Esports giant Team Liquid has embarked on a strategic collaboration with Mysten Labs, a web3 infrastructure company and original contributor to the blockchain platform Sui. The primary objective of this partnership is to rejuvenate Team Liquid’s fan loyalty program, Liquid+, leveraging Sui’s evolving gaming ecosystem to elevate fan engagement.
Evolution of Liquid+: A Fan Loyalty Program Revamped
In 2021, Team Liquid introduced its fan loyalty program, Liquid+. Initially offering exclusive content and match schedules, Liquid+ evolved to incentivize fan engagement by allowing them to earn points through interactions with the esports organization. In the latest revamp, fans will now have the opportunity to earn and own digital collectibles, enhancing their engagement experience.
Engaging with Digital Collectibles: A New Fan Experience
The relaunch of Liquid+ brings a unique dimension to fan engagement, allowing supporters to earn digital collectibles through their interactions. These collectibles can be used to personalize avatars resembling Blue, Team Liquid’s mascot. Beyond personalization, certain digital collectibles will unlock additional rewards and experiences for fans, fostering a deeper connection with Team Liquid.
Claire Hungate’s Perspective: Strengthening the Tether Between Team and Fan
Claire Hungate, President and COO of Team Liquid, emphasized the significance of nurturing real fandom through ongoing experiences. The partnership with Mysten Labs and integration of Sui align with Team Liquid’s commitment to innovation, offering fans novel experiences and exclusive rewards, ultimately strengthening the bond between the team, players, and fans.
Web3 Technology in Esports: Overcoming Challenges
While blockchain technology is often touted as ideal for gaming, web3 companies have encountered obstacles to broader adoption. Concerns such as scalability, affordability, and issues related to scams have hindered the acceptance of web3 in the gaming community. Through their collaboration, Team Liquid and Mysten Labs aim to showcase how web3-powered technology can enhance the esports fan experience.
Evan Cheng’s Vision: Better Connections and Player-Centric Gaming
Evan Cheng, Co-founder and CEO of Mysten Labs, expressed the passion of esports fans for their favorite teams and games. The collaboration with Team Liquid is envisioned to establish stronger connections with fans and introduce them to gaming on Sui – a platform centered around the player’s experience. This partnership is seen as a significant advancement for web3-powered gaming, showcasing the potential of this innovative approach.
Beyond Fan Loyalty: Marketing and Growth Initiatives
In addition to the revamped loyalty program, Team Liquid and Mysten Labs will collaborate on various marketing and growth initiatives to support games on the Sui platform. These efforts will encompass content creation, events, sponsored streams, and more, aiming to further propel the adoption and success of web3-powered gaming.
Team Liquid’s Venture into Web3 Gaming
Team Liquid has already ventured into the realm of Web3 gaming, as demonstrated by its collaboration with NFT auto-battler Illuvium, announced in November 2023. This initiative showcases Team Liquid’s commitment to exploring innovative avenues within the Web3 gaming landscape.
In conclusion, the partnership between Team Liquid and Mysten Labs signifies a strategic move to redefine fan engagement through web3 innovation. The revamped loyalty program and collaborative efforts aim to not only enhance fan experiences but also propel the adoption of web3 technology within the esports community.
