This past weekend was huge for soccer fans, as they got to watch the UEFA Champions League Final. But those in attendance got an even bigger experience, this one in virtual reality.
The UEFA partnered with both Nissan and Sony to develop and host a virtual reality racing experience for fans to experience. Those that took part had a chance to get behind the (virtual) wheel with Nissan’s new 2017 GT-R, watch it drive through the streets of Milan, and feel the rush that the new vehicle delivers. Sony supplied the PlayStation VR devices used with the demo, which powered the GT-R racing experience while promoting the headset itself.
The demo was a huge highlight at the UEFA’s Fan Festival site, taking place in the Piazza Castello. It also gave them a taste of what they can expect from the PlayStation VR, which is expected to launch worldwide this October, with more details expected in a couple of week’s during Sony’s pre-E3 press conference.
Fans were able to not only cruise through the streets of Milan, but also the famous Autodromo Nazionale Monza race track, as well as the San Siro Stadium, where the Final took place. This allowed them to become even more immersed in the experience. In addition, another demo enabled them to fill the shoes of a Center Circle Carrier, holding a UEFA flag as he ran out onto the field.
The demo was a huge draw, and more than likely, we could see similar demonstrations using the PlayStation VR headset over the summer. Whether they’ll be as fast or as exciting as the GT-R demo has yet to be seen.
