Gaming Startup GameOn Partners with LaLiga North America for NFT-Based Fantasy Games
Gaming startup GameOn has signed a new deal with LaLiga North America to create fantasy games for the Spanish soccer league’s fanbase in the United States and Canada. The games will be based on non-fungible tokens (NFTs), allowing fans to purchase packs of LaLiga players as NFTs and build fantasy lineups. Points will be earned based on the real-life performance of these players. In addition, digital gear such as cleats, jerseys, and hats can be bought to enhance in-game player avatars and earn point multipliers.
Features of the LaLiga-Branded Web App
GameOn’s LaLiga-branded web app will launch in the first quarter of 2024 in the U.S. and Canada. The app will include social chat features and offer fans opportunities to win prizes like cash, VIP match tickets, signed merchandise, and access to player meet-and-greets. The company plans to develop games for both of LaLiga’s soccer leagues: LaLiga EA Sports and LaLiga Hypermotion.
Targeting the North American Market
The CEO of GameOn, Matt Bailey, expressed his excitement about entering the North American market. He believes that with Web3 games like these, a smaller but highly engaged user base can lead to a successful and profitable product. Bailey stated that GameOn’s focus is on providing ownership, interoperability, and rewards to fans through Web3 technology.
LaLiga’s Growing Presence in North America
LaLiga has been expanding its presence in North America through various initiatives. In 2021, ESPN signed an eight-year media rights deal with LaLiga to stream matches on ESPN+. The league also arranged exhibition matches in the U.S. featuring FC Barcelona and Real Madrid as part of the Soccer Champions Tour. The partnership with GameOn adds another dimension to LaLiga’s engagement with its North American fanbase.
GameOn’s Background and Future Plans
GameOn, originally a white-label trivia and prediction game provider, has ventured into Web3 with NFT-based games for different organizations. Bailey envisions launching a token to connect GameOn’s Web3 gaming ecosystem across its partnered clients, including LaLiga. Investors in GameOn include Polygon Studios, Hedera, Dapper Labs, Techstars, Comcast, Lightning Capital, and Times Internet.
Hot Take: A New Era of Fan Engagement
The partnership between GameOn and LaLiga represents a new era of fan engagement in sports through Web3 technology. By integrating NFTs and fantasy games, fans can have a more interactive and rewarding experience while supporting their favorite teams and players. This collaboration highlights the potential for blockchain technology to revolutionize the sports industry by providing unique opportunities for fan ownership and participation.