Taking place this December is one of the most prestigious events in the videogame calendar, The Game Awards 2016. Celebrating everything to do with the industry, the event is set to become the most widely distributed with organiser Geoff Keighley entering into several partnerships, one being with virtual reality (VR) company NextVR.
NextVR is synonymous with live-streaming sports and other events, so the company will be using its expertise to bring the awards to VR headsets. As its done previously, NextVR will have several cameras set up at the location, situated in prime locations including the front row for users to get the best viewpoint of the proceedings. There will also be an on-stage robotic camera, built especially for the show, that’ll move around during the broadcast to continually provide new perspectives of the awards and musical performances.
The awards will also be streamed live via Twitter, Facebook Live and Tencent’s integrated internet platforms in China, including QQ.com for the first time. Chinese viewers will get the option to use WeChat, QQ.com, and Tencent News App to vote on a special “Fans Choice Award,” based on nominees selected by Tencent’s gaming editors.
“Video games have the power to unite communities from all over the world, and this year we will share the power of gaming with more people than ever before,” said Geoff Keighley, creator/producer of The Game Awards. “For 2016 we will expand our all-digital, no-friction path to global distribution through partnerships that include the first live awards show broadcast on Twitter, an initiative with Tencent to bring The Game Awards live to China, and our innovative, first of-its-kind live VR broadcast with Next VR.”
As in 2015 The Game Awards will return to web, mobile and console platforms, airing on PlayStation Network, Steam, Twitch, Xbox Live and YouTube, with highlights featured in a Snapchat Live Story.
PlayStation Network, Steam, and Xbox Live will also host The Game Awards Sale, offering fans the ability to purchase select nominated games at a discount.
For all the latest VR news on The Game Awards, keep reading VRFocus.