The International Esports Federation (IESF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sidewalk Entertainment, an artificial intelligence (AI) tech company. IESF and Sidewalk will work together to promote a new variety of esports, which utilizes the physical movement of athletes.
Together, IESF and Sidewalk will use STEPIN, a random dance challenge service that uses real time motion-tracking AI technology created by Sidewalk. Using the platform, the two organizations will bring together esports and dancing by providing opportunities to learn, practice and battle. All users will have the opportunity to see the reply of their skeletal joints. IESF and Sidewalk will also collaborate on a special activity using STEPIN at the upcoming World Esports Championships Finals in Bali, Indonesia.
This partnership will help explore new developments in esports, combining dance and interactive social media experiences, as well as international STEPIN tournaments. It will also contribute to uniting the World Esports Family by connecting K-pop and esports fans worldwide.
IESF Secretary General Boban Totovski said: “IESF is thrilled to work together with Sidewalk Entertainment to bring something new to the esports ecosystem. We are pleased to be taking part in a new digital content culture of K-pop dance and working towards our mission of serving as an exchange platform and network for esports stakeholders and securing valuable partnerships within the World Esports Family.”
Sidewalk Entertainment Kibong Kook said “We are so glad to be in partnership with IESF and bring a new joy to K-pop and esports fans around the world. The K-pop industry and esports industry both are growing rapidly in the global market. We will link both industries with the AI technology of STEPIN to create a new chapter of esports industry.”
IESF recently held the World Esports Summit, which brought together over 200 stakeholders from the World Esports Family and the broader esports ecosystem to discuss key issues in esports and the future of responsible esports worldwide. IESF is constantly evolving to best serve its members and secure the future of responsible esports.
About Sidewalk Entertainment
Sidewalk Entertainment is an AI startup company based in Seoul, South Korea. It was established by Kibong Kook who led to the growth of the esports industry in Korea. The company will integrate its own real-time motion tracking AI technology into various industries and areas to provide new solutions. Their first service, a K-Pop dance social platform ‘STEPIN’ will be launched in November this year.
