM player, for instance.

Going back to gaming-centric technologies, virtual reality has the potential to transform the spectator experience as well, by offering immersive, interactive viewing opportunities. Let's say, for example, you're watching a basketball game from the perspective of your favourite player or feeling like you're seated at Old Trafford for a Manchester Derby. It sounds ludicrous to say, but we may not be too far off from making something like that a reality.

As the gaming industry continues to push the boundaries of technology, the impact on sports will only continue to grow. As we've seen, from enhancing training methods to revolutionising the spectator experience, things like VR, AR, and the actual games themselves are reshaping the way we play, watch, and interact with sports.

Looking forward, the line between gaming and sports will continue to blur, opening new opportunities and experiences for athletes and fans.