RIYADH: Kickoff by Zuju has launched a new mobile live football game in partnership with Al-Nassr’s Portuguese star player Cristiano Ronaldo.
The game will offer an immersive second-screen experience, giving fans the opportunity to forecast the momentum of matches and specific moments within them in real time.
According to the Sports Business Institute, 87 percent of fans engage with a second screen during live sports broadcasts. In 2021, 47 percent of Generation Z fans who watched sports on TV or digital platforms also interacted with other content at the same time, data showed.
Second-screen experiences have to date mostly been restricted to viewing static content or browsing on social media.
Kickoff by Zuju said it aimed to gamify the football-fan experience by offering users the chance to play along during live matches across all major football leagues and tournaments globally.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo said: “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.”
Kiat Lim, founder of zujuGP, the parent company of Kickoff by Zuju, said: “We are using technology intuitively to elevate the match experience in real time and to create a new football subculture.
“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.”
The mobile game allows users to anticipate major moments, such as goals and shot attempts, through to micro events such as player touches in the penalty area, crosses, and free-kicks, ensuring there is something to play for at every stage during a match – in line with the brand’s #playeverymoment campaign.
Users can also choose their difficulty level when playing, to potentially win five times the number of points if successful, or risk losing the same number of points if the opposition team counteracts their selections.
The company said the game format had been designed to allow users to live and breathe every phase of play during a live match, creating an immersive and exciting fan experience.
