Aig Launches Haka Virtual Reality Experience

AIG, a global sponsor of the New Zealand rugby team, has launched a new virtual reality experience offering a 360 degree view of the famous Māori ritual, the haka.

The Haka 360 degree experience is an app that uses video technology to give the viewer the feeling of being on the field with the All Blacks.

Designed for smartphones, the experience is available to download now, where users can view the video on their handset or immerse themselves in the VR experience with a custom made Haka 360 degree headset.

Go behind the scenes of the shoot at Sport Industry TV.

Daniel Glantz, global head of sponsorship for AIG, said: “This electrifying world first experience of being transported onto the rugby field with the team is not to be missed.

“We wanted to bring fans closer to the All Blacks and what better way to do that than to harness the power of 360 degree video technology to bring them face to face with the legendary haka. The video enables users to look anywhere and control their own experience; allowing them to truly feel like they have taken their place on the field with the All Blacks.”

Steve Tew, chief executive of New Zealand Rugby, commented: “The Haka 360 degree experience is an amazing opportunity for All Blacks fans and rugby enthusiasts all over the world to see what it is like to face the power of the haka. It’s a fantastic innovation to bring fans one step closer to the team.”

All Black Liam Messam, added: “Performing the haka is a huge source of pride for the All Blacks – it unites us as a team and creates an energy that we take into the game. To be able to share that feeling with our fans means a lot to the players.”

The Haka 360 degree experience is available to the public via aig.com/haka360, on the App Store and Google Play, coming to the Gear VR Share Store soon. Visitors to the AIG Touchline on the South Bank, London, during September and October will be able to face the Haka 360 degree experience in a fully immersive setting.

As part of the campaign, AIG is giving away more than 1,000 limited edition headsets at aig.com/haka360. You can also build your own viewer using these schematics at g.co/cardboard.