The world of football fandom is evolving, and Manchester City FC is leading the charge with a groundbreaking digital experience. In collaboration with OKX, a global leader in cryptocurrency and Web3 technology, the club has launched Unseen City: Echoes of Blue—an immersive, AI-powered virtual escape room designed to deepen fan engagement through interactive storytelling and real-world rewards.
Available from 9 August 2024 to 5 September 2024, this cutting-edge online experience invites fans into a digital realm where they can interact with lifelike avatars of Manchester City players, solve challenges, and unlock exclusive prizes—all from the comfort of their devices.
A Deep Dive into the Five Virtual Rooms
The experience unfolds across five uniquely themed rooms, each offering distinct gameplay elements, narratives, and opportunities to test your knowledge of all things City. These include:
- Training Room
- Strategy Room
- OKX Lounge
- Trophy Room
- Lobby
Each space is meticulously designed to reflect different aspects of the club’s culture, history, and future-facing innovation. As fans progress, they’ll encounter dynamic puzzles, trivia challenges, and hidden clues that require both football insight and problem-solving skills.
👉 Discover how Web3 is transforming sports fandom—step inside the future of fan engagement.
AI-Powered Player Avatars Bring the Experience to Life
One of the most innovative features of Unseen City: Echoes of Blue is the integration of AI-driven player avatars. Fans will be guided through the escape room by digital representations of key Manchester City stars:
- Jack Grealish
- Rúben Dias
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Ederson Moraes
- Alex Greenwood (Women’s Team)
These avatars are not static images—they respond to user input using advanced AI, allowing for real-time interaction and personalized guidance. Whether you're asking for hints or simply chatting with a digital version of your favorite player, the experience feels remarkably human and engaging.
This marks a significant leap in how sports organizations use artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between fans and athletes, creating a more intimate connection without physical proximity.
Earn Real Rewards Through Digital Challenges
Beyond the thrill of gameplay, Unseen City: Echoes of Blue offers tangible incentives. By successfully completing tasks and advancing through the rooms, participants can earn a range of exclusive rewards, including:
- Tickets to a live Manchester City match
- Limited-edition 'Unseen City' digital collectible shirts
- A VIP stadium tour hosted by a City legend
These rewards blend physical and digital experiences, reflecting the growing trend of hybrid fan engagement in modern sports. The 'Unseen City Shirts' themselves are part of a broader digital collectibles initiative launched in partnership with OKX, combining design artistry with blockchain authenticity.
Pushing Boundaries in Sports and Web3 Innovation
Tom Boyle, VP of Global Partnerships Marketing and Operations at Manchester City, emphasized the club’s commitment to innovation:
"The 'Unseen City: Echoes of Blue' campaign, in partnership with OKX, is testament to our continuous efforts in providing fans with fresh, innovative and engaging experiences. Throughout our long-standing partnership with OKX, we've continued to push the boundaries and our latest Unseen City project allows our fans to test their City knowledge in an innovative virtual escape room environment."
Michael Page, OKX’s Global Head of Marketing, echoed this sentiment:
"The way Web3 technology comes to life has evolved drastically over the past few years, and so has our partnership with Manchester City. This campaign celebrates our biggest achievements together while showcasing how advanced technology can deliver unique value to millions of fans worldwide."
Since the partnership began in March 2022, Manchester City and OKX have consistently redefined what’s possible in fan engagement. Previous initiatives include the Unseen City Collectibles Quest, the OKX Collective metaverse experience, and OKX’s designation as the club’s Official Sleeve Partner in June 2023—an accolade later recognized with the European Sponsorship Association Award for 'Sport Sponsorship of the Year' in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Unseen City: Echoes of Blue?
It’s an interactive virtual escape room developed by Manchester City and OKX, featuring AI-powered player avatars, themed challenges, and real-world rewards for fans.
When is the experience available?
From 9 August 2024 to 5 September 2024. Participation is free and accessible worldwide via web browser.
Who can participate?
The experience is open to fans globally. No prior knowledge of crypto or Web3 is required—just a passion for Manchester City.
Do I need a crypto wallet to join?
No. While OKX integrates blockchain elements like digital collectibles, full participation does not require owning or using a wallet.
Are there age restrictions?
Participants should be at least 13 years old. Some prize redemptions may have additional eligibility requirements.
Can I replay the game?
Yes. Fans can revisit rooms and improve their performance, though reward eligibility may be limited to one per participant.
👉 See how blockchain is reshaping fan experiences—explore what’s next in sports tech.
The Bigger Picture: Web3, Fan Engagement, and the Future of Sports
This initiative sits at the intersection of sports entertainment, artificial intelligence, and Web3 innovation—three forces rapidly transforming how fans connect with their favorite teams.
OKX’s “on-chain, any chain” philosophy ensures accessibility across platforms and blockchains, supporting over 100 networks and integrating seamlessly with decentralized apps (dApps), DeFi protocols, and NFT marketplaces. Its secure OKX Wallet serves as a gateway for users to explore digital ownership, from collectibles to token-gated experiences.
By embedding these technologies into emotionally resonant campaigns like Unseen City, OKX and Manchester City are not just promoting products—they’re building communities rooted in shared identity and digital participation.
Moreover, OKX reinforces trust through monthly Proof of Reserves reports and educational resources via OKX Learn, helping demystify crypto for mainstream audiences.
As sports franchises seek deeper connections beyond matchdays, experiences like Unseen City: Echoes of Blue set a new benchmark. They prove that when technology meets passion, fans aren’t just spectators—they become active participants in the story.
Whether you're a lifelong supporter or new to the world of City football, this escape room offers a rare chance to step behind the scenes, engage with legends, and win unforgettable rewards—all powered by the future of digital innovation.
👉 Join the movement where sports meet Web3—enter the virtual escape room today.