# VR Home Run Derbies 'Home Run Derby VR' Lets Plays Mash Dingers in Real MLB Parks By Joey Haar | Published 2018-04-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-run-derby-vr References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/26/mlb-virtual-reality-home-run-derby-psvr-htc-vive/) For the most part, MLB's All-Star Weekend is a boring break from the action, but 'Home Run Derby VR' is a new game that lets fans feign participation in the one event worth tuning in for. The game is an arcade-style recreation of the All-Star Home Run Derby, and it places fans in digital recreations of real MLB parks. During last year's All-Star festivities, MLB unveiled a VR Home Run Derby game at various ballparks, and Home Run Derby VR builds off of those experiences. It currently features three parks — Miami's Marlins Park, Washington's Nationals Park, and Cleveland's Progressive Field — recreated in meticulous detail. The rules are mostly the same as the real-life event, though users can win bonuses for hitting the ball at specific targets or achieving long distances. Home Run Derby VR is available on [PSVR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kat-loco) and [HTC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-shooting-system) [Vive](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haptic-vr-controller) now. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.3/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Virtual Reality Recreations:** Developing VR games can allow fans to participate remotely in live events like the Home Run Derby and feel like a part of the action. - **Target-based Scoring:** Providing bonus scores for hitting targets can incentivize players to improve their aim and make games more strategic and engaging. - **Arcade-style Games:** Recreating live events in arcade-style games can bring more fun and enjoyment to fans who otherwise might not be able to attend or compete in person. ### Where This Applies - **Sports and Entertainment:** Virtual reality-oriented sports and entertainment industries can create immersive experiences that expand their offerings to fans and increase engagement. - **Gaming:** Developing VR games can be a lucrative market, as seen with Home Run Derby VR's successful reception in the gaming industry. - **Advertising and Sponsorship:** Partnering with virtual reality sports experiences can offer unique advertising opportunities through product placements within the game environment and increased branding recognition among fans. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Virtual Reality Sports Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-football.md) - [Sports Event Virtual-Reality Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xtadium.md) - [Sports-Focused VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jiodive.md) - [Phygital Baseball Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/base-on-board-20.md) - [AR-Enabled Kids Golf Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pga-jr-league-safari.md) - [Immersive Halloween-Themed VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-latency-vr.md) - [Baseball-Inspired Game Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pokemon-go-1.md) - [NFT-Based Football Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mlb-champions.md) - [Family-Friendly VR Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battle-orb.md)