South Korea YOG fan engagement in Metaverse

Article posted by Coliseum, January 10^th, 2024

Image: IOC

Fans around the world are now able to engage, for the first time ever, with the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) like never before through a Metaverse.

‘IOC’ stated that the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Gangwon 2024 Organising Committee (YOGOC) and the Gangwon-do Province (South Korea), with the support of the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (MSIT), has announced the launch of a Metaverse focused on the Winter YOG Gangwon 2024 as an extension of the Gangwon-do Province’s Metaverse.

The 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, officially known as the IV Winter Youth Olympic Games and commonly known as Gangwon 2024, are an upcoming Youth Winter multisport event scheduled to be held from January 19^th-February 1^st, 2024 in Gangwon Province, South Korea.

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The Metaverse is a network of virtual worlds where users can interact with each other and the environment in realtime. It uses technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create online experiences.

Image: IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a non-Governmental sports organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was founded in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas. It is the authority responsible for organizing the modern Olympic Games.

The Gangwon 2024 Organising Committee (YOCOG) is responsible for preparing for and running the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in the Gangwon Province. The committee is responsible for the operational and logistical aspects of doping controls during the Games.

‘IOC’ further stated that this unique virtual world offers a variety of interactive experiences to users all over the globe, helping to make Gangwon 2024 as inclusive and accessible as possible, particularly for the young fans.

From virtual tours of the venues to games and challenges where fans can compete against other users in online mini games of ski jumping, bobsleigh and curling, the Gangwon 2024 Metaverse enables fans to engage with the YOG in new and exciting ways. Users based in the Republic of Korea will also be able to enjoy streaming of sporting events. The Metaverse also provides an opportunity to meet and interact with the other fans around the world as well as inspiring visitors to try new Winter sports and learn about the Olympic values.

Image: IOC

To ensure the Metaverse is as accessible as possible, it features automatic translation of six languages (Korean, English, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Chinese), while users are also able to create custom avatars for their digital experience.

This includes the ability to choose from 30 different characters featuring a variety of customization options, such as hairstyles, body shapes and clothing options. These avatars are also able to express a range of emotions – including joy, love, sadness, surprise, and anger -while users are also able to make their character perform a variety of dances: Hip-hop dance and a YOG-related dance.

Once they have created their custom avatar, users are able to freely move around the 3D virtual world, where they can visit digital recreations of nine YOG venues including fantastical elements, the Youth Olympic Villages and four tourist attractions in the host region.

Gangwon 2024 will also have a ‘Metaverse Experience’ at the Gangneung Green City Experience Centre, where visitors will be able to virtually experience some of the Winter sports with simulators, graphic panels and VR kit.

Image: IOC

The Gangneung Green City Experience Centre is a unique and innovative facility in Gangneung, South Korea. The centre will host a Metaverse experience for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

The Winter YOG Gangwon 2024 will take place from January 19^th-February 1^st, 2024, with approximately 1,900 athletes from 81 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) expected to take part. Fans who want to see the next generation of potential Winter sports stars can now apply for their tickets for Gangwon 2024 on tickets.gangwon2024.org.

A National Olympic Committee is a national constituent of the worldwide Olympic movement. Subject to the controls of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the NOCs are responsible for organizing their people’s participation in the Olympic Games.

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