MLB’s virtual ballpark returns for four regular-season games in September<p>Major League Baseball’s <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="
https://www.engadget.com/the-angels-face-the-marlins-in-mlbs-first-regular-season-virtual-ballpark-game-202934979.html">virtual ballpark[/url] is back. Like a metaverse experience for traditional (non-VR) devices, it lets you watch actual games as they're happening in real time, albeit recreated in a 3D environment. MLB will host interactive watch parties in the environment for select games each Wednesday in September.</p>
<p>Like a baseball-centric take on <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="
https://www.engadget.com/the-20-year-old-metaverse-game-second-life-is-getting-a-mobile-app-110254437.html">
Second Life[/url] (for the old folks in the back), it includes 3D avatars corresponding to players’ movements. The plays and athletes’ precise positions are tracked using the same <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="
https://www.engadget.com/2017-08-01-fifa-var-goal-line-technology-future-of-soccer.html">Sony Hawk-Eye cameras[/url] used for the league’s <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="
https://www.engadget.com/2019-03-08-atlantic-league-trackman-robotic-umps.html">Statcast analytics system[/url]. The experience sounds tailor-made for headsets like the <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="
https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-review-beta-testing-the-future-201430272.html">Vision Pro[/url] and <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="
https://www.engadget.com/meta-quest-3-review-mixed-reality-vr-150009788.html">Meta Quest[/url], but it’s limited to traditional screens for now. Improbable, a London-based company known for metaverse experiences, created the tech.</p>
<span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>There’s also an audio element, as you can hear the play-by-play and game sounds and chat with other fans in spatial audio. New for this season is a party system that lets you talk directly with your friends. The league is also bringing back a virtual scavenger hunt to keep you interested in case the game is a bore.</p>
<p>MLB’s virtual ballpark <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="
https://www.engadget.com/the-angels-face-the-marlins-in-mlbs-first-regular-season-virtual-ballpark-game-202934979.html">debuted during the 2023 season[/url], first for an All-Star exhibition and then for a late regular-season game and a Postseason matchup. This season’s virtual lineup kicks off on Wednesday, with three more games following throughout September:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Wednesday, September 4, 6:50PM ET</strong> - Tamba Bay Rays vs. Minnesota Twins</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Wednesday, September 11, 7:45PM ET</strong> - Reds vs. Cardinals</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Wednesday, September 18, 6:35PM ET</strong> - Giants vs. Orioles</p></li>
<li><p><strong>Wednesday, September 25, 6:40PM ET</strong> - Rays vs. Tigers</p></li>
</ul>
<p>It isn’t clear who this experience was made for, but hey, at least it’s free. You can log into the virtual ballpark using any modern device with a web browser at <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:8;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="
http://mlb.com/virtual-ballpark" data-original-link="
http://mlb.com/virtual-ballpark">MLB’s virtual ballpark website[/url]. You’ll need to create or log into an MLB account before they let you past the virtual turnstile.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/mlbs-virtual-ballpark-returns-for-four-regular-season-games-in-september-171533897.html?src=rssSource:
MLB’s virtual ballpark returns for four regular-season games in September
