Watch: The Teaser for Alter Ego is Here, and I Have Questions About FOX's Upcoming Avatars-Meet-Masked Singer Show

Back in May, a FOX producer was reaching out to members of the Second Life community (and presumably other virtual world communities) about Alter Ego, an upcoming avatars-meet-Masked Singer reality competition show. Now set to premiere on September 22nd, here's the teaser.

... and here's my questions about it:

Are they even using any MMO/virtual world technology to showcase the avatars? They don't seem to be from any world that I recognize, except possibly an enhanced version of Unreal-based Fortnite or possibly Core? But my guess is the show is not using any existing virtual world platform, as opposed to some non-game motion capture animation system. Which takes me to my next question:

Do the producers know that there are already avatar-based performers across many virtual worlds? They seem to be missing a chance to bring along the large userbases of worlds like VRChat, IMVU, Second Life, etc. to cheer on their local favorite. 

Is there going to be any mystery around which real life contestant is using which avatar? That doesn't seem to be part of the dramatic tension -- even though it certainly is when actual virtual world users get together for the first time, and spy each other from across the room!

Why no well-known celebrity judges from the gamer/online world community? Nothing against announced judges Alanis Morissette, Nick Lachey, or Will.I.Am, but they don't exactly jump out as having any insight into the world of avatars; Grimes is the only announced judge with some kind of potential overlap with virtual worlds, seeing as she's a longtime fan of AI thought experiments.

Just my initial queries, which are hopefully answered before the actual show premieres!

Hat tip: Barb of Fifty Linden Friday (now with this shiny new Discord server!)

Comments

[Adeon Writer]

It's reality TV, so, there's no reason to assume any of it's actually real. They could very well all be actors and the entire events of the competition are pre-recorded and pre-scripted, just like wresting.

However...

I don't hate those avatar designs. I don't know who made them, but they're really nice. Would be a pity if they didn't have any actual technology behind them.

It has my interest. I'll watch the first episode for sure.