Sky Sports and the Premier League are to trial an innovative new camera angle this Sunday as part of coverage of Arsenal versus Manchester City at Emirates Stadium.
Called ‘Game Mode’, it provides a perspective similar to the football gaming world. Due to its vantage point, the camera will give the viewer a greater appreciation of space as well as showing runs and ball movement from a different perspective.
After an initial period of testing, the ‘Game Mode’ camera – provided by BatCam – was trialled last weekend at Emirates Stadium for the Women’s Super League fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool. This is the first time Sky has used a gantry level ‘railcam’ in football and has been built in close collaboration with both the Premier League and Arsenal FC.
Two versions of the match will be shown by Sky. Standard coverage of Arsenal v Manchester City will broadcast exclusively live on Sky Sports Premier League, with an alternative feed of the match featuring ‘Game Mode’ airing live on Sky Sports Football, where standard ‘camera 1’ coverage will be replaced with the ‘Game Mode’ camera.
The Premier League will be making the ‘Game Mode’ system available to all of its international broadcast partners and if Sunday’s trial proves successful the camera could be utilised for all future Premier League fixtures at the Emirates Stadium this season.
Sky Sports Director of Production, Phil Marshall, said: “We’re very excited to see what ‘Game Mode’ can bring to the overall viewing experience for fans and believe it has great potential when it comes to in-game innovation. We thank Arsenal FC and the Premier League for their support in testing this innovation.”
Premier League Head of Media Operations and Innovation, Rachael Nightingale, said: “The Premier League is always looking for ways to enhance the broadcast experience for fans around the world. During this period of testing with Sky Sports and Arsenal FC, we hope ‘Game Mode’ will provide a new and exciting way to enjoy the action at home.”
The in-match innovation follows on from Sky Sports’ new state-of-the-art studio, which was introduced on Monday Night Football from the start of the season – offering viewers a glimpse into the future with features including Sky Virtual View, a virtual canopy roof, and an LED floor which allows for greater levels of tactical analysis.
