The National Football League (NFL) and NFL Players Association have partnered with gaming technology studio Mythical Games to create an innovative NFL-themed mobile game that is revolutionizing the use of blockchain in the mobile gaming industry.
Introducing NFL Rivals, the first-ever blockchain-based NFL game was released on the App Store and Google Play stores on Wednesday. This game allows users to take on the role of general managers and control their own teams, while also playing as their favorite players in arcade-style gameplay. The use of blockchain technology enables players to purchase, collect, and trade non-fungible token (NFT) digital items that grant access to special events and in-game rewards.
VP of video gaming at the NFL, Ed Kiang, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that working with Mythical Games and the NFLPA to create an innovative gaming experience like NFL Rivals is a testament to the organizations’ success in the world of Web3 gaming.
To celebrate the NFL draft, which takes place from Thursday to Saturday, the game will feature draft-themed in-game events and player packs that transform into game characters as players are drafted.
Now available for download on mobile platforms, the game aims to provide a simple yet interactive experience targeted at casual fans. Mythical Games CEO John Linden explained that the company is focused on appealing to a mainstream audience and is not advertising the use of NFTs or blockchain technology. Instead, they prioritize delivering great functionality to users.
Linden also highlighted the potential of leveraging blockchain technology, stating that it allows the game to achieve capabilities that would not be possible with traditional game technology.
Mythical Games is transitioning its Mythical Chain from Ethereum to a parachain on the Polkadot ecosystem, which will enable Web3 capabilities and assist with scalability. Over the past month, the Mythical Chain has recorded approximately 3.2 million on-chain gaming transactions. Linden emphasized the company’s ambition for massive scale and audiences.
Björn Wagner, CEO of Parity Technologies, a leading contributor to the Polkadot network, explained that due to Polkadot’s structure, Mythical Games will gain more flexibility, control over gas fees, and faster transaction times, all of which are essential for gaming. He anticipates a significant increase in awareness of Polkadot, particularly for consumer-facing projects powered by the network.
