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    How this company hopes NFTs will transform fantasy sports

    enSeptember 20, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • Introducing new concepts through familiar use casesApplying familiar concepts to new technologies can help introduce them to a wider audience and increase adoption

      Successful innovation often involves introducing new concepts through familiar use cases. Steve Jobs' introduction of the iPad is a prime example. At a time when people were questioning the need for a third device, Jobs demonstrated how the iPad could improve everyday tasks like email, internet browsing, photos, gaming, and videos, by making them more convenient and engaging on a larger screen. Similarly, Sorare, a digital collectible card platform based on NFTs, has gained popularity by applying the concept of collectible sports cards to the world of blockchain technology. By using a simple and relatable analogy, Sorare has helped introduce NFTs to a wider audience and tapped into the popularity of sports fandom. This approach of combining the new with the familiar can be a powerful strategy for businesses looking to innovate and bring new technologies to the market.

    • Experience immersive sports engagement with SorareSorare lets users collect, manage, and trade NFT player cards to build and compete with virtual sports teams, merging physical and digital sports worlds.

      Sorare offers sports fans an immersive experience by allowing them to assume various roles within a virtual sports team, including owner, sports director, coach, and player. This unique combination of interactive gameplay and real-world sports engagement is made possible through the use of NFTs, which authenticate and secure digital assets. By merging the physical and digital worlds, Sorare taps into the deeply ingrained human behavior of collecting and connecting with others, while also providing a new way to engage with real-world sports. This fusion of culture, technology, and sports creates an exciting and innovative platform for fans to deepen their connection to their favorite teams and players.

    • Bridging the gap between physical and digital football worldsSorare allows NFT card ownership to unlock experiences in both realms, prioritizing authenticity, and promoting engagement beyond the screen with inclusivity to various football teams and leagues

      Sorare, a digital football platform, is bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds by allowing NFT card ownership to unlock experiences in both realms. The vision is to create authentic interactions within the sports community, including players, clubs, and fans at all levels. Authenticity is a priority, as seen in the support from various football stars and lesser-known players who genuinely care about the product. The gameplay itself encourages engagement beyond the screen, promoting a balanced connection to the digital and physical worlds. Additionally, the platform is inclusive, featuring teams and leagues from various countries, allowing users to discover new talent and expand their horizons.

    • Democratizing fan involvement and revenue flow in sports through NFT cards and fantasy tournamentsSorare, a digital football platform, lets fans own NFT cards of players and teams, earn rewards via fantasy tournaments, and aims to become a global leader in sports entertainment by merging collecting and fantasy sports, with partnerships in the US market.

      Sorare, a digital football (soccer) platform, aims to democratize fan involvement and revenue flow by allowing fans to own NFT cards of their favorite players and teams, and earn rewards through fantasy tournaments. The platform's success lies in its simplicity, requiring only passion for the sport as an entry point, and its global reach, adapting neither product nor marketing to specific countries. Sorare's expansion into the US market, with partnerships with Major League Baseball and the NBA, signifies a significant step towards becoming a global leader in sports entertainment. By merging collecting and fantasy sports, Sorare offers a unique experience that caters to both collectors and engaged fans.

    • Making NFTs accessible and enjoyable for a wider audienceDapper Labs democratizes NFTs by focusing on familiar experiences and launching popular NBA and MLB products, enabling true ownership, scarcity, and portability in the digital world

      Dapper Labs, the company behind NBA Top Shot and other popular NFT platforms, is democratizing the use of NFTs by introducing them as a technology that enables familiar experiences, rather than focusing on the speculative market. The company has seen significant success without paid marketing, and plans to launch NBA and MLB products this year. NFTs can provide true ownership, scarcity, and portability in the digital world, making them a valuable technology for collectors and fans. Dapper Labs aims to let users enjoy the benefits of NFTs without having to understand the underlying technology. As Charles and Ray Eames once said, toys and games are the prelude to serious things, and Dapper Labs is making NFTs accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.

    • NFTs: Changing the Game for Digital Ownership and MonetizationNFTs enable gamers to truly own and trade in-game items, offer creators royalties on resales, and add collectibility and revenue streams in arts and ticketing industries

      NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are revolutionizing the way we value and monetize digital assets, particularly in the gaming and creative industries. The speakers emphasized that gaming will continue to lead the way in NFT innovation, as gamers currently spend billions of dollars on in-game items that they don't truly own. NFTs offer the potential for gamers to own and trade these items, as well as enabling creators to earn royalties on their work even after it's resold. Additionally, the use of NFTs in industries like arts and ticketing can add a collectibility layer and provide new revenue streams for creators. The speakers also discussed the potential for NFTs to change the game for artists, who often don't see financial benefits from their early work or creations that gain value over time. Overall, the speakers see NFTs as a game-changer for the digital economy, particularly in industries where creativity and ownership matter most.

    • Building Trust in NFTs: The Role of Established Brands and FranceEstablished brands like Nike help bring people into NFT space with trust. Trust is built through transparency, community engagement, and recognizing mistakes. Authenticity is also crucial. France, with its financial ambition, technical talents, and sports leagues, is an emerging leader in NFTs.

      Trust is a crucial element in the success of NFTs and other digital assets, especially for new brands looking to enter the market. Brands that are trusted, such as Nike, can help bring people into the space more quickly. Building trust takes time and requires transparency, engaging with the community, and recognizing mistakes. Authenticity, as demonstrated by players, clubs, and other industry leaders, also plays a significant role in establishing trust. For new brands like SOREL, developing acts and proofs that build trust is essential. France, with its growing financial ambition, technical talents, and proximity to major sports leagues, has emerged as a leader in NFTs. As SOREL continues to grow, expect to see more time spent in the US promoting the brand and building relationships.

    • Introducing NFTs through familiar conceptsNicolas Julia of Sorare uses digital trading cards to make NFTs and blockchain technology accessible and reinvent the gaming industry, fostering strong communities and connecting the digital and physical worlds

      Innovation can be introduced to the world in a more relatable and accessible way by building on familiar concepts. Nicolas Julia from Sorare did this by introducing NFTs and blockchain technology through the lens of digital trading cards, such as baseball or soccer cards. He aims to reinvent the gaming industry by giving users ownership and making an impact on both the virtual and physical worlds. Julia believes that NFTs have the potential to foster strong communities and be more than just collectibles. He envisions them as a means to connect with others, build a sense of belonging, and even make a positive impact in the physical world. Ultimately, the goal is to create a seamless transition between the digital and physical realms, allowing users to fully engage and participate in new innovations.

    • NFTs: Revolutionizing Ownership and Authenticity in the Digital EconomyNFTs, as smart contracts, verify ownership and are set to become a pervasive part of our lives in the Web 3.0 era, with gaming leading the charge.

      NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are revolutionizing the way we understand ownership and authenticity, particularly in the realm of digital goods. Trust is a crucial factor in this new digital economy, with brands like Nike leading the charge by dipping their toes into NFTs and proving their value. Games have long been a catalyst for technological advancements, and NFTs are no exception. They serve as smart contracts that verify ownership and are set to become a pervasive part of our lives in the Web 3.0 era. Despite initial apprehensions, NFTs may not be as scary as they seem, and could even enhance our daily experiences. As we continue to explore this new frontier, it's important to remember the lessons of the past – gaming has paved the way for technological advancements, and NFTs could do the same for our future.

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