The world's first international PHYGITAL event
"Games of the future" is a large-scale sports event that combines sports, science, and technology. It is the synergy of classic and digital sports, with international competitions held in 21 different disciplines. Each discipline embodies the idea of "physical + digital", combining physical culture with esports and VR/AR technologies. This means that athletes are tested in two previously unrelated areas.The main venue for "Games of Future" was the Kazan Expо exhibition complex in Kazan.
70 metres of projection from both sides of the arena, two holographic grids, and four dynamic projection surfaces.Lasers, robotic arms, moving platforms, and other technological marvels were used to create a first-rate show by a brilliant director using these tools.
12 unique performances by artists, 5 of which were performed by virtual avatars created by the LYM studio
The concept of the "Games of the Future" is based on the combination of sports, science, and technology. It includes spectacular classical sports and digital games. Players compete in selected disciplines in two stages: the first stage is physical competitions, and the second stage is digital. Each discipline is a combination of fast-paced sports with popular video game elements and technologies.
Participants from 116 countries in 21 different disciplines, with a prize pool worth $10 million and 100,000 attendees at the main venue, and 3.2 billion views of matches — the Games of Future have become the biggest digital sports event ever.
The Games of the Future are the largest digital sports championship ever. And for Russia, it is also the biggest international tournament in two years. Players from 116 different countries came to compete in Kazan, including Brazil, the USA, China, and Zambia, among others. They participated in digital competitions such as Dota 2 and CS2, as well as traditional sports like football and basketball, as well as high-tech events like robot battles and drone races.
The scale and level of organization were impressive. Game ads were launched directly on the plane to Kazan, banners announcing the tournament were placed everywhere in the city, volunteers and foreigners were at duty at sports facilities, branded shuttles ran between stadiums, and matches were attended by stars such as Andrey Arshavin and Pavel Datsyuk. Events were held for both journalists and the public.It often felt like a competition of Olympic level was taking place in Kazan. This was not surprising, as the competition was prepared by the same organization that organized the Sochi Olympics. The experience from the Winter Olympics and recent events such as the Universiade in Kazan and the World Aquatic Championships were used 100% in the preparation. Professionalism was evident at stadiums, in hotels, on signs, and in transportation systems - everything was clear and comfortable. Locals were not surprised by future events, as they were used to tourists and foreigners.
The opening ceremony was modelled after the Olympic Games and other major sporting events: a one-and-half-hour show with a procession of participating countries, dance performances and colourful holograms. Organizers presented each discipline in turn. A speedrun was presented as an acrobatic performance in the style of Mario, an exhibition fight was held to introduce the robot fight, and a Formula One car was brought on stage to demonstrate virtual racing.
The level of hospitality and service can overshadow any inconveniences. Many people admired Kazan and enjoyed walking along snow-covered streets and looking at the stands of Expo with interest. My colleagues from China, Turkey and Brazil noted the size of the tournament and the warm welcome and helpful volunteers and organisers. There were even those who admitted their love for Russia and wanted to move there.
If there were questions about the competitive aspect of the Games, there were almost none about the organizational aspect. During my stay in Kazan, I heard the phrase “They know how to host such events in Russia” many times. Both locals and foreigners discussed this. It’s hard to disagree with this: everything was clear, accessible, and convenient.
Behind-the-scenes footage shows how we've prepared for this show so far.
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