ZujuGP, helmed by Singaporean businessman Kiat Lim and fronted by the Portuguese professional footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, has launched Kickoff by Zuju – a real-time, second-screen fan experience that enables fans to play along during a live football match.
Kickoff said in a statement that the app by Zuju is to crack the code for an immersive second-screen football fan experience by giving fans an opportunity to play along with their favorite teams and players in real-time during a live match.
It said the app amplifies the action taking place during live football matches with a complementary mobile gaming experience that operates in real-time as the match unfolds.
According to the statement, the second-screen experience has always been limited to viewing static content or browsing on socials, and monetizing audience engagement has been similarly limited – which Kickoff by Zuju is going to change.
During a live match, fans on Kickoff by Zuju can play along, in real-time, with their favorite players and teams, on their mobile devices, by anticipating micro-events like goals, shot attempts, touches in the penalty-box, crosses, and free kicks, all as the match is happening live – unlike traditional fantasy games where “gameplay” occurs prior to the match.
Kickoff by Zuju is free-to-play and operates within a freemium model: users have the option of purchasing premium features such as virtual goods, gameplay-related benefits, and power-ups, as well as subscriptions to unlock special social interaction and community privileges.
“We are using technology intuitively to elevate the match experience in real-time and create a new football sub-culture,
“Kickoff by Zuju was inspired by fans all over the world who have long demanded a more engaging and immersive second-screen experience – and we are proud to be able to lead the way,” said Kiat Lim, Co-Founder of zujuGP.
He also noted the featuring of Ronaldo has been an important part of the development of Kickoff by Zuju, giving the opportunity to bring fans even closer to players.
According to the statement, the football icon features prominently in a global campaign comprising a series of videos, posts, and activations that will be released across social platforms.
Ronaldo will also be releasing a limited-edition collectible card collection exclusively on Kickoff by Zuju – users will be able to unlock and win copies of these cards, which will be physically delivered to them.
In addition, the football star will also be attending real-life engagements such as meet-and-greets, which will also be exclusive to the platform.
“Kickoff by Zuju provides fans with an extraordinary opportunity to connect further with the game, their favorite teams, and players,
“As someone who is deeply passionate about football and giving back to the supporters who have been with me throughout my career, I take immense pride in being part of this platform that elevates the way fans can enjoy the game,” said Ronaldo.
It is noted that Kickoff by Zuju benefits from the Lim family’s extensive football connections across the globe, with partnerships that cover all the major football leagues and tournaments.
Lim family owns Spanish La Liga club Valencia CF and co-own English Club Salford City with Manchester United Class of 92’ David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.
Future plans for Kickoff by Zuju include partnerships with more football leagues, teams, and international football stars to build on the immersive digital experience of the real-world match through special events, exclusive in-game challenges, limited-edition collectibles, and even more engaging ways for fans to interact with football content.
“At the heart of Kickoff by Zuju is the opportunity to co-create a digital football playground with the fans, players, and teams with the goal of reimagining and reinventing a football fan experience that delivers a fresh dimension of entertainment that is interactive, engaging, and empowering,” said Mervyn Lau, Chief Executive Officer of Kickoff by Zuju.
In April 2022, zujuGP acquired Tokigames to develop and deliver rich, immersive digital experiences and activities to football fans around the world.
Within a year, the team has forged a new category of football gaming and delivered a platform offering a dimension of fan engagement that cuts across real-world matches and mobile gaming.
“We are tapping into the fundamental need of fans to want to feel a greater sense of excitement and engagement when watching football. They can interact with the live match, play on a second-screen, progress through levels and ranks, and collect limited-edition memorabilia in one unified ecosystem,
“This not only heightens the experience for the fans but also enables both the leagues and clubs to better connect with their fan base – in the real world and virtually,” added Lau.
According to the statement, Kickoff by Zuju is expected to tap into Cristiano Ronaldo’s strong global fan base, as well as the growing football audience in the Middle East region.
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