Puma partners with Web3 mobile game in ‘pivotal moment’ for mainstream adoption

Puma, the global sports brand giant, continues its journey into blockchain with its latest partnership in Web3 gaming.

The German footwear conglomerate has partnered with Web3 mobile game UNKJD Soccer to leverage Puma-licensed content within the game.

Through the partnership with Puma, UNKJD hopes to unlock more player experiences, according to Tal Friedman, CEO of UNKJD. 

The new partnership could highlight the potential of Web3 and pave the war for public adoption, Friedman told Cointelegraph:

“[Puma’s] involvement lends significant credibility and visibility to the space, accelerating its acceptance. When established brands like Puma embrace Web3, it signals a shift in the perception of blockchain technology — from niche to mainstream.” 

The partnership will introduce new Puma-based characters with new skins and game-changing skills.

The news comes three months after Puma launched its 3D metaverse experience, Black Station, branded as an experiential home” for product drops built to provide “unbridled access” for Puma Pass non-fungible token (NFT) holders.

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Integrating with Web3 gaming environments is an “ongoing priority”

Puma is looking to continue its expansion in the immersive world of Web3 gaming.

Continued partnerships remain an “ongoing priority” for the footwear conglomerate, according to Ivan Dashkov, director of emerging marketing tech at Puma.

The director said in a statement shared with Cointelegraph:

“Gaming continues to be a key part of our all-encompassing culture as we enjoy interacting with our audience in engaging interactive digital spaces. As a brand with deep roots in both gaming and soccer, this partnership was a no-brainer and such a natural fit for us to engrain ourselves with UNKJD Soccer.”

UNKJD blends street soccer with fantasy gameplay and strategic RPG elements to appeal to both casual and competitive gamers, with the first Puma-related content set to release shortly.

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The future is here

Puma’s partnership with UNKJD could be a “pivotal moment for mainstream crypto adoption” and play-to-earn gaming, explained UNKJD’s Friedman: 

“Puma has the ability to introduce Web3 technology to a wide and diverse audience… Major brands like Puma recognize that Web3 is not just the future — it’s already here.”

UNKJD already onboarded 75,000 players during its soft launch, with the full release expected for early 2025.

Showcasing the momentum within the Web3 gaming space, the Telegram-based clicker game Catizen surpassed 800,0000 paying users within six months, with the app claiming to have over 30 million total users.

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