Škoda deploys immersive replays at IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship
July 3, 2023
The 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship has captivated fans with its action on the ice. This year, a collaboration between Infront Productions and Sponix Tech has unlocked a new dimension of fan engagement through immersive replays. Škoda Auto, the event’s Official Main Sponsor, seized this opportunity to enhance the consumer experience and align their brand with cutting-edge innovation.
Immersive replays have revolutionised the way fans relive pivotal moments from the IIHF Championship. Powered by Sponix Tech’s AI-based software, these replays transport viewers into the heart of the game by simulating the experience from the player’s perspective, intensifying the immersion. By delving into the players’ helmets and capturing their positioning, these replays offer a unique vantage point that enhances the viewing experience to new heights.
The integration of immersive replays was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Infront Productions and Sponix Tech. Leveraging Sponix Tech’s advanced AI, computer vision and machine learning capabilities, the two organisations developed a system that captures and processes data, transforming it into dynamic replays from any player’s point of view.
AN Infront spokesman said: “Infront is thrilled to have been at the forefront of this groundbreaking innovation at the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. Together with Sponix Tech and with the support of our long standing partner SKODA AUTO, we’ve transformed the way fans engage with the sport, taking them into the heart of the action with our immersive replays. This truly represents a paradigm shift in sports broadcasting, empowering fans to see the game from a player’s perspective and experience the thrill of each moment as if they were on the ice. We firmly believe that this is only the beginning, and as technology evolves, we look forward to introducing even more captivating ways for fans to connect with the sports they love.”
As the Official Main Sponsor of the IIHF Championship, Škoda Auto recognised the potential of immersive replays to elevate the fan experience. By integrating their brand into these replays, Škoda Auto strengthened their connection with the audience and enhanced the fan engagement initiatives.
Skoda and the International Ice Hockey World Championships have had a partnership for the past 30 years, and the IIHF has extended the special partnership with Skoda as the main sponsor until 2027.
Compared to previous years, where replays focused solely on the traditional camera angles, this year’s immersive replays offer a completely fresh and engaging perspective. Fans are no longer passive spectators but active participants, immersing themselves in the game through the eyes of the players. This innovative approach sets the 2023 IIHF Championship apart, creating an unforgettable experience that sets new standards for sports broadcasting.
The integration of Škoda Auto’s brand into immersive replays holds significant benefits for both fans and businesses. For fans, it provides a more immersive viewing experience, enabling them to relive the action as if they were on the ice themselves. For businesses like Škoda Auto, it presents an opportunity to connect with a passionate audience on a deeper level, fostering brand loyalty and enhancing brand perception.
The introduction of immersive replays at the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship represents just the beginning of a new era in fan engagement. As technology continues to advance, fans can anticipate even more developments in sports broadcasting, further blurring the lines between the game and its viewers.