NBA 2K. Madden. FIFA. Tennis Clash.
We love our sports video games, especially during times like these. They are fun, competitive, and they keep us connected with our friends through one of the most fundamental ways we socialize: through play.
However, the only way for most of us to compete in sports together recently has been through eSports while traditional live sports continue to be limited or delayed entirely in many places. Traditional live sports and eSports have also largely been separate and distinct experiences.
That changes today.
Introducing Battle Mode on HomeCourt
Time-Shifted Multiplayer Live Action Sports
Battle Mode enables any user to play traditional sports games with their friends on HomeCourt, just like they would be playing an online video game, no matter where they are or when they are playing. eSports are no longer relegated to the couch.
Now, more than ever, HomeCourt puts the player LITERALLY in the game (Thanks EA Sports!).
With Battle Mode, we are combining our patented mobile AI + AR live action gameplay with time-shifted multiplayer battles that allow players everywhere to go up against each other asynchronously.
You can challenge a friend to any HomeCourt activity, without having to coordinate it or organize a time to get together. You can simply play, and then your friends can take their turn on their own time. Even though its not live; it feels live. Live leaderboards during the in-game experience show you exactly how you’re performing against your challenger.
As you compete in head-to-head challenges, you can collect trophies, badges, and coins, just like you collect these virtual items in a typical video game.
It’s a whole new way to play competitive sports virtually, anywhere, anytime.
Challenge Your Friends 1-on-1
Challenge any one of your teammates or friends to a Battle on any dribbling, soccer, or agility activity on HomeCourt. This can be a friend you’re already connected with on HomeCourt, a friend you invite from Facebook, or new friends you might want to invite via text message. It could even be a coach, trainer, or teacher challenging a group of their players.
Your friend gets a notification that you’ve challenged them to a dual, they’re launched right into the Battle, and you get a notification when they complete the session. If you‘ve won, you’ll get rewarded on the spot with a trophy to commemorate the win.
Playing “Pick-Up” with Other HomeCourt Users
If you’re looking to mix it up, just choose Battle on any activity and we‘ll drop you into a game where you are playing other players (around the world) who have also played that same activity using our time-shifted technology. We match you up intelligently, taking into account your skill level and experience in order to stretch your abilities and ensure the battle pushes you further.
Go 1-on-1 with the Pros
You can also now Battle head-to-head with featured pro athletes in our all-new NBA and WNBA athlete challenges. Interactive gameplay simulates a live competition between you and the athlete directly. We’ll be highlighting new pro challenges each week throughout the fall using this new Battle Mode experience.
Profile Upgrade: Earn Badges, Trophies, and Coins
It wouldn't be a true game if it didn't come with achievements and rewards that prove you’re leveling up as you play.
We pair this concept with our AI-powered tracking and statistics to reward your efforts. Badges are earned through the different activities you complete, Trophies for the Battles you’ve won, and our new Coin system rewards your actual physical output (calories burned, dribble count, shots made, etc).
This gives a whole new meaning to the concept of a virtual stat sheet. We’re converting actual physical performance tracked through AI to provide a skill-backed player recognition system.
These achievements and rewards sit right alongside other key stats in your profile, showing that you’ve put in the work to improve your game and that you have the results to show for it.
In a future release, we’ll be providing a marketplace for HomeCourt players to exchange their Coins for unique digital rewards and experiences that add even more value to the player's journey.
A whole new way to play
While the NBA has been bringing a new approach to the restart of the season in Orlando by leveraging technology to enhance the experience, we’re embracing that same charter and bringing it to local communities, youth sports teams, leagues, and households everywhere.
We believe that Battle Mode is the start of something big. It’s a major first step in bridging the eSports world with the physical sports world and enabling new forms of competition along with it.
Returning to play this fall might look a little different, but we’re making sure it’s as fun and as competitive as ever. Update to the latest version of HomeCourt in the App Store to join in.
