NCSOFT is a video game publisher, you may recognize the name as they recently published FUSER from developer Harmonix.
Based out of South Korea, NCSOFT is currently experimenting with extended reality (XR) technology and ways in which it can be used to create immersive entertainment experiences.
One such experience is a virtual K-pop concert which you can attend for free through NCSOFT’s mobile app.
FUSER Publisher NCSOFT Hosting Virtual K-Pop Concert Using XR Technology
Back in January, NCSOFT launched their very own mobile entertainment app called UNIVERSE. Through this app, they plan to host a virtual K-pop concert called “Uni-Kon” on February 14.
The UNIVERSE app is available on both iOS and Android devices and is available in over 100 different countries. Not only is UNIVERSE free to download, but the K-pop concert itself will be free to stream through UNIVERSE.
Obviously this isn’t the first example of a concert being held virtually. For example, concerts have been held inside Fortnite including one for Travis Scott, and there have even been concert performances in Roblox from performers like Lil Nas X.
What makes Uni-Kon unique here is how XR tech is being used, and ways in which it could be used in the future. It’s worth noting that UNIVERSE only launched a few weeks ago, back on January 28, and Uni-Kon is the first concert NCSOFT is hosting on the platform.
Think of it like a trial run, especially given some of the UNIVERSE app’s poor reviews in regards to performance and stability. We imagine NCSOFT is still working out some of the bugs, and that the app should run better for everyone in the near future.
It’ll be interesting to see if there will be a surge in similar events in the future should Uni-Kon prove successful from a tech standpoint, or should video game companies take note of the event in general and like the direction NCSOFT is going in.
There’s a lot of room to build and grow these XR events. Right now, encouraging people to attend a virtual event that would normally be better in-person, like a concert, is highly valuable, especially in the midst of a pandemic that makes hosting concerts and conventions a real challenge.
As for why XR is being utilized for Uni-Kon rather than just streaming regular video footage, you’ll supposedly be able to use things like a “Multiview function” to view performances from different angles.
Given this is the first event of its kind that NCSOFT is offering through UNIVERSE, it’s hard to say what exactly the experience will be like beyond this. We plan on checking it out and sharing our updated thoughts on how we think this technology could be utilized outside of virtual concerts.
In the meantime, you can check out the Uni-Kon concert by downloading the UNIVERSE app.
On the news reel in the app’s homepage you’ll find a listing that offers general information about Uni-Kon. Namely when it’s being held, who’s performing, and other features you can look forward to including exclusive VOD and behind-the-scenes content following the concert’s conclusion.
Below, we’ve listed the information about the event as provided through the UNIVERSE app for you to review:
Time: 2021, Feb 14th (Sun) 19:00 (KST)
@UNIVERSE
Scheduled online/offline concerts
Channel: UNIVERSE Website (Feb 11 (THU) OPEN)
VOD and behind-the-scenes contents will be released on UNIVERSE after the concert.
Artists: A total of 14 teams (AB6IX / ASTRO / ATEEZ / CIX / CRAVITY / (G)I-DLE/ IZ*ONE / KANG DANIEL / MONSTA X / OH MY GIRL / PARK JIHOON / THE BOYZ / WEI / WJSN)
If you’re in the US, keep in mind the time listed there is 7:00 p.m. (KST) which translates to 5:00 a.m. (EST). The description mentions offline concerts so you should be able to view Uni-Kon either live, or later on after the event has ended.
After reading about NCSOFT branching out with their UNIVERSE app, and using XR tech to host an immersive virtual K-pop concert, we’re curious to hear your thoughts.
Do you think XR will be beneficial when it comes to future concerts? Do you think it could be used in video games like Fuser in the future? Let us know on our social media channels including Facebook and Twitter!
Related: Fuser 1.3 Update Brings a Ton of New Fixes & Free Demo
