Amazon Prime added an exciting expansion to its Amazon Prime Gaming portal on August 3, as part of a new six-month partnership with Polygon-based NFT game Mojo Melee.
Accessible through web browsers such as Google Chrome and an Android application, Mojo Melee offers a fresh take on the “auto battler” genre.
A fusion of chess and real-time strategy elements, this genre has been popularized by non-blockchain games such as Auto Chess and Teamfight Tactics. Released in May, the beta version of Mojo Melee received positive feedback for its user-friendly approach to the genre, especially considering the inherent complexity of auto-battler games.
The game has since made its official debut with the “Season One” content pack.
What Prime users can expect
The first offering, currently accessible through the Amazon Prime Gaming portal, offers a package for Prime subscribers that includes a free digital collectible (NFT) for the game’s champion character, Gwyn Rockhopper, and his (non-crypto) in-game currency, 885 Ore, for Prime subscribers who create a new player account for Mojo Melee.
Mystic Moose, the developer behind Mojo Melee, differentiated this kind of offering from the usual in-game progression systems where players have to reach a certain “character level” before they can punch champion characters like an NFT. Unique to the partnership with Amazon is that the champion character (Rockhopper) is immediately offered as a digital collectible.
For Amazon Prime, this partnership gives Prime subscribers the opportunity to not only get a taste of the game, but also add a competitive edge to those who aren’t Prime members.
Will there be more from Amazon?
Amazon Prime Gaming’s attempt to incorporate digital collectibles into its retail ecosystem is not unprecedented. The platform previously partnered with next-gen game technology company Mythical Games to offer free NFT promotions for the play-and-create game, Blankos Block Party. These promotions, including a free avatar and accessory, will continue to be available to subscribers.
Furthermore, there have been rumors about Amazon’s broader ambitions in the digital collectibles market. Earlier this year, reports pointed to the e-commerce giant’s plans to unveil its comprehensive NFT platform. However, as of now, these plans remain in the realm of speculation.
This partnership between Amazon Prime and Mojo Melee is an example of what appears to be a tasteful, deliberate application of blockchain-based gaming to mainstream e-commerce. It’s collaborations like this that undoubtedly pave the way for a future where digital property and online shopping collide in unexpected ways that the average person won’t scratch their head.