Virtually running the show

Audiences of reality shows incorporating physical challenges, adrenaline-pumping activities and problem-solving challenges often find themselves engrossed in the tension and drama. They can't help but be captivated by the thrilling scenarios and wonder how they would perform if they were faced with the same challenges as the contestants.

Fortunately for those viewers, in the latest season of the outdoor reality game show Run for Time, which leverages the interactive power of the metaverse, they have the opportunity to engage in the virtual space and put their skills to the test, taking on tasks and embarking on missions firsthand.

The show requires its celebrity participants, which include singer-actor Gao Hanyu, TV host Jin Mengjia and Hong Kong actor William Chan, to complete tasks both in reality and online, in a virtual world.

In the sci-fi infused reality show, all participants are tasked with completing missions that contribute to the progression of a storyline, all the while evading the clutches of the relentless and mysterious "hunters", who don black suits and sunglasses.

The show's first season, which aired in 2015 and was fully live action, garnered a stellar 8.7 out of 10 points on the review site Douban.

Its latest season, which is being aired on Hunan Satellite TV and video-sharing platform Mango TV, aims to further attract viewers through the groundbreaking addition of the metaverse, blending live action with virtual reality.

Donning VR gaming equipment, audience members can also fully immerse themselves in challenges similar to those featured on the show.

Last winter, Mango TV's technology team formed a VR department. This year, the platform will introduce wider implementation of VR technology in its program production, enhancing user interaction, according to Lu Haibo, CTO of Mango TV.