Emerge Gaming joins forces with Viacom’s African division to launch eSports product for kids
Emerge Gaming will develop VIMN Africa’s first interactive eSports tournament platform using Nickelodeon gaming content – “NickX”.
eSports platform operator Emerge Gaming (ASX: EM1) has signed an agreement with entertainment giant Viacom’s African division VIMN Africa for the build and phased international roll-out of new eSports product NickX.
Aimed at children, NickX has been designed as an interactive tournament platform showcasing content from the VIMN Africa’s Nickelodeon brand.
It will be based on Emerge’s ArcadeX casual gaming tournament platform and lifestyle hub through which casual, social and hardcore gamers can play against each other via their mobile, desktop or handheld device.
Under the terms of the agreement, Emerge will develop, operate and maintain a competitive gaming eSports platform based on ArcadeX.
In return, VIMN Africa will grant Emerge the right to use Nickelodeon content in accordance with its obligations under the agreement.
While the financial impact of the agreement has not been disclosed, the global reach of VIMN Africa and its Nickelodeon brand is expected to result in a material return for Emerge.
Viacom’s reach
VIMN Africa is the first leading brand to partner with Emerge.
Viacom International has a market cap of over US$11 billion, the corporation is home to a portfolio of global, multi-platform entertainment brands through television, film, digital content, live events, merchandise and studio production.
It connects with more than 850 million fans, followers and subscribers daily through more than 170 networks in 180 countries.
Unique content
The release of NickX will allow Nickelodeon’s global target market to engage in an interactive eSports tournament platform showcasing its unique games and content.
The platform will allow for brand affiliation through extended engagement hours and unique product retention and will be accessible through the Nickelodeon software app for iOS and android.
Monetisation will be through brand take-up, premium subscriptions, in-app subscriptions and advertising across the platform.
NickX is targeted for launch next month.
Leading brands
Emerge said it was pleased to be partnering with a leading entertainment brand.
“Working with Nickelodeon will give [us] access to unrivalled content for kids,” the company said.
“[Our] strategy is to provide kids with educational content through NickX while creating an engaging gaming environment.”
Emerge said it would continue to seek agreements with other leading brands as well as developing its partnership with iCandy to capitalise on cross promotion opportunities across iCandy’s 350 million users.