Kobe vs. Melo…in NBA 2k10

Lets get ready to rumble…on your controllers.

(via PRNewswire)

VersusSport previews its interactive online community today. The first of its kind, this social networking forum provides fans with the opportunity to support their favorite athletes and entertainers through a unique, interactive, virtual community.

On September 18, 2009, VersusSport will present its inaugural event, featuring NBA(R) superstars Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony competing head-to-head in the soon-to-be-released NBA(R) 2K10. Members of the VersusSport community will receive exclusive online access to attend the live webcast of this much anticipated faceoff, and have the exciting opportunity to see NBA(R) 2K10 in action before it hits retail stores in October. VersusSport provides the ultimate spectator experience. Fans can not only watch their favorite superstars compete live, but also interact with celebrities and fellow fans before, during and after the event. Two lucky fans will be selected to attend the Kobe vs. Carmelo premier event through contests hosted by VersusSport.

Microsoft Tag and VersusSport have joined forces for this exclusive, star-studded occasion. Invitations are enhanced with Microsoft’s Tag technology, which links guests to exclusive pre-event content on their mobile devices. Microsoft Tag can also be found on VersusSport.com, offering fans access to behind-the-scenes event content. The free application for Microsoft’s Tag technology can be downloaded at http://gettag.mobi.

Through blogs, forums, and shared video content, VersusSport bridges the gap between athlete and fan. The advanced internet portal creates an unparalleled, intimate online experience which allows athletes and entertainers to connect more effectively with online members. “VersusSport has developed a really innovative way for me to connect with my fans,” says Carmelo Anthony. “They are not going to want to miss this competition.” VersusSport.com offers unprecedented live access to the life and celebrity style of athletes and entertainers. “I’m really looking forward to working with VersusSport,” says Kobe Bryant. “They combine my passion for competition while providing the fans with a great online experience.”

“Interactive online community that allows fans the opportunity to interact with athletes.”  Sounds a lot like Twitter, a service which VersusSport integrated into their own API.  The difference appears to be that the athletes are in sponsored events that are placed online (think uStream).  In any case, I do think this is a pretty interesting marketing idea.  Getting to see two of the largest stars in the NBA preview a video game by playing each other can only increase the buzz about the game.  More importantly, its a fan interest story.  Fans want to see games between celebrities (i.e. Madden Challenge), and I assume they’ll want to talk about them as well.  As for VersusSports?  well, there’s no better way to convince people to join your pay forum than to live stream a Melo/Kobe matchup, right?

See VersusSport for more details.