Bear Flag Republic Radio Weblog

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FoxSports.com Game Converges with Real Life

"Roger Clemens stands confidently on the mound as his stats pop up in a FOX graphic. Alex Rodriguez steps up to the plate, a "Best Damn Sports Show" billboard clearly visible in the distance.

But it's not a live TV broadcast. It's FOXSports.com's 'Hit the Pros,' a brand new online game unveiled this week, just in time for the All-Star game.

Like many baseball video games, the animation and 3D graphics are simply stunning. But don't be fooled, 'Hit the Pros' is more than just a pretty face, thanks to a high-tech link between fantasy and real-life.

Using a network of strategically-placed cameras and tracking software, FOX Sports and its partner, WildTangent capture telemetry data from actual pitches at Major League Baseball games. Within minutes after a game's conclusion, the statistics are uploaded to the web.

Fans who may have just watched the game can then punch up 'Hit the Pros' and face the exact same pitches from the same players. The game even integrates a batter's current real-life stats, reflecting the player's streaks and slumps in the online game....

As each pitch is thrown, online players use the mouse to position and time their swing. Then they compare their performance against the actual result. They can even challenge other online gamers to a duel.

FOXSports.com may indeed have a hit, especially on the business side. The free demo is addictive, and players are bombarded with offers to upgrade to the full version. Instead of charging a flat fee, 'Hit the Pros' requires a $19.99 subscription fee, good until next season." [The Lost Remote]

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