BBC's 3D World Cup tool goes viral after producing baffling cramp animation

The BBC’s FIFA World Cup 3D Experience has gone viral for all the wrong reasons, after its rendering of referee Felix Zwayer receiving cramp treatment during USA’s 2-0 win over Australia produced a widely mocked, glitching animation.

Zwayer was forced to halt play late in the match after suffering cramp, with Australia midfielder Aiden O’Neill stepping in to help the official with some stretches before he was able to resume his duties. It was a minor incident on the pitch — but what the BBC’s 3D tool made of it was anything but.

The service allows viewers to watch 3D renderings of matches from any player’s perspective. Selecting O’Neill’s viewpoint during the moment he assisted Zwayer produced a graphic in which the referee twitches erratically on the ground while his hands appear to disappear entirely. The clip was shared widely on Reddit’s r/soccer thread, where it quickly attracted thousands of comments.

“Where can I watch the World Cup in PS1 graphics? Looks unintentionally hilarious,” wrote user Klynikal. Another user, Hans_Krebs_, was more blunt: “Someone give me the backstory on why this exists.”

The BBC describes the tool as a “totally new way to watch the game, putting you right in the heart of the action”, allowing fans to rewatch live matches, replays and highlights from any angle or from specific players’ points of view. The broadcaster says it takes fans’ love of football “to the next level”.

Whether the reaction — largely one of bemused curiosity — translates into meaningful uptake of the service remains unclear. For now, the cramp clip has done more to raise questions about the technology than to showcase its potential.