MultiVersus, the popular platform-based battle game featuring various Warner Bros.-owned characters, is gearing up for a big relaunch in May. But before the characters like Batman, Velma, and Bugs Bunny return to the virtual battlefield, they will first participate in a real-life hockey match. A groundbreaking collaboration between TNT Sports, the NHL, and Warner Bros. Games will transform a game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Las Vegas Golden Knights into a MultiVersus hockey match using cutting-edge tracking technologies.
During the broadcast of the game on April 14, viewers will witness characters like Superman, Shaggy, and Finn the Human overlaid on top of the actual hockey action. Some NHL players, such as Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche and Jack Eichel of the Golden Knights, will have special avatars created in the style of MultiVersus, making it appear as though they are playing alongside the game’s characters. This innovative approach will give fans a truly unique viewing experience.
The MultiVersus NHL Face-Off will be exclusively aired on truTV and the Max app (accessible for those with the B/R Sports add-on). Additionally, the charismatic Tasmanian Devil will be providing colorful commentary throughout the match. A team selection draft featuring the MultiVersus characters will be showcased during TNT’s postgame coverage of the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings on April 7.
One of the most exciting aspects of the MultiVersus NHL Face-Off is the transformation of the ice rink itself. As the game progresses, the rink will change to mimic various stages from MultiVersus, including the iconic Space Jam court, the whimsical Tree Fort from Adventure Time, and the intense Trophy’s E.D.G.E. arena. This dynamic visual element will truly blur the lines between reality and the virtual world of MultiVersus.
The magic behind the MultiVersus NHL Face-Off lies in the seamless integration of two different tracking technologies. NHL EDGE provides precise puck and player tracking, while Hawk-Eye Innovation’s optical tracking software translates the movements of NHL players into animated character movements. Beyond Sports is responsible for the real-time animation of the game’s beloved characters, making this crossover event a technical marvel.
This innovative approach to blending live sports with animated characters is not a new concept for the NHL. In a previous instance, a game between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers featured characters from the Disney animated series Big City Greens, foreshadowing the style of the MultiVersus NHL Face-Off. Beyond the realm of hockey, MultiVersus has also been making waves with its recent inclusion of characters in McDonald’s Happy Meals, showcasing the game’s growing popularity and influence.
After nearly a year offline, MultiVersus is set to officially relaunch on May 28 with a host of exciting updates. The reimagined game will introduce new characters, modes, and stages, coupled with enhanced visuals and performance thanks to a shift to Unreal Engine 5. Fans can expect a fresh and engaging experience when MultiVersus makes its highly anticipated comeback.
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