One of the most prominent blockchain-powered video games in the market, the mobile game NFL Rivals, is rapidly approaching 3 million registrations, with a noticeable increase in revenue. Both Apple and Google have given their approval for the in-game marketplace of NFL Rivals, as confirmed by John Linden, the CEO of Mythical Games.
John Linden, a seasoned professional in the video game industry, having worked at Activision and Niantic, is responsible for elevating Mythical's web3 gaming titles to a wider audience. NFL Rivals, known for its arcade-style gameplay, seems to be gaining popularity, with over 20,000 new players downloading the game daily, according to Linden. Mythical Games benefits from a strong brand presence, having established partnerships with both the NFL and the NFL's Players Association. Additionally, the company has inked promotional deals with the Miami Dolphins and Amazon Prime Gaming.
While gaming has often been considered a means to introduce blockchain-powered computer applications to mainstream consumers, the sector has faced challenges in gaining widespread traction. During a brief period in the pandemic, Axie Infinity enjoyed popularity, but its appeal subsequently waned. NFL Rivals is available for free and leverages the Mythos blockchain developed by Mythical Games.
Apple and Google approved NFL Rivals' in-game NFT marketplace, allowing players to trade official player cards. This is a significant achievement for crypto games facing challenges with mobile app store policies due to the large gamer base on these platforms. NFL Rivals has seen a nearly 50% increase in transaction volume since its full launch in August, generating millions in revenue.
Mythical is implementing the in-game NFT marketplace in three phases to prioritize user safety. Phase one allows players to buy assets through a recommendation engine, with phase two enabling asset trading using a credit system. The third phase will bring the marketplace fully online.
While some argue NFL Rivals isn't a fully web3 game, Mythical is gradually gaining support from tech giants like Apple and Google for blockchain asset trading.
The growth in user engagement and revenue is good news for Mythical's investors, with a valuation of $1.25 billion in 2021 and subsequent funding rounds raising $37 million. The company is currently seeking an additional $38 million, according to CEO Linden.
