The new partnership aims to bridge the gap between sports gaming and the burgeoning world of NFTs.
In a pioneering move destined to accelerate the integration of blockchain technology in mainstream gaming, Nike's non-fungible token (NFT) platform, .Swoosh is set to be incorporated into EA Sports video games.
The partnership potentially paves the way for Nike's digital footwear and apparel to make appearances in these popular games.
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Announcing this innovative partnership on June 1st, Nike mentioned that its "virtual creations" would gradually find their place in EA Sports titles in the forthcoming months.
The specifics about which game titles would feature Nike's digital commodities have yet to be revealed.
With an illustrious portfolio that includes FIFA – awarded as the “most popular game” in 2022, Madden NFL series, and the NBA Live series, EA Sports has an audience that stretches to millions of gamers worldwide. Nike’s NFTs will likely be adaptable wearable extras that players can buy and modify for their in-game avatars.
In the words of Ron Faris, General Manager of Nike Virtual Studios:
This partnership will allow us to unlock some incredible new experiences for our .SWOOSH community and the massive EA SPORTS fan base.
His statement reflects the enthusiasm and anticipation shared by both companies for this unique crossover of gaming and digital assets.
Nike introduced its .swoosh NFT platform in November 2022 but didn’t launch an NFT collection until early 2023. The platform's first NFT collection, dubbed Our Force 1, was launched on May 15th and drew inspiration from Nike’s iconic Air Force One line of sneakers. According to the data from Polygonscan, over 97,000 sneaker NFTs have been sold to nearly 53,000 addresses.
However, apart from NFTs, Nike has also stepped its foot into Metaverse. Nike marked its entry into the Metaverse in December 2021 with the acquisition of virtual sneakers and collectibles brand RTFKT and the launch of the virtual world, Nikeland.
This landmark partnership between Nike and EA Sports, bridging the gap between sports gaming and NFTs, promises a new level of engagement for gamers and cryptocurrency enthusiasts alike. It also underscores the potential of blockchain technology in reshaping traditional industries, setting the stage for more exciting developments in the future.