Nike has officially launched its new metaverse platform, .Swoosh, where virtual footwear, accessories, and apparel will be housed. Currently in beta, invite-only mode, .Swoosh will eventually allow folks to team up with Nike designers to create merchandise and earn a cut of the royalties for doing so.
The marketplace designed for Web3 aficionados will also be the spot to learn about special gaming gets and exclusive events all while buying, selling, and trading within a new virtual level. The community will get to see prototypes before they go to market, too.
As reported by Complex, Nike’s first roster of participants will come from three groups: the most engaged customers, those who live in cities that generally don’t get first access to new tech, and diversified partners and inclusion groups.
“It will be a place where our community can come in and co-create that future with us,” says Ron Faris, general manager of Nike Virtual Studios. “You can collect, trade, and flex Nike virtual products. You can go to IRL events with your token-gated virtual creations.”
It makes sense considering Nike bought the hyped NFT brand RFTKT (“artifact”) in 2021 and has committed to “being the most inclusive and accessible digital brand on the planet where there is no finish line,” according to Nike’s official blog. The releases will also be wearables for RTFKT’s Clone avatars.
Nike says the “virtual creations” will help bring together creators, athletes, stylists, and collectors to experience more, hoping to level the playing field for those across the globe/metaverse.
The buy and trade opportunities will come in 2023. Expect to see a sweet challenge to kickstart the first collection.
As for now, you’ll need an access code to join the web platform (no app required). Those who don’t have a code can join the wait list here.
Come Friday, those with proper access can lock in their .Swoosh handle (“name.swoosh”).