[Digital Today reporter Hojeong Lee] Naver's streaming platform Chzzk is teaming up with Krafton to expand a streamer-led esports content ecosystem using "PUBG: Battlegrounds" (Battlegrounds).

Naver and Krafton said on Thursday they signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand the Battlegrounds esports ecosystem.

The key to the agreement is combining the platform, game IP and community capabilities held by both companies. Naver plans to strengthen its live broadcasting experience through Chzzk, including Battlegrounds esports tournament coverage and league partnerships.

In particular, it plans to broaden cooperation so Chzzk streamers can plan and produce tailored content that fits their fan bases using the Battlegrounds IP.

The companies are also expected to roll out joint promotions across online and offline channels. The strategy is to widen touchpoints with esports fans by linking content exposure within the Naver ecosystem and user-participation events to the Battlegrounds regular league schedule. Krafton is also expected to further solidify its fan base based on Chzzk's real-time, interactive viewing culture.

Seulgi Shin (신슬기), Naver's game content partnership leader, said combining Battlegrounds' global IP competitiveness with Chzzk's streaming and community capabilities would be an opportunity to expand user-centric viewing experiences. She stressed that Naver would build an ecosystem in which streamers, users and game IP are organically connected.

Sooyong Park (박수용), head of esports at Krafton, said the company plans to accelerate efforts to strengthen competitiveness in esports content by expanding connections with external platforms. He said it would broaden user touchpoints and work to expand its fan base and advance content.