International Olympic Committee makes history with first-ever Olympic Virtual Series
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has jumped into the virtual gaming sector with both feet this year. With more and more major sporting events becoming virtual, this was their next step to allow fans to stay entertained while restrictions remain in place. In response to this growth, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has agreed to launch the new Olympic Virtual Series (OVS).
The IOC has teamed up with five of the world’s international sports federations and game publishers to create their own virtual series. This isn’t only a unique experience for fans, but it is also a turning point for the committee. This virtual service will be marked as the first Olympic-licensed event for both physical and non-physical virtual sports.
Despite the fact that the series has yet to be launched, federations have jumped at the chance to participate. This groundbreaking new service includes the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), the International Cycling Union (UCI), and World Rowing. Not only that, but the World Sailing Federation and the International Automobile Federation have also signed up.
Olympic fans will play to their hearts’ content on a number of gaming platforms with this virtual series. Fans can play eBaseball Powerful Pro Baseball 2020, Zwift, Virtua Regatta, and Gran Turismo depending on the series. World Rowing is also available, but it comes with a twist in that it is played in an open format.
When will the games begin?
Each of the five events will have its own set of characteristics that will help them stand out from the crowd. Despite their differences, each game’s play is something that all five of these events have in common. They’ll all operate through their respective sports’ publisher portals. On the official Olympic Channel, fans will be able to see all of the action. They will also have access to unique tips on how to get the most out of the game, as well as prizes for some competitions that will be announced soon.
For fans, the series premiere on May 13th and its conclusion on June 23rd could not come soon enough. This series will not only excite a large audience but will also reach out to new viewers on a global scale, helping to create anticipation for the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which will take place this summer.
This new gaming series may not stop at these five federations; more federations may follow suit. More federations are expected to join, including Fifa, soccer’s global governing body, and the International Basketball Federation. The International Tennis Federation and World Taekwondo have both expressed interest in potential editions.
This new series is not only thrilling, but it also supports Olympic values and encourages sport participation. As their ideals have changed they have concentrated on appealing to a younger audience. As a result of the pandemic, many IFs have introduced well-known virtual sports programs to stay important to their audiences. The OVS is the next big step forward for virtual sports and the Olympic movement, with the need to stay in the minds of their followers.