L-Acoustics A Series elevates esports event in Singapore

We all know that video games can feature immersive audio soundtracks, but is it possible to bring immersive audio to a live esports arena event? That was the challenge posed at the first-ever Olympic Esports Week held in Singapore's Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre.

As the brainchild of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and various sports federations and video game publishers, the Olympic Esports Week saw a convergence of console, mobile, and PC gaming, alongside immersive VR sports like Taekwondo, cycling, and archery. With an array of live DJ sessions, interactive gaming stations, and captivating booths streaming live content on the IOC's YouTube channels, the event was a multi-sensory extravaganza for the 20,000 attendees.

Tasked with leading the creative production, Presplay, Singapore's live event and theatre company, tapped sound designer Jeffrey Yue of Ctrl Fre@k to curate the audio atmosphere. Facing the challenge of integrating optimal sound design without impeding audience visibility due to massive LED screens across the stage, Yue recognized the limitations of traditional loudspeaker arrays in a left/right configuration. This presented an opportunity to introduce an L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive loudspeaker configuration, providing an immersive experience while ensuring unobstructed views for the audience.

Yue's system design featured a strategic setup of L-Acoustics A15 Focus and Wide loudspeakers, along with KS21 subwoofers. Surrounding the audience seating area were nine L-Acoustics X12 boxes, delivering a 360-degree immersive audio to every corner of the venue. Technological infrastructure support came from Concept Systems and the L-Acoustics APAC technical team.

In preparation for a limited rehearsal window, Yue collaborated closely with the creative team, crafting content using L-ISA Studio on his laptop and fine-tuning his mixes at Concept Systems with the assistance of L-Acoustics experts. This approach allowed for the creation of an immersive mix that perfectly complemented the visual extravaganza, ensuring that the ceremony delivered a dynamic and cinematic multimedia experience.

Beatrice Chia-Richmond, Presplay's Creative Director, praised Jeffrey's technical expertise in shaping an audio experience that met the IOC's requirements and dazzled audiences, highlighting the immersive L-ISA experience as a key factor in enhancing the event's allure:
“Having the L-ISA immersive experience for the opening ceremony allowed our audience to sit back, relax, and enjoy all the gaming action and more!”