StreamAMG delivers Virtual Grand National
April 6, 2020
This weekend saw StreamAMG deliver the Virtual Grand National live to major bookmakers on behalf of long-term partner Inspired Entertainment.
The Virtual Grand National is a simulated version of Aintree’s world-famous steeplechase, designed by Inspired Entertainment. The event took centre stage this year as the Grand National itself was called off due to the coronavirus outbreak, with operators and Inspired donating the event’s profits of approximately £2.6 million to NHS Charities Together.
Inspired Entertainment is a specialist in virtual sports products, combining advanced motion capture graphics technology with thorough player and market research. The historic race at Aintree is recreated using advanced algorithms based on performance data and a range of factors, alongside cutting-edge CGI.
For the 2020 edition, StreamAMG managed the production, playout and live stream delivery to bookmakers in the United Kingdom including Bet365, William Hill and PaddyPower Betfair, serving live video to a peak of over 60,000 simultaneous users. The operation was fully produced within the company’s MediaCityUK MCR in Salford from file to end-user device alongside Manchester-based Inspired, who provided the race for broadcaster ITV and the betting market.
Steve Rogers, Chief Commercial Officer – Virtual Sports at Inspired Entertainment, commented: “We’ve worked with StreamAMG to deliver virtual sports for almost 10 years, their reliability and track record as a trusted partner made them the natural choice to stream the Virtual Grand National.”
Matt McKiernan, Chief Operating Officer at StreamAMG, added: “We’re proud to have supported the Virtual Grand National, which has proved to be a real highlight of the year so far, and we’re delighted to be trusted to deliver such an event.”
Other posts by Nick Snow: