The International Bowling Federation and Nagra partner to launch StrikeCloud

The International Bowling Federation (IBF), the world’s governing body for the sport of bowling, and Kudelski Group company Nagra have launched StrikeCloud, a digital transformation initiative designed to unleash the potential of one of the largest participated sports in the world. Delivered through a gamified, content-rich loyalty app, fans and players will have one global access point to experience every aspect of the sport of bowling made possible through three fully gamified pillars – Watch, Play and Train.

StrikeCloud is the realisation of a major expansion for IBF, with new leadership and significant digital transformation ambitions to change the way players, fans, proprietors, bowling infrastructure and merchandising manufacturers and sponsors engage with the sport. Its inclusive design is purpose-built to ensure foundations have been built to serve everyone involved in the game, from professional athletes to aspiring players to grassroot participants and recreational bowlers.

“With StrikeCloud we have started an ambitious programme that will enhance what is truly a dynamic sport for the 20 million fans of elite bowling and 225 million bowlers who regularly enjoy the sport at the 12,800 bowling centres across the globe,” said Andrew Oram, IBF CEO. “By working with Nagra, we’re merging a broad spectrum of technologies and services with our wider global business vision to change the nature of the sport for all participants. This is the start of a major business transformation that will energise everyone involved in the sport of bowling and expand the sport to new levels.”

StrikeCloud’s comprehensive approach includes a host of smart technologies to deliver the ultimate bowling experience built around content. The video capture is powered by Sporfie – a venture of Nagra – which provides a fully automated video production platform, including multi-angle live streaming using mounted or mobile cameras and, for the first time in the world of bowling, real-time automated highlight clips that can be triggered per player, per strike/score or for every throw.

With access to thousands of competitions, users can watch, follow and interact with their favourite tournament, leagues, clubs and players. StrikeCloud will also deliver a fully automated, personalised video and data capture that allows bowlers at any level to instantly watch replays of throws, clip segments, analyse techniques and share with coaches, family, friends and all social media channels.

Game, score and pin prediction will enable users to play along virtually, while watching and assessing players and techniques, while quizzes, polls and arcade games can be accessed to provoke friendly competition.

StrikeCloud players and aspiring athletes can also train live or virtually either independently or with coaches and other professional players who are connected via StrikeCloud.

The Watch, Train and Play pillars are linked to a full package of achievement rewards linked to a user’s profile that will be available for redemption via a multitude of partnerships and further encourage motivation between users.

“With IBF we are delivering an amazing digital and business transformation journey that exceeds industry expectations,” said Nancy Goldberg, CMO & EVP, Kudelski Group. “Together, we are building a new level of loyalty, engagement and sport gamification for bowling with a bright business future for all stakeholders, that transcends the technology.”

StrikeCloud will be trialed at the IBF World Championships in Dubai from 6-26 November and will be made available to the general public in early 2022.