Case Study: Build a Sport-related Product for Meta (Facebook)

Read Time: 6 min

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Hi there 👋 

Today’s case study is a trending interview question asked at Meta that I came across recently. I wanted to take a shot at it, and share it with you guys!

The question: Build a Sport-related Product for Meta (Facebook).

The question seems too broad but it is a product manager’s job to narrow things down and focus on what matters.

Anyhow, let’s give this question a try!

Understanding Meta’s Vision and Mission

Meta (formerly Facebook) aims to connect people, communities, and experiences in a shared virtual environment known as the metaverse.

Its vision is to create a connected metaverse where people can interact, play, and build immersive experiences.

Introduction: MetaPlay - A Social Sports Experience for the Metaverse

MetaPlay is a sport-related product developed by Meta (formerly Facebook) that offers users the opportunity to engage in virtual sports experiences within the metaverse.

With MetaPlay, users can participate in various sports activities without being physically present at a sports facility or event. It allows them to create avatars and immerse themselves in a range of virtual sports, such as basketball, soccer, tennis, and more.

Current Market Opportunities

Looking at the current market landscape, here are a few opportunities that can help MetaPlay grow and succeed.

Growing Virtual Sports Trend

The virtual sports and gaming market has been witnessing significant growth, with an increasing number of users seeking immersive and interactive experiences.

MetaPlay can tap into this trend by offering a wide variety of virtual sports activities, catering to the preferences of sports enthusiasts across different demographics.

Leveraging the Metaverse Momentum

MetaPlay, as part of the broader Meta ecosystem, can capitalize on the growing interest in the metaverse.

With Meta's strong presence in virtual reality (VR) through Oculus and augmented reality (AR) with Spark AR, MetaPlay can offer seamless integration with these platforms, attracting users who are already engaged in the metaverse.

Partnerships with Sports Brands

Collaborating with real-world sports brands, teams, and leagues offers MetaPlay opportunities for sponsorship deals and in-game advertising. Such partnerships can enhance the authenticity of the virtual sports experience and provide additional revenue streams.

Unique Avatar Customization with Meta's AR Technology

Leveraging Meta's AR capabilities, MetaPlay can offer advanced avatar customization options. Users can personalize their avatars using AR filters and effects, creating truly unique and visually striking virtual representations of themselves.

Fitness and Health Integration with Oculus VR

Meta's Oculus VR devices offer excellent fitness tracking capabilities. By integrating fitness data into MetaPlay's virtual sports experiences, users can set fitness goals, track progress, and align virtual sports activities with their real-world fitness objectives.

Educational Content for Skill-Building

Capitalizing on Meta's emphasis on educational content, MetaPlay can provide tutorials, coaching, and skill-building programs for virtual sports. This approach can appeal to new users seeking guidance and improvement in their virtual sports abilities.

Localized and Global Sports Experiences

Meta's global reach enables MetaPlay to offer localized sports experiences and events tailored to specific regions, cultures, and sports preferences. This localization can boost user engagement and retention in various markets.

Well, this is not an exhaustive list of opportunities out there. However, these are just a few key opportunities I have highlighted here.

Addressing Target Audience & their Pain Points

Let’s begin by identifying the total addressable market (TAM). We will then prioritize the audience that is currently the most unsatisfied with the current market solutions.

1. Sports Enthusiasts: Those passionate about sports, seeking virtual experiences without physical limitations.

2. Gaming and eSports Enthusiasts: Excited by virtual sports competitions and leagues.

3. Metaverse Explorers: Active in virtual reality and augmented reality experiences.

4. Casual Gamers: Enjoy accessible and diverse gameplay options.

5. Fitness Enthusiasts: Seek virtual experiences combining fitness and entertainment.

6. Social Gamers: Motivated by multiplayer experiences and social interaction.

7. Non-Traditional Sports Participants: Inclusive platform for diverse users.

8. Avatar Customization Enthusiasts: Personalize avatars using Meta's AR technology.

9. Families and Social Groups: Bonding through shared virtual sports experiences.

10. Real-World Sports Fans: Attracted to partnerships with sports brands and authentic experiences.

Prioritizing the most unsatisfied target audience:

1. Non-Traditional Sports Participants: This segment, including individuals with physical disabilities or limited access to traditional sports facilities, is highly unsatisfied with current market solutions as they often face barriers to participating in sports.

2. Casual Gamers: Many casual gamers may be looking for fun and accessible sports gaming experiences that offer a refreshing alternative to typical gaming options.

3. Fitness Enthusiasts: Fitness-conscious users seeking engaging virtual sports activities to enhance their workouts could be dissatisfied with limited fitness-oriented options in the market.

Let’s now look at some pain points that MetaPlay addresses for our prioritized target audience.

1. Non-Traditional Sports Participants:

   • Physical limitations hinder sports participation.

   • Feel socially excluded from sports communities.

   • Limited options for adaptive sports experiences.

2. Casual Gamers:

   • Struggle with complex sports game controls.

   • Seek more diverse and engaging gameplay.

3. Fitness Enthusiasts:

   • Bored with monotonous workouts.

   • Lack of fitness-oriented gaming options.

Crafting Solutions/Features Based on the Analysis

Let us finally jot down the solutions or features that I would like to integrate considering the pain points of our targetted audience. We will also make sure that these align with Meta’s vision and mission.

1. Solutions for Non-Traditional Sports Participants:

• Adaptive Gameplay Modes: MetaPlay will offer adaptive gameplay options, allowing users to customize the level of physical activity required based on their abilities. This includes adjustable movement intensity, gesture recognition, and voice commands for in-game actions.

• Inclusive Avatar Creator: The avatar creation tool will provide a wide range of customization options, ensuring that users can create avatars that represent their unique identities, including diverse body types, mobility aids, and cultural attire.

• Assistive Technology Support: MetaPlay will integrate with assistive devices, such as eye-tracking technology, switch controllers, and adaptive controllers, enabling users with disabilities to comfortably engage in virtual sports.

2. Solutions for Casual Gamers:

• One-Button Controls: MetaPlay will introduce simplified one-button controls for basic gameplay actions, enabling casual gamers to easily participate in virtual sports without the need for complex button combinations.

• Casual Challenges and Minigames: Alongside traditional sports activities, MetaPlay will feature casual and fun challenges, such as target shooting, ring collection, and obstacle courses, providing short bursts of enjoyable gameplay.

• Rewarding Achievements: Users will earn in-game rewards, badges, and virtual currency by completing challenges, reaching milestones, and participating in regular events, encouraging casual gamers to explore various sports activities.

3. Solutions for Fitness Enthusiasts:

• Workout Tracking Dashboard: MetaPlay will offer a dedicated workout tracking dashboard, displaying real-time heart rate, calories burned, and exercise duration during virtual sports gameplay.

• Personalized Fitness Plans: Fitness enthusiasts can access personalized workout plans tailored to their fitness goals, with MetaPlay suggesting virtual sports activities that align with their specific exercise preferences.

• Competitive Fitness Events: MetaPlay will host virtual fitness challenges and tournaments, allowing users to compete against others based on their fitness achievements, and motivating them to push their physical limits.

Aligning with Meta's Vision and Mission:

• Connecting People: MetaPlay will align with Meta's vision of creating a connected metaverse, providing a space where individuals from all walks of life can come together through sports and shared experiences.

• Inclusivity and Diversity: MetaPlay's focus on adaptive sports experiences and diverse gameplay options demonstrates Meta's commitment to building an inclusive and diverse metaverse that caters to all users.

• Enhancing Social Interaction: By fostering a vibrant community of sports enthusiasts, MetaPlay aligns with Meta's mission of connecting people and facilitating meaningful interactions within the metaverse.

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