KFC recently announced a unique collaboration with Speedrun Espanol to highlight its fried chicken to the realm of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with the Recipe Run project. It is inspired by gamers who participated from 17 different countries -- all of which join to replicate the signature chicken by KFC within the virtual space of the game itself.
The winning trophy is a golden design that is shaped like a chicken thigh which is valued at US$11,560. Participants were tasked with the idea of collecting ingredients virtually. This included oil, chicken, and a specific blend of its 11 herbs and spices within the borders of the game. According to KFC, about 2,500 contestants participated in Spain and increased web traffic by 58%.
QSR Collaborative Game Ventures
KFC and The Legend of Zelda Join on the Recipe Run Project
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Brand Collaborations - The collaboration between KFC and Speedrun Espanol showcases the trend of virtual brand collaborations, bridging the gap between virtual gaming and real-world products.
2. Virtual Culinary Experiences - The Recipe Run project by KFC demonstrates the growing trend of virtual culinary experiences, where participants can virtually collect ingredients and replicate recipes within video games.
3. Global Gaming Competitions - The participation of gamers from 17 different countries in the Recipe Run project highlights the trend of global gaming competitions, bringing together players from diverse locations for a shared gaming experience.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - The collaboration between KFC and Speedrun Espanol presents an opportunity for the fast food industry to engage with gamers through virtual brand collaborations.
2. Gaming - The Recipe Run project creates a new avenue for the gaming industry to explore virtual culinary experiences and incorporate real-world products into gameplay.
3. Digital Marketing - The success of the Recipe Run project in increasing web traffic for KFC in Spain showcases a potential disruptive innovation opportunity for the digital marketing industry to leverage gaming collaborations for brand promotion.