IOC unveils NFT game for Winter Olympics 2022

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is redefining the Olympics experience using next generation blockchain technology, giving people from all around the world a chance to visit Beijing virtually. The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics is set to launch a blockchain-based decentralized gaming platform – the Olympic Games Jam – around the innovative ‘Play to Earn’ concept.

Developed by Animoca Brands, the platform will bring together the best of augmented reality (AR), blockchain, and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Built on the NEO blockchain, the game will offer its participants the option to buy NFTs representing digital versions of licensed Olympic pins on the exclusive “nWay’s Marketplace”, and trade them with other players.

Through such trade relays on the Smart Contracts framework, the IOC plans to receive royalties and make commissions. First unveiling by the IOC last year, these Olympic-based NFT pins are expected to be a key element among the delayed Tokyo 2020’s official merchandise.

Players can create unique avatars for themselves and compete across six different sporting events, including snowboarding, skiing, and soccer.The ‘Play to Earn’ concept behind the game will incentivize all gameplays, offering rewards for various achievements in the form of NFTs. Users sitting in any corner of the world can experience the Beijing Olympics realistically and meet top athletes through the AR/VR interface.

Taehoon Kim, CEO of nWay, noted that this revolutionary platform will also allow Olympics fans to take a peek into the history of Olympics in a much more interactive and rewarding manner. “We intend to support the game with continuous updates in the months to come, to keep players engaged and the Olympic spirit ongoing,” he continued.

While the unique platform has already been released on the Apple App Store and on the Google Play store for different locations, it is not yet available in China.