March 2, 2007

Gameplay HD Builds on the Growing Spectatorship of Video Games

by Louis Bedigian

“The mission for Gameplay HD is to add a new dimension to the gaming experience.” 

The process goes like this: first there was high-def television, then high-def gaming, and now Gameplay HD. Gameplay HD combines the world of VOOM high-def cable service with the growing spectatorship of game tournaments.

“Gameplay HD is part of VOOM HD Networks, a group of 15 high-definition channels that features special-interest programming such as sports, movies, music, animation, even art,” said Mark DeAngelis, VP of Programming. “VOOM is special because it's the only HD network to offer all-HD programming 24 hours a day. Plus, everything on our channels is either shot in native HD or remastered from 35mm. So, we have the most and the best HD available on television.” 

Mark tells us that the mission for Gameplay HD is to add a new dimension to the gaming experience. “Our team is made up of hardcore gamers and award-winning TV and sports producers. Our shows cover top-tier video game tournaments from all over the world, as well as news, game previews and innovative programs that make games the ‘stars.’ In short, it's everything a gamer could possibly want from a video game network, and it's in high definition.” 

Battlefield 2142 – one of the first games featured in Gameplay HD’s tourney coverage. 

Tell us about your special technology, GAMECASTER Cybercam S2. What is it, how does it work, and why should gamers take notice?

Mark DeAngelis: The Cybercam S2 is one part of our arsenal to make watching video games as fun, exciting and dynamic as watching a live sporting event. The technology behind the GAMECASTER Cybercam S2 is very cool. It uses patent-pending camera technology to get right into the game – so to speak – and offers the kinds of camera angles that are common in real-life televised sports.

Who created this technology and when was it invented? Does it have other purposes besides spectatorship?

MD: The Cybercam S2 is new, and was invented by GAMECASTER founder David McIntosh with his team down in San Diego. Gameplay HD is the first company to use this innovative device. It could also be used for filming machinima and in-engine real-time video game trailers and commercials. 

Cinemaddicts, part of Gameplay HD programming.

How much computing power is necessary to get it up and running?

MD: Nothing too crazy, actually. The technology runs fine on current-generation computer processors.

For the Battlefield 2142 Invitational, how are you able to acquire different views of the game in real-time? If these views aren't already in the game itself, how is it that you're able to get them and show them to the world?

MD: GAMECASTER works with the developer to modify the game code, so that a producer can put virtual cameras inside the game and get unrestricted 360-degree views. Those cameras are then controlled by pro camera operators working with a real, specially rigged camera outside the game. That is to say, it's a lot like filming a real-world sporting event in that you can film what you want – just like using a regular camera. 

Can your technology be applied to all kinds of games? PC and console? Are there limitations?

MD: We can apply the tech behind GAMECASTER Cybercam S2 to both PC and console games. For now, we see no real limitations hindering the technology.

How long will the special run?

MD: The Battlefield 2142 Invitational runs through April 5th, all eight episodes premiering Thursdays at 10pm. The series will continue to play on the network for the remainder of the year. 

Like Shao Kahn once said, Fatal1ty!

Tell us about some other Gameplay HD programming, and about any games that could receive the GAMECASTERS treatment.

MD: In addition to our global tournament coverage, over 35 hours produced in 2006, we also feature loads of other types of innovative programming such as Cinemaddicts which focuses on the deep and always visual stories at the heart of the games.

Another original program is the Art of Play where viewers take an in depth tour through the best next-gen games. We also have the Making Of series, which takes a documentary approach to how video games are made. Most recently, we featured the Making of Guild Wars: Nightfall, which was also included as a DVD in the Collector's Edition of the game.

Finally, we have Gamespotting where we showcase the latest news and preview upcoming games. Many more shows are in development as we speak.

As for the second part of your question, most action-oriented games could be captured by the GAMECASTER Cybercam S2.

With the advent of advertising in video games, do you think presentations like the Battlefield 2142 Invitational will become two-fold for potential advertisers: a chance to promote themselves in-game during live presentations, and then another chance to promote themselves during a commercial break?

MD: The opportunity definitely presents itself. Gameplay HD is a commercial-free network for the time being, but we're open to exploring sponsorship opportunities.  

I'm excited for this, but realistically, how much time do you think the average gamer will want to spend "watching" a video game? When we watch we want to play, and playing should always be more fun than watching. If it's not, that particular game has a serious problem. Do you see what I'm getting at? Let's talk about this, and if you've thought of any ways to overcome this obstacle.

MD: The same could be said about any televised sport, but the fact remains that the NFL and NBA enjoy vast viewership. Video game tournaments are becoming more and more popular and we like to think that we're opening up a new world to gamers. For our other programming such as Art of Play, we think that when presenting a game the right way, it can be just as entertaining as actually playing it. You can "look around" the game environment, appreciate the genius that goes into the games and experience the characters in a way you can't when you're in the heat of battle.  And, of course, you can pick up techniques and strategies that improve your own gameplay.

Thank you for your time.

MD: Thanks for giving us the time to talk about Gameplay HD and GAMECASTER. Also, be sure to check out our Web site at http://www.gameplayhd.com for upcoming programming.