The 'Avatar Cheer Squad' Enthusiasm at the LCK Finals Without Spectators

[Asia Economy Reporter Joeslgina] The 2020 LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea Spring) game finals, held without spectators, were filled with a 'witty' online cheering atmosphere.

SK Telecom announced on the 26th that it introduced a standee-type 'avatar cheering squad' that prints online cheering photos and places them on actual stadium seats at the finals of the '2020 LCK Spring Split (season),' which it officially sponsors.

At the 2020 LCK finals held the previous day at 'LoL Park' located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, between 'T1' and 'Gen.G,' about 120 'avatar cheering squad' photos, as well as various online cheers, heated up the stadium.

Amid the no-spectator finals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SK Telecom attracted attention by printing some of the cheering photos uploaded to the open gallery within the 'Jump AR' application to implement a standee-type 'avatar cheering squad' on-site at the stadium to promote online cheering.

In addition, an event was held within the Jump AR app's open gallery where fans uploaded cheering slogan videos, delivering fans' cheering messages to the players.

The online cheering culture is evaluated to have activated community functions among LoL game participants and allowed players to feel the enthusiasm of the audience in the no-spectator LoL stadium.

This LCK final was broadcast live in 360-degree VR along with a regular live broadcast on the SK Telecom Jump VR app. The 360-degree VR live broadcast vividly conveys the in-stadium game broadcast screen, announcer comments, and players' expressions, providing viewers with the feeling of sitting in the stands without going to the stadium.

Also, through VR replays, users are offered a new viewing point as if they are entering the game directly and watching it from inside.

Considering the steady increase in e-sports viewership since COVID-19, it is estimated that millions of people watched the finals between 'T1' and 'Gen.G' online. The organizer, Riot Games, will compile and announce the figures later.

T1 player 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok, who participated in the game that day, said, "Although it was a no-spectator match, the avatar cheering squad gave me strength. However, I hope the COVID-19 situation stabilizes soon so that I can meet and feel the fans' cheers."

Jeon Jin-soo, head of SK Telecom's 5GX Service Division, said, "Due to COVID-19, the way to enjoy e-sports will accelerate its shift to 'online.' We will ensure that the 'Jump' service can be the answer for customers to experience vivid online cheering."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.