Goodbye Paris – The Games Are Golden!
Photo Courtesy: AP
Sporting Spectaculars – Real World to Virtual!
There are games and then there are Games. As so many of us are likely tuned into what’s happening in Paris at the 2024 Olympics, this month, let’s take a look into watching and playing sports. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that sports are wildly popular across all ages and demographics. There are all sorts of sports – from the more traditional sports to the more modern – like drone and marble racing – and all sorts of variations on classics like golf e.g. disc, and foot variety. It’s also important to note the ever expanding fandom surrounding Esports. If it already isn’t a video game, there are often titles built around them ranging from the more realistic representation from the likes of the EA’s, Winning Elevens, etc, to the more fantasy and outlandish series like Sonic at the Olympic Games.
Courtesy: XBox
While it’s not only fun to enjoy playing these games for a host of different reasons, sporting events continue to command the airwaves and programming. Why does this happen? For starters, sporting events can offer a feeling of unity. We can project our emotions, hopes, and dreams onto the team / player and share in their victories and their challenges. Beyond that, there’s often marvel around what these professionals can accomplish as they’ve dedicated their careers to honing their craft. Finally, there is the drama and narrative behind every minute and even down to the second and even closer – five-thousandths of a second for Olympic Winner Noah Lyles (USA). From rookies to hardened rivals and records being smashed, it’s the story that makes sports games so attractive to viewers.
Photo Courtesy AP
An important aside: the level of immersion into the sports have been fueled by the advances in technology from video assisted referees (VAR), sensors that provide all sorts of data, to mixed reality enhancing the viewing experience for those tuned in from afar or just watching from a neighboring haunt. From drone and spider camera operations to casters and commentary, there is a lot that goes into the production of sporting spectaculars.
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
While of course the collective “we” want to win all the games, titles, and medals, there are so many narrative gems to follow and enjoy before, during, and after the events unfold. From Simone Biles’ commanding performances in Paris to the casual swagger of Turkish air pistol competitor Yusuf Dikec (Silver Medalist – 2024), to a scrappy win from a local team, we can all connect around games.
Next – Los Angeles 2028
TLDR; Sports are huge and command attention, especially when set on the world stage. There are amazing innovations in broadcasting and production that allow for us all to get more engaged with the teams that we follow. We’re also presented with the opportunity to enjoy all the storylines that Games bring with them. Whether it’s a once in a lifetime Olympic Gold medal, barely qualifying for the first time, or an impromptu game in the park, we play and watch people play to feel and share stories. Whomever you’re rooting for, enjoy the Games!
About the Author:
John Balash was instrumental in Digital Dragon’s launch in 2013 as its first Curriculum Director and is now back in the fold as a consultant on all the latest and greatest in tech education.This is John’s latest contribution to a monthly blog series we’ve launched, Tech News from the Frontier. John is the Director of Educational Engagement at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center. John has worked on educationally-focused initiatives with clients ranging from D.A.R.P.A. to Disney. Working from both sides of the desk, you can find John in classrooms and conferences around the world exploring new uses for technologies in learning environments.