RIYADH: Traditional sports and esports are converging, with new technologies enhancing fan engagement in both arenas, the second day of the Next Generation Sports Conference in Riyadh was told.

A panel discussion, titled “Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Sports and Esports,” examined how these two realms are influencing each other, and what the future holds for their convergence.

The panel featured Andrew Chen, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz; Eric Shanks, CEO and executive producer of Fox Sports; Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation; Michael Metzger, managing partner of Drake Star; and Peter Hutton, board director at the Saudi Pro League.

It kicked off with a look at the historical evolution of traditional sports media, and how digital technologies have transformed traditional sports, from the early days of radio broadcasts to today’s sophisticated streaming services. In parallel, esports have seen meteoric growth, with live-streaming platforms and social media playing a pivotal role in its rise.

Chen set the stage by addressing the financial dynamics reshaping the esports sector. He highlighted a significant transformation in funding patterns, where the world is witnessing a pivotal shift from investing heavily in esports teams to focusing on broader components such as game studios and creator tools.

This change, he said, comes in response to the challenges faced by team-based investments and the increasing importance of new technologies like AI and VR in enhancing fan engagement.

Shanks provided a glimpse into how traditional sports broadcasting is evolving to integrate esports elements. He stressed the importance of blending esports aesthetics with traditional sports coverage.

He also discussed the challenge of creating a “connective tissue” that links traditional sports fandom with esports. He said that the goal is to forge a deeper, more personal connection for fans through virtual reality and other immersive technologies, bridging the gap between physical and digital experiences.

Meanwhile, Metzger addressed the shifting investment landscape in gaming and esports. He noted a reduction in valuations and deal flow following the COVID-19 pandemic, but highlighted the current resurgence in investment activity. He pointed to an increase in funding for early-stage companies and esports infrastructure, as well as significant investments from local athletes and international tech giants.

Metzger added that with a growing interest in VR and AI, and recent high-profile IPOs, the future looks promising for investors in this space.

Speakers also discussed the impact of technology on enhancing competitiveness and fan engagement in sports. They stressed the importance of learning from esports to improve traditional sports’ appeal, adding that esports teaches how to create multiple narrative perspectives and interactive experiences, which are essential for engaging today’s younger audiences.

Innovations like customizable VR experiences and real-time stats integration were praised by the panel for offering fans a more personalized viewing experience. They argued that these technologies could be adapted to traditional sports to create a more dynamic and engaging spectator experience.

The panel concluded with a discussion on how traditional sports can learn from esports in terms of fan engagement and content delivery, with bin Homran highlighting the potential for integrating in-game customizations and real-time highlights to attract younger audiences. He stressed the importance of creating engaging, interactive experiences that cater to the digital-native generation.

“I think the integration of the in-game customizations is really important. I think one of the most important things that esports fans love to customize things in their games. They like to have a specific skin. They like to have a specific NBA item that they love to be recognized with,” he said.

He added: “At this moment, we have a lot of sports figures that are involved more in esports, like Neymar, or the other athletes that are investing more in esports, and they are leading the traditional fans to all esports.”

RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said his team’s first win in Test cricket against Pakistan on Sunday was a tribute to people killed during protests that toppled former premier Sheikh Hasina.
The South Asian nation endured weeks of student-led protests that ultimately forced Hasina to resign and flee to India this month after 15 years of autocratic rule.
“We are paying tribute to the individuals who recently passed away in our nation during the protest and we are praying for their souls,” Najmul said after his side’s 10-wicket victory in the first Test in Rawalpindi.
More than 450 people were killed during the protests, many by police fire.
Bangladesh’s tour to Pakistan was hit by a lack of preparation, with foreign coaches unable to attend training sessions because of travel warnings.
However, the new interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, allowed the two-Test tour to Pakistan to go ahead.
Bangladesh led by 117 runs on the first innings after a record score against Pakistan of 565, the hosts having declared their innings at 448-6 on a batting-friendly pitch.
They then dismissed Pakistan for a paltry 146 on day five, with spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4-21) and Shakib Al Hasan (3-44) doing the damage.
Bangladesh scored the 30 runs required without losing a wicket, sparking celebrations in the visitors’ dressing room.
Najmul, who also celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday, said it was a special feeling.
“It is nice to win on a birthday, special feeling,” he said. “But more special is the team’s win. It’s a historic day for us, it is massive.
“I think before we started this series, we believed we can win this time. And then... everyone really believed that we can do something special this time.”
Najmul also praised his bowlers for keeping Pakistan in check.
“Everyone showed his character, I am really happy with them. We have worked hard to achieve this win. Our bowlers did so well,” he said.
He also praised veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, whose 191 in the first innings set the foundation for Bangladesh’s highest total against Pakistan.
“He has been playing cricket for 15-17 years and he never looks tired, doing things repeatedly over and over again,” Najmul said.
“The way he batted in these hot conditions was impressive and I am really happy for him, that’s why we probably win the match.”
Pakistan skipper Shan Masood apologized to home fans for a poor result.
“We all are disappointed, the whole of Pakistan is disappointed,” said Masood, who has lost all four matches since being appointed Test captain last year.
“As a team, as a leader of the team, obviously I would apologize to our fans that we were unable to give the desired result that Pakistan deserved.”
Masood denied his team took Bangladesh lightly.
“I thought they were very disciplined, with the ball and in the field, they played the game to their strengths,” he said.
Masood hoped his players would be able to lift themselves for the second Test, which begins in Rawalpindi on Friday.
“We have to raise our hands that we have committed mistakes, so we have to lift ourselves and train hard to come back strongly,” he said.