Late September see Paris Saint-Germain FC launch a new official club app, called ‘FANSPARC’, which uses virtual reality technology to offer supporters an immersive experience within its Parc des Princes stadium.
Described as a ‘new-generation app’, it aims to enable PSG fans right across the globe to create a personalised avatar (in club colours and with own look, status, choosing their own virtual stand and even personalised key moments) and then set out on a 3D behind-the-scenes tour exploring the team’s stadium.
This spans 11 different virtual viewpoints from the outside, the main entrance hall, the home dressing room, the tunnel etc.
Developed by PACIFA decision, the app also includes a range of activities and utilities ranging from skill-based games (this gaming zone sees fans practise ‘keepie uppies’ or put themselves into the boots of a Paris Saint-Germain player), plus club quizzes, news, standings, statistics and a chance to interact with other fans’ avatars via a chat room.
Another app features sees the immersive,FANSPARC record all of the supporters’ chants and enabling virtual users to listen to them within the unique virtual Parc de Princes match day atmosphere.
FANSPARC also links to the Paris Saint-Germain Twitter feed and PSG.fr website.
The idea is that this app is not just fun and informative, but that it will also form the core platform for a new social network of fans: bringing supporters from all over the world together to discuss matches, players all day, every day.
The app is publicised by a supporting video,
and it is being amplified socially across the clubs digital and social platforms and channels.
Léo can do 7 juggles in his garden and 50 on the pitch at the Parc des Princes! Download FansParc app for free ➡️https://t.co/MwrV4WTjIv pic.twitter.com/fDrZbsIirr
— PSG English (@PSG_English) September 20, 2016
Another aspect of the app launch promotion sees PSG offer a first-person game where a user can try to juggle on the Parc des Princes pitch.
Découvrez l'application Paris FansParc, votre stade virtuel !
Téléchargez la gratuitement ici : https://t.co/oYw3S19XqB pic.twitter.com/c73T3ff7Bt— PSG Officiel (@PSG_inside) September 27, 2016
Initially the app is being launched for iPad, but it will be expanded to smartphones towards the end of 2016.
Click here to download FansParc app.
https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=1139113378&mt=8
Through the app, the club not only aims to offer an interactive, engaging fun experience and a set of fan utilities, but also to create a greater unity between fans right across the globe.
Comment
The club claim that this is the first time a football club has adopted ‘such a realistic and comprehensive virtual community app’ – and who are we to argue.
While it may have a few more tech bells and whistles than, say Standard Chartered’s recent ‘This Is Anfield’ VR 360 campaign celebrating the opening of Liverpool FC’s new main stand (see case study), one can’t help but wonder whether genuinely PSG has a compelling and convincing reason to launch this type of app on this specific occasion.
Other than to showcase its growing tech capabilities of course.
Are there hints here of the aims of the virtual worlds of the late 1990s and early 2000s like Habbo Hotel, Active Worlds and Second Life?
Links
PSG YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/PSGofficiel
PSG Web:
PSG Twitter:
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside
PSG Facebook:
PSG Instagram
