The Future of Sports Technology: With Andrew "Hawk" Hawkins and Troy Jones
Oct 9, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Andrew "Hawk" Hawkins, a former NFL wide receiver and co-founder of StatusPRO, teams up with Troy Jones, a former D1 quarterback and co-founder as well. They unveil the innovative NFL PRO ERA, a groundbreaking simulation game that immerses players in the football experience. The duo delves into how mixed reality and AI will transform sports technology. They also share insightful thoughts on team dynamics and leadership lessons learned from sports, sprinkled with playful predictions for the upcoming NFL season.
Hawkins and Jones leverage their athletic backgrounds to create immersive experiences like NFL PRO ERA, enhancing fan engagement with sports.
The developers emphasize the emotional authenticity in gameplay, aiming to resonate with players by replicating intense feelings experienced during actual games.
They envision the future of sports technology through advancements in mixed reality and AI, focusing on innovative training and gameplay experiences.
Deep dives
Founders' Background and Vision
The founders, Troy and Hawk, share their backgrounds and passion for sports, highlighting their unique experiences as athletes. Troy mentions his journey from being an undecided fan to a D1 quarterback, and Hawk discusses his extensive involvement in sports, from coaching to playing and scounting. Together, they aim to create an immersive experience for fans through their game, NFL Pro Era, making it possible for them to engage with the sport in ways previously unavailable. They believe their personal journeys shape their commitment to enhancing the fan experience through their game.
Realistic Gameplay Experience
The developers emphasize the importance of creating a realistic gameplay experience by capturing the intense emotions players feel during games. Hawk recalls his challenges as a smaller receiver trying to make his mark in professional football, which informs the immersive experience they want to present in NFL Pro Era. They focus on making even mundane actions, like running out of the tunnel, feel exhilarating for players and fans alike. This dedication to authenticity helps them design game mechanics that resonate with both sports enthusiasts and casual gamers.
Feedback from Professional Players
Troy and Hawk receive valuable feedback from former NFL players who test the game, with many expressing profound emotions such as nostalgia and excitement. They share anecdotes where players felt invigorated and engaged, recalling their on-field experiences and losing themselves in the gameplay. Such feedback helps the developers refine the game, ensuring it captures the true essence of playing football. This direct connection to former athletes validates their effort to simulate the sport's intensity in a virtual environment.
Future of XR in Sports and Gaming
As they look toward the future, the developers are excited about advancements in mixed reality (XR) that can further bridge the gap between virtual and physical experiences. They discuss the potential for integrating AI, enhancing realism, and enabling more immersive interactions that reflect real-life performance dynamics in football. Their long-term vision includes using these technologies to deliver not only gameplay but also media and training experiences tailored for both fans and players. They believe their efforts will contribute significantly to the evolution of XR technology in sports.
Team Dynamics and Development Culture
The dialogue highlights how their backgrounds as competitive athletes influence their approach to running the company and building their product. Troy and Hawk stress the teamwork culture cultivated within their company, comparable to the dynamics found in professional sports teams, where each member's skills contribute to a shared goal. They explain that their approach fosters resilience and continuous improvement, essential qualities in both sports and business. This synergy enables them to adapt swiftly to challenges, ensuring that their innovations in gaming remain relevant and exciting.
In today’s episode, Boz is joined by StatusPRO Founders Andrew “Hawk” Hawkins and Troy Jones.
StatusPRO, the company behind the immensely popular game NFL PRO ERA, was founded by former athletes Hawkins and Jones. They leveraged their experience by developing Pre Game Prep, a training product for NFL club coaches and players where they signed the Baltimore Ravens as their first client. They then moved on to develop NFL PRO ERA which is the first NFL- and NFLPA-licensed football simulation game.
Together, Hawkins, Jones, and Bosworth go deep on immersive sports and technology, talking about the massive potential of mixed reality to bring a unique, “only in MR” experience to sports fans where they can really feel what it’s like to be an offensive or defensive player for their favorite teams.
They talk about the nuances between building a training sim and a game for consumers, how AI will transform gameplay, and how the lessons from playing team sports have transformed their approach to leadership and managing teams, as well as Hawkins’s fearless predictions for the NFL’s 105th season.
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