Titled NickX, the interactive eSports tournament platform will based on its ArcadeX technology, a system that allows casual, social and hardcore gamers the ability to play against each other and run tournaments via their mobile, desktop or handheld device, and will showcase content from Nickelodeon, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dora The Explorer. ArcadeX also features live matchmaking, leader boards and prize giving for gamers.
Initially targeted at Africa, India and the Asia Pacific region, a global rollout for NickX will come soon after.
Nickelodeon says it intends to add 200 unique mobile games to the NickX offering, demonstrating how massive Viacom intends this platform to be for the company.
The phased international roll out of the eSports product will be operated and maintained by Emerge Gaming, and the platform will be freely accessible through the Nickelodeon website and Android and iOS apps. NickX will feature unique mobile games on all devices. While available for free, premium subscriptions and in-app subscriptions will be available, as well as advertising for outside companies.
Viacom Africa and Emerge Gaming will officially launch NickX at NickFest Africa in Johannesburg in July 2019.
The development of NickX is in line with Emerge Gaming's strategy of partnering with leading regional and global brands as the company continues to bolster its launch strategy to be more prominent, widespread and robust. Emerge Gaming said that is pleased to work with Viacom to build NickX.
Bert Mondello, chairman of Emerge Gaming, said: “We are delighted to partner with Viacom in the delivery of this new kid-focused esports platform. Viacom represents the absolute best in terms of a portfolio of leading global brands with global reach and represents the first leading brand targeted to partner with Emerge Gaming.
“Emerge Gaming will deliver NickX for Viacom’s Nickelodeon, the leading entertainment brand for kids. Working with Nickelodeon will give Emerge Gaming access to unrivaled content for kids. The strategy is to provide kids with educational content through the NickX gaming platform whilst creating an engaging gaming environment.”
It is intended that the platform is monetised for the mutual benefit of both Emerge Gaming and Viacom. Monetisation will be through brand take-up, premium subscriptions, in-app subscriptions and advertising across the platform.
Under the terms of the agreement, Emerge will develop, operate and maintain a competitive gaming eSports platform based on ArcadeX. In return, Viacom will grant Emerge the right to use Nickelodeon content in accordance with its obligations under the agreement.
The financial impact of this agreement is not determinable at this time, revenues are not guaranteed and will be subject to the success of the platform, Emerge Gaming said in a statement. However, given the reach of Viacom and it's Nickelodeon brand, the agreement is anticipated to be material for the company.
Emerge Gaming expects to provide further details about NickX leading up to the platform's launch.
The announcement of NickX comes as Nickelodeon is increasingly entering the eSports gaming ring, which includes an investment in Super League Gaming, a short-form series Minecraft City Champs, and the success of Noobees, Nickelodeon Latin America's hit daily eSports-themed scripted drama series, which has rolled out onto Nick channels worldwide and has just started filming its second season, set to premiere in 2020.
More Nick: Nickelodeon Embarks on New Direction with its Biggest, Most Wide-Ranging Content Slate Ever!
Originally published: Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 19:29 BST.
Sources: Small Caps, TVKIDS, TvTechnology, Business News Australia; H/T: Seeking Alpha.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and NickX News and Highlights!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Have your say by leaving a comment below! NickALive! welcomes friendly and respectful comments. Please familiarize with the blog's Comment Policy before commenting. All new comments are moderated and won't appear straight away.