It looks like Nike may be the next company to not only go into NFTs, but also start with NFTs for video games. Although there has been some real decline in NFTs for video games, it seems that the sportswear company believes there is a future for branded NFTs in the industry. It should be noted that NFT sales have reportedly plummeted, but many are still apparently interested in the future.
Earlier this week, the world’s “first NFT console” was announced with a planned release date in 2024. Nike does not seem to be planning anything as grand as another new console, but it seems that it is looking to get its name linked to NFTs and the video game world.
A new patent application from the sportswear company shows that Nike may be moving in a new direction for the company, but that it will still stay close to the comfort zone. This submission talks about a new type of system for integrating NFTs into video games, and it seems that Nike would do this by incorporating some of its branded shoes into the games. This whole plan suggests the ability of players who are so inclined to buy specially branded NFTs in the form of Nike shoes for their video game characters.
Although there are still early stages and this patent was recently filed, it is difficult to know exactly how this will work. It is also not clear whether Nike has a plan or an agreement with one of the large companies to use these NFTs. But given the reach of Nike, it is not difficult to imagine that it will not take long to get such deals in place.
Right outside the top of the head, it looks like these shoe NFTs are in play as FIFA and Madden franchising would almost certainly be a lock. NBA 2K will also be a prominent landing site for these products. The question is whether these will be anything more than collectibles or be related to enhancing the abilities of the players who buy them and use them in the game.
The timing of this patent application is also somewhat interesting, considering that recent studies show that NFT sales have plummeted. Despite these studies, it seems that for now, Nike are not deterred and think there is a market for their brand.
