If you’ve ever wanted to watch eSports in 360 VR mode, you’re in luck. A group of investors just invested $6.2 million into a new platform named Sliver.tv.
The self-proclaimed virtual reality platform is designed specifically for spectating eSports competitions in games like Counter-Strike, League of Legends,and Dota 2. The company isn’t alone in believing VR is the next step in eSports, as investors from a wide range of funds seem to agree, and Valve have added VR to Dota 2 spectating already.
Sliver.tv offers a live look at the inside of video game competition by providing a unique floating camera with completely 360 degree view angles. They began their beta test today by offering 360 degree views into a variety of highlights in a variety of games, with an algorithm capable of automatically adding new content and highlights just one day after the action.
The founder and CEO of Sliver.tv, Mitch Liu, said in an interview with VentureBeat:
“We’re focused on the intersection between today’s 250 million eSports viewers and the emerging VR market, we recognized early on that the existing eSports viewing approach from the player’s point-of-view is not necessarily the best perspective for the audience. Our vision is to transform the eSports spectator experience forever.”
The company’s virtual reality products themselves aren’t ready, though they plan to launch on Gear VR, Oculus Rift, Playstation VR, and the HTC Vive in the future. Their current offerings are available on Android, iOS, and Google Cardboard.
While virtual reality may seem like a gimmick at the moment, investors believe eSports will prove that it is the inevitable future of media through companies like Sliver.tv.
Headline image courtesy of UploadVR
