The blockchain company Zilliqa and the Swedish esports organisation Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) have inked an agreement aimed at creating virtual experiences for ‘esports and crypto enthusiasts’. This experience is set to provide users with ‘real and tangible utility’, as well as interactions, within the digital realm, according to the release. The esports organisation’s announcement video included entering into a virtual shop to try the merchandise and watching NIP play along with the fans virtually.
In the association, the two brands will be indulged in branding for jerseys and events along with pop-up experiences in tournament venues. Due to this, NIP’s Counter-strike and Rainbow Six: Siege player jerseys will feature Zilliqa’s branding. The presence of Zilliqa will also be felt at the PGL Major 2021 in Stockholm.
A ‘significant portion’ of sponsorship will be announced in the native currency for Zilliqa – ZIL.
Hicham Chahine, CEO, Ninjas in Pyjamas, stated: “During Covid-19, esports organisations were able to switch to online play and marketing initiatives relatively easily compared to traditional sports. But with the world finding its rhythm in a ‘new normal,’ we needed to consider: how could people remain engaged? Could they use their time online to earn and not just play?
“With blockchain-based gaming companies being infused with nearly half a billion dollars in the first half of 2021 alone, crypto seemed to have all the answers.”
Matt Dyer, Head of Growth at Zilliqa, said: “The physical and digital worlds are merging, and it has left no one behind. Esports is a great example of this. Over the past year, aficionados looking for new means of engagement realised how esports could be enjoyed as a remote social experience with peers. Crypto joined in, adding immersive, play-to-earn components to this world.”
“Zilliqa didn’t miss a beat and has been amping up our efforts to revolutionise the creator economy. Now that we have the opportunity to make our mark with gaming legends Ninjas in Pyjamas, we have no doubt that this collaboration will bring new people and more adoption into the cryptoverse.”