Major League Soccer (MLS) has partnered with digital collectible platform Sweet for the launch of MLS Quest, a blockchain-based video game to engage its growing younger fanbase.
MLS Quest can be accessed online and is a video collection ownership game, where players can tap into Official MLS Quest Pick Up Zones to retrieve physical and digital surfaces including online, social media and onsite partner locations to capture and collect officially licensed MLS team branded medallions.
Each medallion reveals a Key Play of the Game from past and present matches, including Lionel Messi, Carlos Vela and David Beckham. Once fans collect all four medallions from a match, they complete a quest that unlocks a reward.
As sports collecting continues its growth worldwide, the launch of MLS QUEST, which features video-based memorabilia, leans into similar popular digital collectible games across the US, involving the NBA and more sports leagues, to engage younger demographics.
As players participate in MLS QUEST, they progress through different levels, starting in “the academy” and advancing to becoming an “MLS MVP.” They can also tap into new levels of rewards and have access to more immersive experiences. Fans can also recruit friends to compete socially, as they complete quests and gain even more access to league and club-based experiences.
Chris Schlosser, MLS SVP of Emerging Ventures, said: “At Major League Soccer we are always looking for ways to both grow our fan base and increase our fan engagement offerings, and we couldn’t be more excited to officially launch MLS QUEST.
“We are incredibly proud of the product we’ve created in MLS QUEST through our collaboration with Sweet. This collectible challenge is a reflection of the combined commitment of Sweet and MLS to digital innovation.”
Furthermore, MLS Quest gives players their first medallion for free, with more to be collected by watching matches from home or attending matches in person.
By gaining key plays of the game medallions, players will ultimately have the chance to earn a variety of prizes, such as team merchandise, autographed jerseys, tickets to MLS matches, digital collectibles, exclusive on-field experiences, and other rewards.
MLS QUEST utilises cutting-edge technology from Sweet and blockchain technology from Sui, a Layer 1 blockchain and smart contract platform designed to make digital ownership fast, private, secure and accessible.
Tom Mizzone, CEO of Sweet, added: “MLS QUEST introduces the next era of sports memorabilia by unlocking next level rewards from their favourite teams and players when fans collect league and team branded medallions that “come alive” to feature key plays from their favourite teams and players.
“We’re turning collecting into a quest that challenges each fan’s knowledge of the sport, allows them to collect and trade for incredible plays, and play together to unlock even more rewards.
“The platform leverages the latest in innovative blockchain-supported elements to confirm authenticity and unlocks a whole new world of experiences for soccer and MLS fans.”