Guild Esports PLC (LON:GILD) has launched its first range of branded digital merchandise, allowing players of Rocket League to add via in-game customisation.
The digital products, referred to as ‘decals’ in Rocket League, are added to players vehicles – for example, they could play with the Guild logo affixed to their car during competition.
Guild noted that many top-tier professional esports teams sell their team-specific decals or ‘skins’ along with other digital customisation items. Like a digital football jersey, fans can buy and ‘wear’ these items to show their support for the teams.
Initially, Guild is selling two decals, Octane and Dominus, via Rocket League’s in-game esports shop, with each priced at 300 Rocket League credits which equates to £2.46 per decal. The revenue is shared with Rocket League developer Psyonix, an Epic Games company.
Guild said it intends to introduce further digital product lines in due course.
The company noted that direct-to-consumer in-game sales are an increasingly important revenue stream in the esports industry. Indeed, it said this is expected to be the fastest-growing esports revenue segment, forecast to increase from US$7.1mln in 2020 to US$17.2mln by 2023
"The launch of our Rocket League decals is a further important step by Guild to broaden its revenue base and appeal to fans,” said Carleton Curtis, Guild executive chairman in a statement.
“Digital products are a popular and exciting part of the esports ecosystem that has the potential to become an important revenue driver in the long term. Our decals proudly sport Guild's logo and signature style, offering us a great way to connect with our fans."