The idea of virtual sports has been around for a while, but it became more pronounced during the pandemic. The arrival of the novel coronavirus was a blessing in disguise, so to say; it helped the world adapt.
Since everything was on lockdown, the world had to devise means to keep its business running or risk a disaster. Sporting events and seasons were canceled because of the outbreak, and finding another way to play games was the only option.
Virtual sports present an excellent opportunity for fans to watch and bet on live games. In addition, they offer several options for fans to watch and bet on games at any time and from anywhere. This article discusses how virtual sports work, technology, and other exciting things you need to know.
Virtual Sports: What Does It Entail?
Virtual sports consist of computer-generated games based on real-world sports with outcomes determined by complex algorithms. Virtual sports games like soccer and horse racing are based on actual sporting events; the only difference is that they are digital.
The idea of virtual sports isn’t new; they’ve been around for decades – even as far back as the 1960s. For example, in 1961, John Burgeson invented a baseball simulation game with a play-by-play description where two teams played against each other.
Virtual sports have undoubtedly improved significantly since then, and their algorithms are much more complex. In addition, virtual sports use motion capture technology, allowing games to produce incredibly realistic 3D graphics and animations.
The games appear the way they would in the real world, making it hard to distinguish them from real-life games. But, if you’ve ever played sports simulation games, you have an idea how fun they can be – especially if you’re betting.
Several sportsbooks like Parimatch virtual sports games now offer virtual sports, which are now being used in different countries worldwide. Virtual sports games come with the typical excitement of watching a live match from the stands in the stadium.
Virtual Sports: How Does It Work?
Virtual sports operate through a random number generator, like in casino slots, to determine the outcome of a game. Working in the background of virtual sports are a few complex mechanics that ensure the result is unbiased and pre-decided.
First, each player can score; their chances of winning are weighted based on their abilities. The more abilities a player has, the higher their chances of winning, and vice versa; players with the best abilities are the favorites.
The way virtual sports operate is similar to that of a real-life scenario, emulating the fun and excitement of a real game. Furthermore, players in a virtual sporting game have many abilities that punters can bet on.
Meanwhile, that doesn’t mean the best player always wins the game; bookmakers would run out of business if betting were that simple. Thus, virtual sports toughen up the competition by adding an element of luck or randomness to their algorithm.
The random number generator in the feature of the virtual sports works similarly to a slot game; one can weigh the outcomes, but the generator decides the result. So essentially, virtual sports boil down to outcomes being weighted favorably or otherwise and a random number generator introducing unpredictability and determining the outcome.
The Impact of Technology on Virtual Sports
The technology behind virtual sports is still fairly new; it has yet to manifest its full potential. However, teams can recruit players more easily, and athletes can visit every place of their future team through this technology.
The technology behind virtual sports offers an immersive experience where individuals can experience live games without leaving their homes. Meanwhile, as technology advances, we may see new sports that are completely based on virtual, mixed, and augmented reality emerge.
While many argue that video games aren’t real sports, it won’t be long before this technology is fully integrated. For instance, with titles like Pokemon and Racket: Nx, we will soon see games integrating AR/VR technologies, becoming fully professional sports.
There are yet undiscovered possibilities and opportunities in virtual sports, meaning the near future has many surprises. While we can’t say virtual sports will eclipse real-life experience, it will even revolutionize the sports industry.
Virtual sports keep fans, teams, and players of professional sports leagues connected and entertained. World-class professional leagues are now holding their games and tournaments virtually.
For example, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held its first-ever tournament in 2021, where teams played different physical sports in virtual versions. As virtual and augmented reality advance, we will undoubtedly see more games replicated in a digital setting.
Conclusion
Virtual sports are as interesting and immersive as real-world games played in a physical stadium. They operate through a random number generator that simulates real-life sporting action and determines the outcome. The difference between virtual sports and real-life games is that the former is digital while the latter is physical. Also, games in virtual sports don’t last as long as real-life games because there’s little time between matches.
