Graviball

A popular highly-commercialized sport that was internationally known on Earth at the time of Artemis' mission departure in 2149.

Graviball was a dynamic, high-tech sport played in a zero-gravity arena. Combining elements of team strategy, individual athleticism, and cutting-edge technology, Graviball challenged players to navigate a complicated 3D environment while controlling a magnetically and electronically responsive ball. The sport emphasized agility, spatial awareness, and coordination in a fully immersive environment.

The Arena:

• A massive spherical chamber, 100 meters in diameter, with transparent walls allowing spectators a 360-degree view.
• The interior features floating obstacles, energy zones, and dynamic platforms that change position during the game.
• The arena's central hub contains the "Gravisphere," a glowing core that generates the zero-gravity environment and controls the ball's magnetic field.
• Fans watch the game in real-time or through augmented reality (AR) headsets, experiencing the perspective of their favorite players.
• Live holographic displays and in-depth analytics enhance the viewing experience.

The Teams:

• Two teams of five players, each equipped with advanced motion suits and propulsion packs.
• The suits feature adaptive thrusters for navigation and gloves with magnetic controls to manipulate the Graviball.

The Objective:

• The goal is to score points by propelling the Graviball through one of the opposing team’s floating hoops, which are in constant motion.
• Each hoop is worth different points depending on its size and distance from the Gravisphere.

Gameplay Mechanics:

Ball Control:

• The Graviball is made of a special alloy that responds to magnetic fields. Players use their gloves to attract, repel, or pass the ball.
• Precision is key, as overusing the magnetic field can destabilize the ball’s trajectory.

Dynamic Obstacles:

• Obstacles include rotating barriers, energy walls, and moving platforms.
• Players can use these to gain cover, bounce the ball, or obstruct opponents.

Special Zones:

• Power-up zones temporarily enhance player abilities, such as speed boosts or increased ball control.
• Hazard zones randomly deactivate suit functions for a brief period, adding a risk-reward element.

Match Structure

• A match consists of three 10-minute periods, with short breaks for strategy adjustments.
• Substitutions can occur mid-game as players tire from the intense physical and mental demands.

Cultural Impact

Graviball had become a symbol of human ingenuity and adaptation to new environments, with special tournaments held on non-Earth settlements. Though lower income colonies rarely had the funding and equipment to compete with more sponsored Earth-side teams they nonetheless became great sources of local pride. Given the income generated by the games, and associated produced placements and advertising, the games were not without their controversies with scandals about altered equipment or enhancement drugs. While betting on the games was extremely limited and what was allowed to be bet against varied each match to buffer against cheating. Despite this illegal betting frequently flourished, leading to some protest about the games being a waste of civic resources to help fund illegal ventures.

The intense athletic training and fitness required to participate in the games led to the non-starter candidates being a frequent pool for the Artemis mission.