For the 2018 Top 14 semi-finals, we created, in collaboration with the Ligue Nationale de Rugby and the agency MCI, a unique immersive and interactive VR Scrum Simulator, set up near the Groupama Stadium in Lyon.

This virtual reality experience was designed for cooperative play by three players and was open to all audiences — both adults and children.

The animation begins with a spectacular flyover of the stadium, offering visitors a panoramic aerial view of the field and its electric atmosphere. Then, participants are virtually placed in the front row of a scrum, kicking off the countdown to the players’ push.

Thanks to sensors integrated into the scrum machine, our software analyzes, in real time, the force exerted by participants. Depending on the intensity of the push, the system instantly reacts, adapting the difficulty level and displaying visual feedback, such as force gauges. All of this is enhanced with custom sound design, including action effects and crowd ambiance, for a fully immersive experience.

The VR experience proved to be a hit with both young rugby fans and seasoned club players, who enjoyed coming back to try and beat their own push records — creating a friendly yet competitive atmosphere.