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To meet fans where they are, the NFL is announcing a number of partnerships with creators of licensed video game experiences.
Popularity in gaming continues to grow, and the NFL said upcoming gaming activations create additional touchpoints to connect with a new generation of fans while allowing the NFL to explore the evolving landscapes of gaming, emerging technology and more.
Leveraging an NFL fan-favorite event like the NFL Draft, the NFL approach to these activations will deepen fan engagement by allowing fans to showcase their fandom in virtual spaces.
NFL Rivals Offseason Launch
NFL Rivals launches globally on April 26 ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. The GM, an arcade-style mobile game powered by blockchain technology, is free to play on iOS and Android devices during the early release period, dubbed “Offseason,” which runs between the Draft and the start of the regular season.
In addition, NFL Rivals gamers can purchase “Draft Player Packs” that contain Draft Pick cards. A first-of-its-kind digital player card for the NFL Rivals game that is updated after a player is picked at that position (i.e., if Jalen Carter is picked at 1:05, he will appear in the updated card after Draft). These cards are playable in-game when placed in your Rivals Team Roster.
Super NFL Tycoon on Roblox
To celebrate the 2023 NFL Draft, Super NFL Tycoon, the NFL’s latest persistent experience on Roblox, includes a Draft themed environment: a Draft stage and a buildable Draft environment including cameras, paparazzi, fans, billboards and concessions which users can unlock starting April 22. There will also be new avatar items for fans to collect, including a free Draft-themed hat that can be unlocked by completing the Draft environment, as well as 32 themed hats for each NFL team that can be purchased. A Draft theme bus will also be available for users to purchase for their avatars.
REC Room
Rec Room creates a persistent in-game space for players to interact with the 2023 NFL Draft. This interactive space includes a pop-up store for digital New Era hats and hoodies, a field to play three-on-three flag football with friends where users can rank on the leaderboard, a VIP lounge and a Draft stage for players to throw a dance party when their team picks a top pick. NFL Draft Room is live on April 25.
Madden NFL 23
The 2023 NFL Draft welcomes a new crop of future superstars. These players won’t get a chance to take the field until later this year, but in Madden NFL 23, fans can now play as the first rounders. In Madden NFL 23, the first round picks go live in Madden Ultimate Team as players are selected throughout the night. After being selected, the top prospects will be the first to see themselves and play on their new team in Madden NFL 23.
NFL zone on Fortnite
Draft branding will be added to NFL Zone (presented by VISA) which will be visible to users in the permanent experience on Fortnite. The draft takeover will launch on April 24 and run through April 30.
The NFL is constantly striving to provide memorable experiences for our fans, and the NFL said it hopes more explorations in gaming will take place in the future.
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