The marketing strategy for Google's Daydream View VR headset has hit big. The National Football League (NFL) will be launching a 9-part VR series only on YouTube and Google's Daydream View. This is in part of the tech company's lucrative deal with NFL.
NFL's VR Series
According to Variety, the said series will be produced by NFL Films. The 5 to 10-minute episodes will cover players, coaches, executives, cheerleaders and fans in virtual reality. Apparently, it will mark the first episodic VR sports program.
This will be a huge promotion for Google's VR headset considering the massive fanbase of NFL. As for the league, this move might be driven by a different purpose compared to Google.
According to The Verge, the first episode will debut on NFL's YouTube channel on Thanksgiving Day. It will feature a week of the Philadelphia Eagles preparing for their upcoming matchup. The fans will also be given exclusive access to the team's bench and sideline on game day.
The episodes will be available this year for Daydream View through NFL's VR app. Google's new VR headset works with the tech company's Pixel phones. The said smartphones will start to be shipped on Nov. 10.
Filming The Series Using Google's 360-degree Camera
Variety further reports that NFL Films is already in production of the series. Apparently, they will use Google's Jump 360-degree camera rig system in filming the episodes. It was revealed that the next episodes will also feature the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, Green Bay Packers' distinctive football culture and inside look at the San Diego Chargers organization.
NFL's Senior Vice President of Digital Media Vishal Shah said that VR will help bring NFL fans closer to the game. However, he did not reveal what NFL is spending on the said series. The only other details known is the fact that Google's staff is involved with the project. They are also part in developing the NFL VR app for Daydream View.
