Rightbridge Ventures Group AB (publ) ("Rightbridge" or "the Company") has, through its wholly owned subsidiary Gaming Guardians AB ("Gaming Guardians" or "GG"), entered into a licensing agreement with Non Violence Licensing SA ("NVLSA") for the rights to the Knot OK brand and the symbol "Knotted Gun" - the world-famous pistol with a knotted barrel. The symbol will be used to promote better - less toxic - gaming within gaming and esports. The agreement lasts for three years with the option to extend for another five years, where GG will pay a licensing fee of about 340k SEK in 2024 and about 850k SEK per year in 2025-2026.
The agreement between NVLSA and Gaming Guardians gives GG exclusive rights to use the Knot OK brand to address toxic behavior within the esports and gaming world. Knot OK is a concept intended to create tools to counteract toxic behavior in these areas.
"The agreement to start using 'Knot OK' as a symbol within gaming and esports is an important part of our pursuit of a more respectful and inclusive gaming world and should promote a positive culture within esports and gaming. Through the agreement, we gain access to methods to combat harassment and discrimination in the gaming world. This represents not just a business success for us, but also a step in our social responsibility to build a safer community within gaming. The agreement is part of RBV's strategy to promote fair play and a healthy gaming environment," says Claes Kalborg, CEO of Rightbridge Ventures, and continues:
"There are good conditions for this to become a commercial opportunity for us as Rightbridge gains rights to create and license merchandise in collaboration with the Non Violence Project Foundation, symbolizing peace and friendship."
This agreement gives Gaming Guardians exclusive global rights to the "Knot OK" brand with the aim of combating digital toxic behavior within esports and gaming. The partnership aligns with Gaming Guardians' commitment to promoting a positive digital culture and strengthening the gaming community.
The licensing agreement provides GG with:
- Exclusive global rights to use "Knot OK" to combat toxicity within esports and gaming.
- Rights to create and license merchandise with the "Knot OK" symbol, subject to NVLSA's approval.
- Access to NVPF's educational programs, which enhances Gaming Guardians' educational initiatives.
Through this partnership and commitment, Gaming Guardians aims to reach millions of individuals, especially focusing on issues that engage young players and fans. The initiative is a testament to RBV's initiative for responsible gaming and their vision to promote a healthy and inclusive gaming environment.
The educational programs used in Knot OK are developed by the Non-Violence Project Foundation (NVPF), the foundation that NVLSA, in its role as a social enterprise, supports long-term with the main purpose to support, inspire, and engage young people and educate them on how to resolve conflicts peacefully. NVPF has worked for more than 30 years, in 30 countries across five continents, engaging, educating, and training more than 9 million young people, students, teachers, and sports coaches in subjects such as conflict management, harassment, racism, and bullying, often involving sports like football or basketball. Its famous symbol for non-violence, the "Knotted Gun", located outside the United Nations headquarters in New York and at 30 other strategic locations around the world, is the most well-known symbol for non-violence.
Gaming and esports have long been characterized by an anonymous culture where hate and toxicity have thrived. The partnership with GG and Knot OK aims to provide young people with references, tools, and spaces for discussion that strengthen and educate children and youths with the goal of countering toxicity and hate in online operations.
For further information, contact:
Claes Kalborg, CEO Rightbridge Ventures Group, tel +46 73 – 444 55 07
Email: Claes.kalborg@rightbridge.se
About the company
RightBridge Ventures is an investment company based in Stockholm (Sweden) dedicated to investing in companies shaping the future of esports and gaming as part of the digital media and entertainment industry. For more information, visit www.rightbridge.se or get updates by following us on LinkedIn.
RightBridge Ventures Group AB (publ)'s shares are traded on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market, and Amudova AB is the Certified Adviser.
