Ever heard of LazerBeam or Fresh? Don’t stress if you haven’t because they’re the screen names of two gamers that people watch play video games and they’re so popular that video game developer Playside Studios (ASX: PLY) has engaged them to create their next major gaming title.

The world of video gaming is one where social influencers have emerged as a powerful market force where individuals are idolised for their legitimate talent rather than vanity. It’s how LazerBeam (Lannon Eacott) has more than 18 million subscribers on his YouTube Channel and Fresh (Harley Fresh) has more than 7.1 million, and was recently named Twitch Streamer of the Year.

Capitalising on their fame, they have now entered a partnership with Playside and gaming company Click Management to launch a new gaming title in 2021 that will be heavily pushed for commercial uptake through gaming influencer channels.

“PlaySide Studios is a company that at its core was created for Gamers by Gamers. It is a company filled with individuals whose love for video games fuels their work,” said Playside CEO, Gerry Sakkas.

“This is more than a marketing partnership, it is an opportunity to develop a game alongside LazarBeam and Fresh especially for their audience. It is also an opportunity to further advance Playside as the leading gaming studio in the country and further progress our global credentials. It’s a momentous occasion for everyone involved.”

As part of the agreement, Playside will handle all development and programming of the game which is yet to be confirmed as either browser-based or for PC. Click, LazerBeam and Fresh will promote the game at launch and regularly post-launch.

Critically, Playside will own the new game source code, front end and user interface but any other new IP generated will be jointly owned between PlaySide and Click.

Playside Studios is an Australian-based video games developer with 52 gaming titles launching including Jumanji Epic Run, Rise of the Ninja Turtle Ninja Run, Hatchtopia Live, and Animal Warfare. The titles are markedly different to games that LazerBeam and Fresh are best known for with LazerBeam primarily playing Fortnite, Minecraft and Madden while Fresh is a professional Fortnite player.

Playside Studios commenced trading on the ASX on 17 December 2020 following a $15 million IPO.