EARS (Esports Audience Response System)

Project partners: BetaJester Ltd and University of York

Streaming platform content creators on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube are the modern version of the traditional storyteller, but they’re currently limited by the tools available to them on individual platforms. BetaJester, a games studio specialising in VR and immersive experiences, have recognised the potential in these platforms.

They used XR Stories funding to develop their project, EARS (Esports Audience Response System), focussed on the creation of new tools for online streaming platforms like Twitch. The project has been informed by academics from the University of York.

EARS builds on existing streaming platform tools, such as live chatting and allows esports streamers to pose questions, send information and create polls to gather responses in real-time, facilitating the creation of more dynamic content.

Betajester have created a working prototype mobile app and identified advertising revenue streams as a key commercial opportunity. When completed, EARS will be used by streamers and viewers alike. For audience members, the app will transform their viewing experience and provide a brand new way to engage with streaming communities. For streamers, the app will house an array of tools which will allow them to make their content more agile and interesting, in turn helping them turn passive viewers into engaged ones.

Categories: Games, Performance, Technology