Game Day: MeetMo's 8K metaverse integration with Fox News.
In a groundbreaking collaboration that redefined sports broadcasting, Fox partnered with MeetMo.io to deliver an unprecedented viewing experience for Super Bowl LVII's Opening Night. This innovative production reached a record-breaking audience of 115,141,000 viewers, marking a significant milestone in the convergence of traditional broadcasting and metaverse technology.
"FOX Sports has a history of production innovation especially around football and we figured this was a good chance to push the boundaries of our new set with cutting edge technology from MeetMo.io," says Zach Fields, SVP Graphics Technology at FOX Sports.
Transforming production logistics.
When producing an event as complex as the Super Bowl, minimizing the chaos while ensuring security is critical. MeetMo.io's revolutionary approach dramatically streamlined the traditional production model. By leveraging advanced technology, the entire production was managed by just two individuals – a remarkable reduction from conventional crew sizes. This lean operation didn't compromise quality; instead, it demonstrated the power of innovative solutions to enhance efficiency.
Through MoLink’s enhanced Edge Compute server capabilities, MeetMo.io enabled direct broadcasting into the Unreal game engine, creating a virtual production environment that eliminated the need for extensive on-site presence. On-air talent and crew remained in Los Angeles, operating from Fox Studios' XR Stage while being immersed in the live-streamed, virtualized stadium environment.
Bridging physical and virtual worlds.
The challenge was clear: create a seamless broadcast experience that could maintain Fox's high production standards while pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. MeetMo.io's solution deployed their cutting-edge 8K metaverse encoder, establishing a new paradigm for live sports coverage.
Central to the success was the groundbreaking ability to integrate metaverse environments within traditional broadcast frameworks. This integration wasn't just technically impressive – it was invisible to viewers, maintaining the polished presentation Fox News audiences expect while delivering enhanced capabilities behind the scenes.
Real-time remote collaboration.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this production was the seamless coordination between teams spread across the country. Remote crews in Arizona, working directly at the Super Bowl venue, collaborated in real-time with Fox Studios' XR Stages in Los Angeles. This distributed production model demonstrated the power of MeetMo's technology to unite geographically separated teams into a single, cohesive unit.
The stats.
The implementation of MeetMo.io's technology delivered multiple operational advantages:
- Significant cost reduction by eliminating the need for travel, accommodation, and meals for a traditional-sized crew
- Enhanced flexibility through near-complete production virtualization
- Streamlined security and simplified production protocols
- Time savings through reduced on-site setup and coordination requirements
Tech innovation meets broadcast excellence.
At the heart of this achievement was MeetMo's revolutionary technology, which enabled 8K 360° LIVE streaming directly within the UNREAL game engine. This technical feat served two distinct but equally important purposes:
- It provided broadcasters with a familiar, professional-grade production environment that met their exacting standards
- It simultaneously created immersive experiences for viewers who wanted to engage with the content in new and exciting ways
Impact.
This successful implementation at one of sports' biggest events demonstrates the viability of metaverse technology in mainstream broadcasting. The record viewership numbers validate both the technical reliability of MeetMo's solution and its ability to meet the demanding standards of major network television.
The collaboration between MeetMo.io and Fox News sets a new benchmark for sports broadcasting, showing how traditional media can embrace cutting-edge technology without compromising quality or reliability. By solving for a completely new broadcast format while maintaining professional standards, MeetMo.io has proven that the future of broadcasting lies in the convergence of virtual and traditional production methods.
