meta beat saber showdown
At NBA All-Star Weekend 2023, we created a star-studded activation that blended hoops, culture, and competition — connecting Meta Quest to fans in a whole new way.
INDUSTRY
Technology
Augmented Reality
Sports
AREAS
Social & Cultural Insights
Narrative & Creative Concepting
Brand Campaigns
Content Strategy & Social First Content
Influencer & Creator Management
Full Service Content Production
CHALLENGE
With a fresh partnership as the official mixed reality headset of the NBA, Meta Quest needed to make a splash at NBA All-Star Weekend 2023. The goal: generate buzz for the Quest headset while authentically tapping into basketball culture — a dynamic mix of sports, fashion, music, and tech.
Meta wanted to go beyond just showing up. They needed a culturally relevant experience that captured the hype of the weekend, introduced mixed reality to new audiences, and cemented the brand as a cultural player in the league’s world.
IMPACT
We took the idea of mixed reality literally, crafting a two-day Beat Saber VR tournament that blended Dame Lillard’s love for basketball and combat sports. Think boxing ring ropes, championship belts, and an emcee calling the action — equal parts Creed, Bloodsport, and Monday Night Raw.
The activation stood out by connecting with fans on a cultural level, not just a basketball one. With 150 pieces of content across owned and influencer channels, we generated over 16 million impressions. Dame Lillard even shared the event himself, amplifying the experience and helping Meta show fans what mixed reality is all about.
Beyond the weekend, the activation set the tone for Meta’s partnership with the NBA, driving a 248% boost in reach, 466% more engagement, and 562% more comments on follow-up posts.
Dame recognize game 🤝. #NBAAllStar - YouTube
Tap to unmute
Dame recognize game 🤝. #NBAAllStar
Meta Quest 699K subscribers
!
010825_AW_CASESTUDY_ASW_Videos from Artemis Ward on Vimeo
Playing in picture-in-picture
Play
Picture-in-Picture
Vimeo