IOC shifts from Mario & Sonic games to NFTs, esports
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a new direction, focusing on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and esports, and ending its collaboration with the Japanese gaming giants according to a report. With the 2024 Olympic Games unfolding in Paris, many fans are left wondering about the absence of the familiar Mario & Sonic companion game. This long-standing tradition, which began in 2007, has seen beloved Nintendo and Sega characters engage in Olympic sports across various consoles.
Seeking new partners
Several media reported Lee Coker, the producer behind the Mario & Sonic games, revealing that the IOC decided to explore other opportunities post the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. According to Coker, the committee aimed to internalise the project and seek new partners, including those involved with NFTs and esports. This strategic shift was driven by a desire to increase revenue by cutting ties with expensive partners like Nintendo and Sega.
Olympics Go! Paris 2024: The new game
During 2020 and 2021, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) saw a surge in interest from various businesses and organisations, including the IOC. Although the NFT market has since cooled, the IOC’s initial interest led them to incorporate these digital assets into their plans. This pivot included the development of a new game for the Paris 2024 Olympics that integrates NFT collectibles.
Replacing the traditional Mario & Sonic game, the IOC introduced “Olympics Go! Paris 2024,” a free-to-play game available on Android, iOS, and PC. Developed by nWay, known for its Power Rangers games, this title features 12 mini-games based on Olympic sports such as archery, swimming, golf, and fencing. Despite its release, the game has received limited promotion, leaving many potential players unaware of its existence.
Digital collectibles and marketplaces
In “Olympics Go! Paris 2024,” players can earn NFTs, such as digital pins showcasing the Paris 2024 mascot. These collectibles can be traded on platforms like Magic Eden, with integration into Coinbase’s Onchain Summer event. Players need an ETH L2 Base-supported wallet to participate in these transactions, aligning the game with the growing digital economy.
First Olympic Esports Games set
Last week, the IOC approved the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, with the inaugural event set to take place in 2025 in Saudi Arabia. The IOC said the decision was endorsed unanimously by the 142nd IOC Session held in Paris.
The end of an era
The decision to end the Mario & Sonic series marks a significant shift in the IOC’s approach to gaming. Over two decades, six titles were released, tying in with the Summer and Winter Olympics, and bringing joy to fans of all ages. The collaboration between Nintendo and Sega, featuring once-rival mascots, became a symbol of unity and fun in the spirit of the Olympics.
The future of Olympic gaming
While the departure from Mario & Sonic games might disappoint many fans, the IOC’s new focus on NFTs and esports reflects a broader trend towards digital transformation. As the organisation navigates this new terrain, it remains to be seen how successful these ventures will be in engaging a new generation of fans and maintaining the Olympic spirit in the digital age.
