Alcohol brand Ballantine’s has partnered with Dota 2 publisher and developer Valve. As a result, the former will be selling two Ballantine’s Finest x Dota 2 whiskey bottles in China. The bottles feature game characters. As evident from the website, the collaboration was done to celebrate the game’s 10th Anniversary.
Furthermore, there will also be a short movie on the whiskey brand’s website featuring characters from the game. The movie’s narrative sees iconic game characters trying to collect some runes. The runes are required to help them get their hands on a dram of Ballentine.
The Ballantine’s Finest X Dota 2 Whiskey Bottle to Be Sold in China
The collaboration’s main feature seems to be the limited edition Ballantine’s finest bottles, which feature characters from the game. Both contain the Dota 2 logo on top and the Ballantine’s branding below it. They are available in Lava Red and Icy Blue colour schemes, and the design stands out.
The two color schemes also look very contrasting to each other. The bottles will only be for sale in China. The bottles also feature iconic characters from the game. The bottles feature iconic characters from the game’s universe, including Juggernaut, Lina, Monkey King, Marci, and Brewmaster.
The game remains a sensation in the eSports sphere, with plenty of eSports tournaments organized. It is also the platform for some top-rated eSports teams. One such team owned by the Dutch footballer Virgil Van Dijk is Tundra eSports,
Ballantine’s Collaboration With Dota 2 Esports Team Tundra Esports
Tundra eSports is one of the very well-known names in the Dota 2 eSports sphere. They won the international tournament for the game in 2022. Making them the defending champions in the TI12 this year. Ballantine’s also collaborated with the defending champions as their official spirit partner for the Dota 2 international 2023.
Ballantine’s also featured on the team’s official jersey. However, the team was knocked out on the last day of the playoff weekend. This occurred on the final day of the playoffs at the international T12 2023.
They were knocked out by Entity and were defeated 2-0. The team comprises Jingjun ‘Sneyking’ Wu, Topias’ Topson’ Taavitsainen, Oliver ‘Skiter’ Lepko, Neta’ 33′ Shapira, and Leon’ nine’ Kirlin.
Ballantine’s Partnerships With Gaming Companies Before Dota 2 and Other Alchohol Partnerships in Esports
This is not the first time Ballantine’s has collaborated with a game company or a game Franchise. Before Dota 2, the whiskey company had collaborated with Borderlands: The Game. They also released Moxxi’s Bar Edition Blended Scotch as a part of the collaboration.
This partnership was revealed in 2022. They also celebrated this partnership by sharing Borderlands-themed cocktail recipes on their website and the Moxxi’s Bar Edition Bottle.
Recently, eSports event organizer BLAST partnered with Absolut, Ballantine’s, and Jameson. All three of which are also Alcoholic beverage brands.
In the eSports scene, partnerships make for a significant share of revenue for eSports teams. For example, Bud Light introduced its collaboration with the fighting games competition EVO. Call of Duty team Toronto Ultra, Evil Geniuses, and CLG partnered with Bud Light.
Not just teams but also awards and competitions have started getting sponsored by Alcohol brands. At the same time, there is no harm in using such brands to generate revenue. A significant chunk of eSports fans fall below the legal age for drinking.
Their inevitable exposure to such brand promotions is undoubtedly a pitfall. Regardless, seeing the brand promotion and creative marketing strategies on display is attractive.
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