iWorld
Warner Bros. launches a blockchain programme for Looney Tunes franchise
Mumbai: In collaboration with Nifty’s, a platform for NFT-powered fan communities, Warner Bros. Consumer Products has developed a new story-driven blockchain programme around the “Looney Tunes” franchise. Digital art will be used as a new storytelling medium for “Looney Tunes: What’s UP Block?,” creating a fresh narrative for the franchise, revealed through NFTs.
Filled with antics and humour just like the “Looney Tunes” characters, the programme will offer fans access to participate in activities and games as the story unfolds, both digital and in real life while earning rewards and benefits along the way including virtual meet and greets, special access and discounts to “Looney Tunes” merchandise, exclusive never-before-been-seen content, new NFT drops, and much more.
As part of the yearlong celebration of Tweety’s 80th anniversary, the canary will be the first “Looney Tunes” character featured in the new collection, all to have expressions, clothing, and accessories that will allow collectors to build community and connect with other “Looney Tunes” aficionados. This summer, the public sale, as well as an early access sale for Nifty’s community members who currently own certain NFTs, will commence.
In a statement, Warner Bros. head of NFT commercial development Josh Hackbarth said, “‘Looney Tunes’ is a pop culture sensation, representing the golden era of animation with 80+ years of storytelling and laughs. From the recent success of “Space Jam: A New Legacy” to the classic cartoons from the 1940’s and 50’s, these beloved characters continue to spark nostalgia and excitement across all generations. Today, as digital engagement and technology evolve, the “Looney Tunes” collection will further expand the reach of the franchise, bringing fans together from around the world, offering unique experiences, community building, storytelling and a whole new way for them to engage. And what better way to kick things off with Tweety as his 80th birthday celebrations continue.”
Nifty’s CEO and co-founder Jeff Marsilio said, “NFTs have limitless potential, and we are just scratching the surface of what is possible. We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Warner Bros., visionaries in storytelling and creative entertainment, to use NFTs in this innovative way that also engages users and connects them to a community of other ‘Looney Tunes’ fans.”
The Tweety avatars will be minted on the Palm Network, which features low gas costs and fast transaction finality. This is the third project launched by Nifty’s and Warner Bros. to create NFTs incorporating mainstream entertainment IP. Late last year, the two partnered to create the ‘Matrix Avatars’ NFT programme, which the parties state remains one of the largest PFP (profile picture) projects to date. In July of 2021, Nifty’s introduced a collection of limited-edition NFTs featuring characters from the live-action/animated film ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’, which reintroduced the popular ‘Looney Tunes’.
Gaming
Nodwin Gaming partners with Runestone for esports data and integrity solutions
South Asian esports leader joins forces with Czech tech firm to enhance tournament operations.
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming has just levelled up its game by bringing in a specialist to keep the scoreboard honest and the fans fully engaged. The leading South Asian esports and gaming company has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone, a Prague-headquartered esports technology firm specialising in real-time data and engagement solutions for tournament organisers and publishers.
The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive integrity, improve operational oversight, and deliver more interactive viewing experiences across Nodwin’s properties. It will initially focus on the Nodwin Clutch Series for Counter-Strike 2, a Tier 2 tournament that provides emerging teams with consistent competitive opportunities and helps build the talent pipeline.
The latest edition of the series recently concluded with Big defeating ECSTATIC 2–1 in the grand final of the $50,000 online event.
Nodwin Gaming chief business officer at MENA and global head of data monetization Teemu Koski said, “Integrity and transparency are fundamental to sustainable esports ecosystems, especially in Tier 2 competition where the next generation of talent emerges. Runestone’s expertise complements our experience in building scalable esports IPs.”
Runestone head of partnerships Michael Schwartz added, “Nodwin Gaming has built one of the most dynamic esports ecosystems across emerging markets. We’re thrilled to collaborate on supporting tournaments with greater transparency, deeper fan interaction, and scalable tools.”
Both companies are exploring opportunities to extend the partnership across additional titles, including mobile-first competitive ecosystems, and to develop new products for publishers, tournament operators, and event promoters.
In the rapidly growing world of esports, where fair play and fan excitement are equally crucial, Nodwin Gaming and Runestone are teaming up to ensure every match is not only competitive but also transparent and engaging. This alliance could well become a game-changer for Tier 2 tournaments across South Asia and beyond.
