Real-Time Digital Twin Powers E1 Racing Broadcast with Unreal Engine 5

Badass Studios built a live digital replica of the E1 raceboat championship in Unreal Engine 5, synced to live telemetry data with 0.0018 seconds lag. The digital twin enables AR broadcast graphics, on-site fan simulators, and multiplayer gaming experiences — all from a single environment. The approach expands virtual production from film sets into live sports broadcast, a significant shift in where this technology creates value.

The Digital Twin in Action

The E1 Series is the world's first all-electric raceboat championship, broadcast to 230+ territories worldwide. Badass Studios created a precise digital replica of each race venue in Unreal Engine 5, using Cesium for Unreal to import Google Photorealistic 3D Tiles for geospatially accurate environments. As the real race unfolds on the water, CG versions of the E1 RaceBirds track exact boat positions in the digital environment through live telemetry data.

The telemetry feed captures boat position, lift, trim, throttle, RPMs, and more — all mapped onto the virtual track with minimal latency. "The race is going absolutely in parallel, with just 0.0018 seconds lag," explains Rosemary Lokhorst, CEO of Badass Studios. This precision enables seamless AR overlays that stay perfectly aligned even when the broadcast switches between live camera feeds and digital graphics.

Broadcast and Beyond

The digital twin serves multiple functions during live events:

• AR broadcast graphics — Sponsors can place logos on buildings or dynamic objects without floating physical advertisements on the water. The approach aligns with E1's sustainability focus.

• Live multiplayer gaming — Fans at race venues can pilot E1 RaceBirds in on-site simulators, competing against each other and the real pilots in real time using the same live telemetry data.

• Consistent visual language — The same environment powers course explainers, broadcast graphics, and interactive experiences, simplifying production and ensuring visual consistency across all content.

Badass Studios is expanding this approach beyond E1, supporting the FIA Extreme H World Cup (hydrogen-powered off-road racing) and FIM World Supercross Championship. The studio is also integrating E1 content into Fortnite, allowing players to pilot RaceBirds around Fortnite islands.

Virtual Production Moves Into Live Sports

This application represents a notable expansion of virtual production technology. For years, the primary use case has been controlled environments: film sets, studios, and post-production workflows. E1 demonstrates that real-time digital twins synced to live data can power broadcast-quality graphics in unpredictable, high-stakes live events.

The technical requirements are demanding: maintaining broadcast frame rates (50 fps), handling live telemetry streams, and ensuring AR overlays remain stable across multiple camera angles and switching conditions. Cesium's geospatial accuracy means the AR layer doesn't rely on tracking the broadcast feed itself — a critical advantage when drone restrictions, line-of-sight challenges, or hardware issues disrupt traditional filming.

For broadcasters and live event producers, the implication is clear: virtual production tools are becoming essential infrastructure for live sports, not just post-production assets. The E1 Series model shows how a single digital environment can justify its cost across multiple revenue streams: broadcast sponsorship, fan engagement, and gaming experiences.