Virtual Hamasta, which recreates a portion of Yokohama Stadium in virtual space and allows users to experience watching a baseball game as if they were there, has launched.

Yokohama DeNA BayStars and KDDI have developed Japan's first*1 'Virtual Hamasta,' allowing users to enjoy the stadium atmosphere and watch games from home.

With attendance at stadiums restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative maximizes the reproduction of the on-site atmosphere through the use of technology.

A free trial will be held on August 11, 2020, for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars vs. Hanshin Tigers game (from 5 PM until the end of the game).

A portion of 'Yokohama Stadium' is recreated in virtual space, and users can visit 'Virtual Hamasta' from home using smartphones, PCs, or VR devices.

Users can freely walk around 'Virtual Hamasta' using their original avatars, and enjoy a sense of unity as if cheering at the actual stadium with many fans, thanks to演出 (performances) tailored to the game's situation.

Additionally, users can enjoy live commentary by former team OBs and guests, exclusive events, content to learn more about the players, and season highlight videos, offering a unique viewing experience only possible in a virtual space.

Going forward, Yokohama DeNA BayStars and KDDI will consider sustainable fan communication methods, in addition to building a 'Smart Stadium' utilizing au 5G and IoT, considering the current diverse environment surrounding professional baseball.

It was also announced that 'Virtual Hamasta' will continue to expand its features and create next-generation sports and entertainment experiences in professional baseball.

How to Use
Available on smartphones, PCs, and VR devices. To use, you need to create a free account on 'cluster'
and install the 'cluster' app for your device.
(1) Create a 'cluster' (*2) account
Access the 'cluster' website and create an account by clicking 'Login/Sign Up' in the upper right corner.

(2) Download the app
Please install the 'cluster' app for your device from the homepage (https://cluster.mu/downloads). If you are using a VR device, you will also need to install 'SteamVR' in addition to the 'cluster' app.

(3) Participate in the event
After accessing the event page for 'Virtual Hamasta Yokohama DeNA BayStars VS Hanshin Tigers,' you can participate by clicking the 'Enter Venue' button at the bottom of the event page.

For details, please refer to (https://cluster.mu/e/471979d9-156c-4943-abff-23d132b2b95e).

(*1) Recreating a portion of a baseball stadium in virtual space. As of August 4, 2020, according to Yokohama DeNA BayStars and KDDI.
(*2) A virtual SNS provided by cluster, Inc.