08 December 2022: Software developer Virtex is excited to announce Virtex Stadium’s official first live event while gearing up for the launch early next year of Virtex Stadium, the world’s first virtual esports stadium. Giving gamers the chance to watch some of the biggest esports tournaments from anywhere in the world, Virtex Stadium is the immersive entertainment platform that offers a unique 3D experience unlike anything seen before.
Currently available on closed beta via Oculus PC-VR on compatible VR headsets, Virtex is partnering with the National Esports Professional Association (NEPA) to bring a dedicated Echo VR event to the stadium this December, which will see some of the best Echo VR esports teams compete against each other. Running on the 17th and 18th of December, the event will showcase the full Virtex Stadium experience for the first time: watching esports competitions in live 3D with other fans. With the option to jump in and float alongside players as they compete in the Echo VR arena, fans will be able to get closer than ever to the game they love.
This 3D experience of being able to view gameplay from the center of the stadium is a world first, and it forms the foundation of Virtex’s ambition to become home to the most memorable and unique events in gaming. Experiencing those breathtaking moments at the same time unifies the fan collective and this is guaranteed by everyone in the stadium receiving the same synced live stream. Launching with Echo VR is the first step in that direction, and Virtex is already preparing more announcements for early next year, with one of the biggest esports titles in the world joining the platform.
Social integration is also an important part of the Virtex Stadium experience, and fans can create a full-body 3D avatar in their likeness thanks to the technology Ready Player Me (a cross-game avatar platform partnered with Virtex) provides. Once ready, fans are free to enter the lobby and move into the lounge bar and the main hall, relaxed hangout spaces perfect for meeting with friends and other fans, and together they can discover some of the games and fun interactions are hidden here. By removing local limitations, Virtex Stadium allows fans to watch their favorite live events alongside friends and family, wherever they are in the world. Maintaining a safe and inclusive environment is absolutely paramount, and Virtex has partnered with Modulate to ensure this. By integrating Modulate’s voice-native moderation software ToxMod any toxic and/or abusive behavior is identified and dealt with rapidly.
Virtex Stadium was birthed by co-founders Tim McGuinness and Christoph Ortlepp after meeting at a VR League Finals event in 2019 where they realized they shared a vision for redefining the esports fan experience. Former Team Gravity Echo VR player, Tim McGuinness was casting at the time and after sharing a very early prototype of Virtex Stadium immediately convinced tech entrepreneur Christoph Ortlepp of its potential. This eventually led to Virtex being founded in 2020. The company recently welcomed venture investors Anorak. VC, who were also the first investors in Oculus and RecRoom, as well as FOV.ventures, a new games & XR-oriented fund that invested, amongst others, in Ready Player Me. This new funding adds to the seed round which occurred earlier this year.
As a fan, even if you’re not playing the game itself you get just as hyped, excited, and passionate for the big moments as the players do themselves. We want to bring fans as close to the action as possible and by removing the limitations of 2D screens, Virtex Stadium has created an experience that blows everything else out of the water. I can tell you personally how high-octane playing Echo VR at the highest level feels and the viewing experience Virtex Stadium provides is the closest you’re going to get.
Tim Mcguinness, CEO & Co-Founder of Virtex
Since partnering with Meta and Ready at Dawn in February 2022, rigorous beta testing for Echo VR in the Virtex Stadium has been taking place. With positive results thus far, the company is ramping up plans and preparing to accommodate more players. This is one of many activations Virtex has planned with its partners. Stay tuned for more in early 2023 when Virtex will be bringing some of the world’s top esports titles to the platform.
