'Blizzard Entertainment' will be giving each character an Olympic outfit in its 'Overwatch' video game. The brand will be introducing its first-ever seasonal event in honor of the international sporting event. Throughout the Rio 2016 Olympics, players on Overwatch can participate in the video game's 'Summer Games' event. While the Overwatch Summer Games take place, all "loot boxes" will have at least one event-themed item, including limited-edition Olympic "skins" for characters.
The digitally connected team-based shooter game has made a few changes to the rules on how to access an Olympic outfit or skin. Unlike regular games, where skins can be purchased with credits, players will only be able to get these special Olympian items in loot boxes. Though the skins are only available for a short period of time, players who own them will be able to access them whenever they want in the future. The special event for Overwatch along with the limited-edition aspect will likely cause players to increase play and spend more money to get their hands on the Olympian-inspired skins.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Limited-edition Video Game Outfits
- Incorporating limited-edition outfits into video games for a short period of time can entice players to spend more and increase engagement.
- Seasonal Video Game Events
- Hosting seasonal events in video games, such as the Overwatch Summer Games, can drive participation and revenue for gaming companies.
- Exclusive Digital Items
- Releasing exclusive digital items, like the Olympic skins in Overwatch, can create a sense of urgency and scarcity which can drive purchases and engagement.
Sectors Adopting This
- Gaming
- Implementing limited-edition digital items can be a viable revenue stream and marketing tool for gaming companies.
- Sports
- Integrating sports-related content, such as seasonal events or limited-edition outfits, can appeal to sports fans and increase engagement with a brand.
- Marketing
- Limited-edition, exclusive digital items can be an effective marketing tactic in building brand awareness and driving customer loyalty.
