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Editor‘s Review

March 4th, 2021 is a big show, in which people from all over the world could come together to honor the very much loved franchise in DRAGON BALL Games Battle Hour, livestreamed on Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.’s channel. An online event much more than a tournament, this helps emphasize community participation, excited competition, and rich mythology of the world of DRAGON BALL.

The most remarkable thing about Battle Hour is how it is conducted entirely differently from other virtual events. Considering the current pandemic is still putting a damper on in-person gatherings, Bandai Namco really takes a chance in creating an online environment that actively involves fans rather than just having them watch a stream. It even had customizable avatars so that attendees could represent themselves within the virtual space. Some fans enjoy an added sense of immersion because putting a bit of personalization into it felt like they were there instead of just watching it.

Some segments of the event are tuned around such popular games as DRAGON BALL Fighter Z, DRAGON BALL LEGENDS and SUPER DRAGON BALL HEROES tournaments. All in all, this means that the fanbase is divided into segments for each game, so that each game can in turn appeal to a different part of the fan base. The competitive tournaments highlight elite players who display extraordinary skills, delivering exhilarating matches that hold viewers in suspense.

But beyond the realm of competitive gaming, Battle Hour has interactive elements that further enhance viewer engagement. For example, fans can participate in live quizzes about the DRAGON BALL series, challenging their knowledge and competing for prizes for correct answers. This engaging approach fosters a sense of community among participants, allowing them to cheer for their favorite teams and connect with fellow fans in real time.

The event also includes special segments where the developers and producers share insight into the upcoming games and expansions in the DRAGON BALL franchise. Those behind-the-scenes looks not only excite fans but also give valuable context regarding the development process, furthering their connection with the creators of their favorite games.

Although Battle Hour is generally well-executed, a number of technical problems were reportedly experienced by some of its attendees. In general, many users have to suffer through navigation troubles across the virtual environment while creating their avatars or navigating from one segment to another; the interface may have really used more intuitive elements for better user experience.

What’s more, at the height of viewership, some users report lag or buffering while watching live streams. While not widespread, these problems do detract from the experience for some viewers. In order to keep the engagement and excitement for future events, it is important that streaming quality remains stable.

In the end, DRAGON BALL Games Battle Hour is a great work that has brought an addictive online play to the addicted fans of the franchise. In the process, Namco Bandai set a new benchmark for virtual events within the gaming industry by bringing together competitive gaming, interactive features, and community engagement. There are, however, aspects that could be done better, mostly regarding the technical execution; the overall success of the event proves that virtual is something that can genuinely unite fans in celebration of common interests. As Bandai Namco looks to future iterations of this event, polishing these elements will be key to additional fan experiences.