Welcome to the future of bringing people together! Today, the lines between physical and virtual experiences are increasingly blurred, creating exciting opportunities to connect people in immersive and engaging ways. At Space Makers, we’ve been exploring this with two fun projects for a Japanese TV station: Carp Meta and the Entertainment Hub. These virtual spaces are all about helping fans come together to share and celebrate what they love most.
Carp Meta: Connecting Baseball Fans Virtually
In 2023, we introduced Carp Meta, a virtual hangout spot for die-hard fans of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team. Built on the Gather platform, we created a dynamic virtual environment where fans could stream live baseball matches and interact with commentators, celebrities, and other fans in real time. The experience was designed to replicate the thrill of being in the stadium, but with added features that only a virtual space could offer.
Bringing Cultural Elements to Virtual Spaces
And it didn’t stop there! Carp Meta was more than just a place to watch the game. It was a digital love letter to Hiroshima. The space included a low-poly map featuring iconic landmarks like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Hiroshima Castle, Miyajima Shrine, and the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium (which might just be the greatest stadium name ever). These cultural elements helped fans feel a genuine connection to their city and team, making the experience not only about baseball but about community and connection.
This is why we love creating virtual spaces. This level of cultural integration can be applied to any virtual space, from company offices to conference venues, allowing companies to immerse employees, clients, and other stakeholders in their brand’s story and values.
Entertainment Hub: A Virtual Stage for Pop Culture Enthusiasts
Riding on the success of Carp Meta, SPTV decided to continue and create another virtual space, the Entertainment Hub. This virtual space extended beyond sports to cater to music lovers who could now gather to watch live performances from their favorite pop stars to shogi-players. Think of it as a virtual concert hall where you could not only watch the show but interact with the artists/players and other fans through video calls and text chats. It’s like having a front-row seat and a backstage pass rolled into one!
The Entertainment Hub featured several events each month. Larger events attracted hundreds of attendees, while more intimate gatherings allowed fans to connect more closely with their favorite stars. We designed the space to be welcoming for everyone, with easy-to-follow tutorials and welcome messages in the initial areas. For those wanting more, ticket holders could access exclusive content and main events, creating an exclusive experience for dedicated fans.
Enhancing Brand Visibility
Both Carp Meta and the Entertainment Hub featured dedicated spaces for sponsors. These branded spaces let sponsors showcase their merchandise and promotional materials, providing them with valuable exposure and solidifying their presence as innovative leaders. Many companies don’t realize that brand visibility and advertising can thrive in virtual spaces, but these partnerships offer multiple benefits. They not only enhance the user experience and help brands connect with audiences in fresh ways, but also fund projects and create innovative opportunities for brands to be seen.
Building a Sense of Community in the Virtual World
So, what makes these virtual spaces stand out? By integrating mods and featuring appearances from famous players or celebrities, we add an element of surprise and excitement. Fans aren’t just passive viewers—they’re part of the action. They can join in discussions, vote in polls, ask questions, and play mini-games. This transforms every event into a unique, shared experience.
More than just entertainment, these spaces create a sense of belonging, where fans can connect with others who share their interests. Whether cheering for a home run or enjoying a live performance, these virtual spaces create opportunities for genuine interaction and connection. By balancing exclusivity with accessibility, we ensure every participant feels valued, turning each interaction into a celebration of shared values and passions.
Closing Thoughts
Carp Meta and the Entertainment Hub are perfect examples of how virtual spaces can transform our experience of sports and culture, creating vibrant communities that connect people in exciting new ways. As the lines between real and virtual continue to blur, we see endless possibilities for connecting people and enhancing engagement. With every new project, we continue to push the boundaries of what virtual spaces can achieve, redefining how people connect, celebrate, and experience the world around them, no matter where they are.
Are you ready to explore how virtual spaces can help your community thrive? Connect with us today to learn more about creating immersive experiences that connect with your audience. Let’s explore the future of community building together!
