On June 13, Tuesday, German footwear giant PUMA launched Black Station 2.0, an immersive metaverse-based platform that reimagines the shopping experience for users. The new project seamlessly combines both, the physical and digital worlds, while also enabling its users to purchase phygital footwear.
The brand’s all-new initiative is ready to be explored by everyone. However, only PUMA pass non-fungible token (NFT) holders possessing RB tokens can purchase physical Rulebreaker sneakers and collect two digital wearables.
Welcoming the new launch, Ivan Dashkov, head of Web3 at PUMA, stated, “As we move forward to the second launch, we want to target a broader audience and let anyone come in, experience it, and play with it. We’ll iterate from there and continue to broaden our approach.” PUMA also shared a promotional post on their official Twitter handle under the headline “Black Station is now LIVE!”
What is Black Station 2.0?
Black Station 2.0 is built on the success of PUMA’s first Web3 project Black Station 1, which debuted at New York Fashion Week last September. The original Black Station, created in collaboration with Unreal Engine, allows users an immersive environment where they can purchase digital collectibles and physical sneakers.
In the second iteration, PUMA takes the concept of immersive experience from Black Station 1 and expands it to greater heights. The new platform has been incorporated with two distinct and captivating digital worlds, namely, Unkai and Unter, each having its sneaker design tied to it.
The first world, Unkai, includes footwear designs inspired by the bright colors and dynamic streets of Shibuya, Japan. Unter, the second world of the metaverse project, infuses the essence of Berlin’s pulsating underground club life into the design elements of footwear.
To access the worlds, users need to visit the link provided in the tweet, walk to the PUMA elevator, and pick the world they want to explore. Both worlds have some fun features for the users in their metaverse space, for instance, Unkai has Lego-like blocks in the sky while Unter features an underground red-lit cave.
What Else Does this Metaverse Have in Store for its Community?
Fast-RB sneakers, engineered with PUMA’s pinnacle running technologies, are the first footwear release in this metaverse-based project. These highly anticipated sneakers feature four optimally placed NITRO pods and three PWRPLATES. Owing to these notable features, fast-RB sneakers deliver a truly unique and exhilarating running experience, unlike any other product.
Aside from the immersive virtual worlds and innovative footwear designs, this platform also grants PUMA community certain exclusive perks. Throughout the Black Station 2.0, PUMA passes NFT holders can purchase Materializer NFTs (physical products that are yet to be produced) and Digital Collectible NFTs. As per the official website, a maximum of 4000 pieces of each NFT will be available throughout the week for purchase.
The brand will offer this dynamic metaverse experience to its users until June 23. The RB token holders can burn the token on Black Station between June 13-20 and can get special access to product drops in the metaverse.
PUMA has collaborated with MoonPay (a crypto payment service) and leveraged its Web3 infrastructure to make this project a reality. Additionally, to integrate general sneaker enthusiasts into its metaverse community, PUMA is opening credit card payment options in Black Station 2.0 along with its current crypto payment capabilities.
Nancy J. Allen is a crypto enthusiast and believes that cryptocurrencies inspire people to be their own banks and step aside from traditional monetary exchange systems. She is also intrigued by blockchain technology and its functioning.
Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2023/06/18/puma-stretches-its-wings-in-the-metaverse-with-black-station-2-0/