Nike, the well-known tick-faced global giant, has just made its move into the Metaverse. How? Well, it’s acquired a virtual sneakers and collectibles brand named ‘RTFKT’.
The move comes following a submission of requests for patenting its logo, slogan, and name for use online and within online virtual worlds in previous months, as well as job postings for virtual material designers.
It was clear that Nike wanted to enter the Metaverse, but this new acquisition of RTFKT solidifies that want and makes it a tangible development.
In a statement, Nike’s CEO and President, John Donahoe, stated that the move will “deliver next-generation collectibles that merge culture and gaming”, he went further on to state:
Our plan is to invest in the RTFKT brand, serve and grow their innovative and creative community and extend Nike’s digital footprint and capabilities.
RTFKT co-founder Benoit Pagotto stated in support of Donahoe’s vision:
We’re excited to grow our brand which was fully formed in the metaverse.
This development makes Nike the largest US-based manufacturer of athletic products to join the metaverse.
Adidas recently garnered a lot of hype itself after joining the metaverse through a partnership with NFT companies including Gmoney NFT, Punks Comic, and of course the Bored Ape Yacht Club.
With big brands like these two jumping into the metaverse, it’s almost certain that we’re seeing a domino effect as FOMO spreads throughout the corporate world, and while we’re still seeing a bear market in effect within crypto, the snowball effect may soon come into play as more and more brands pile into metaverse projects.
I’m not much of a sportswear aficionado, but I can appreciate the love some people have for their preferred brands as I’m very much an Asus-lover when it comes to tech, so for those who love Nike and Adidas, and are involved in the metaverse already, I hope they do you proud!
