Naver, Krafton team up to expand 'PUBG: Battlegrounds' esports content ecosystem

Naver and Krafton have joined forces to expand the esports content ecosystem built around "PUBG: Battlegrounds."

The two companies signed a strategic MOU on Friday to grow the "PUBG: Battlegrounds" esports content ecosystem, combining Naver's streaming platform Chzzk with Krafton's Battlegrounds esports intellectual property to generate synergies across their respective platforms, game IP and community capabilities.

Under the agreement, Naver will leverage Chzzk's streaming technology and community-driven viewing culture to pursue IP-based collaboration around Battlegrounds esports. The centerpiece is strengthening the live viewing experience through Battlegrounds esports tournament broadcasts on Chzzk and league partnerships. The platform will also tap into its streamer ecosystem to offer content experiences exclusive to Chzzk.

The two companies will also run joint promotions and branding initiatives using the esports IP, expanding content exposure within the Naver ecosystem and rolling out user-participation promotions tied to major Battlegrounds leagues. Online and offline events are planned to broaden touchpoints with esports fans.

Naver said it intends to build a medium- to long-term cooperation framework to energize both the Battlegrounds esports scene and the Chzzk streamer ecosystem. The core aim is to give Chzzk streamers a broader foundation for developing and producing content using the IP, cultivating a community-style viewing culture unique to the platform.

"This MOU will be an opportunity to combine the global IP competitiveness of Battlegrounds esports with Chzzk's streaming and community capabilities, expanding a user-centered esports viewing experience," said Shin Seul-gi, Naver's game content partnership leader. "We will continue to work closely with Krafton to build a differentiated esports content ecosystem where streamers, users and game IP are organically connected."

Park Su-yong, head of esports at Krafton, said the company plans to accelerate efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of Battlegrounds esports content by expanding ties with external platforms. "We will continue to broaden user touchpoints through various collaborations and work to grow the Battlegrounds esports fan base while elevating content quality," he said.