Taking VR to the Gridiron
The college recruitment environment has never been more competitive. To gain the cutting edge against competitors, Georgia Tech wanted to leave a lasting impression on prospective athletes. Given that high school recruits have limited visitations and time on campus, finding a way to give them a taste of campus life without stepping foot in Georgia Tech was extremely important. VR training provided the educational experiences that were important for meeting their recruiting goals while showcasing the athletic department and everyday life of a college student.
Placing the Viewer in the Middle of The Action
We were lucky enough to catch Georgia Tech’s best game of 2015, against Florida State University, as VR footage for the project. This material helped us create a unique atmosphere that displayed the highest level of collegiate football. The idea of having a recruit experience a memorable field goal return for a touchdown – deemed the “Miracle on Techwood Drive” – would leave the best lasting impression that could be virtually simulated.
To help deliver a smooth VR experience, we segmented this experience into five distinct training sections: preparing, playing, training, living, and learning. All segments allowed users to walk through a series of scenarios from visiting a dorm room to catching sideline action from a coveted game-winning touchdown. Placing the user in the middle of the action helped them visualize life at Georgia Tech while proving that enrollment in this prestigious school is a solid investment.
It’s an influential piece that hopefully gets more guys on board.”
-Lance Austin, former Georgia Tech football player
Leaving a Lasting Impression
The response to the immersive VR training recruiting experience was overwhelming. The experience replicates an authentic point of view that isn’t readily available through any other means. Because of our work, Georgia Tech has been able to offer prospective athletes and their families a complete campus tour and educational experience within minutes.
