Turner Sports has entered the blockchain ecosystem with the debut of the innovative online sports video gaming brand Blocklete Games.
The initiative will, according to a press release, allow fans to “collect, train, trade and compete with unique digital athletes as they earn cash prizes and bragging rights along the way.”
In partnership with bitcoin payment service provider BitPay, fans will be able to purchase digital athletes called Blockletes, as well as Blocklete collectibles, using various cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, XRP, ETH, as well as four dollar-pegged stablecoins will be supported.
In addition, Blocklete owners will have the option to trade or sell their digital athletes through Blocklete Games’ open marketplace platform.
Fans can take part in a number of skill challenges which, if completed, increase their Blockletes’ monetary value and enable them to better compete in larger scale, open-format online tournaments, in which winners can earn cash prizes. A total of $20,000 will be awarded in prize money during the Blocklete Games’ inaugural season, which will begin later this year.
Blocklete Games’ first online game Blocklete Golf is available to play now. The game is available for free on desktop, tablet and mobile web browsers.
“With Blocklete Games, we see a transformational opportunity to give fans more control over the videogaming experience by reversing the conventional power dynamic between player and publisher,” said Turner Sports vice president of business operations and strategy Yang Adija. “Our service leverages the blockchain such that anyone can play personalized sports games with their friends, with the potential to also generate a return on their investment in the game.”