The World's First Matchmaking and Combat Sports Streaming Platform
Description
Spartacus is the world's first matchmaking and combat sports streaming platform. It offers a wide range of opportunities for fighters, allowing them to participate in tournaments, increase their rating, and receive rewards. Fans worldwide can watch the fights. The functionality is expanding and becoming available to judges, commentators, and arena owners.
Tech stack
Frontend & Backend: TypeScript, Angular 2+, React.js, Nest.js, TypeORM, Redis, PostgreSQL, Docker
Mobile: Flutter, MobX
Services: Firebase, Google Geocoding API, AWS, Nimble, Swagger, Facebook API
Our role
UX/UI Design, Mobile & Web Development, QA, DevOps, Support
The challenge
The client approached us with a unique idea: to create a platform that would give complete freedom to MMA fighters, including beginners. In the world today, about 200 million people are engaging in MMA, but due to the specifics of the market, only top-level athletes earn it on a percentage of PPV. The rest receive a salary, from which related expenses are deducted: gym, coach, sports nutrition, etc. As a result, the work of 99.9% of the world's fighters is underpaid (while they do not have a percentage of PPV), and tournaments are irregular.
We had to solve this problem by creating an online matchmaking platform where fighters from all over the world (as well as arena owners, referees, and other participants) can monetize their business. The platform had to compete with the UFS League. The client gave us all the tasks to make the idea a reality.
Project management
We started from the standard stage, the team formation. It included specialists with relevant knowledge and skills, including experience in developing and managing sports projects. One frontend developer, one backend developer, one QA tester, one scrum master, and one business analyst started working. We decided to scale Scrum due to many tasks: in the future, the team working on one backlog was divided into two teams and scaled up to 15 team members.
The workflow consisted of three iterations:
designing a prototype for usability evaluation and testing user scenarios;
implementation of a platform that combines the functions of a marketplace and a streaming service, adapting to different devices;
testing and bug fixing, consistent deployment, and scaling.
Iteration 1
Prototyping is an important step in creating a large-scale IT project from scratch. The prototype helped us not only visualize the client's idea but also evaluate its prospects, save time on design development, and identify problem areas at an early stage.
Completed tasks:
study of the value of the idea, its prospects, and possibilities, study of the concept of the future platform;
creation of the first sketch (visual part) and the "skeleton" of the platform (user interaction with the interface);
building 2 types of prototype: the first reflects the properties of the finished product, and the second, business processes for user requests;
Prototype
Iteration 2
After the client's confirmation, designers and developers got to work. Our team faced the serious task of creating a platform with comprehensive functionality adapted for everyone involved in MMA events (fighters, judges, fans, etc.).
Completed tasks:
prioritization of functions in terms of 6 roles: fighter, fan, referee, commentator, owner of the arena, and manager;
creating key features for fighters and fans and laying the groundwork for future functionality expansion;
introduction of a rating system for a fighter (with points awarded depending on the results of the battle);
integration with the streaming platform to ensure video broadcast convenience;
working out ways of monetization: contributions from fighters, bets, sponsorship for the duration of the streaming;
working out ways of monetization: contributions from fighters, bets, sponsorship for the duration of the streaming;
Iteration 3
We performed extensive testing and made sure that the platform works stably on all devices and platforms and meets the target audience's requirements. Our team is actively implementing new features and providing technical support.
Completed and ongoing tasks:
testing the platform's functionality and usability for various roles;
compatibility testing with various hardware platforms, operating systems, browsers, and screen extensions;
deploying a site on a server, publishing apps in popular Google Play and App Stores;
regular updating and scaling of functionality, fixing bugs.
As a result, we have developed a full-cycle platform that combines the best features of a marketplace and a streaming service. The startup has every chance to revolutionize the MMA industry with powerful functionality that has no analogs in the market.
Key features
Recomendation system
Recommendations of other videos (athlete, content-creator or organization, list of cast: athletes or creators that participate in this video. Episodes and seasons (athlete, content-creator or organization).
Description and tags (athlete, content-creator or organization).
Interaction with users
Users can ask athletes, content-creators or organizations questions and get answers. Allso they can follow favorite athlete, content-creator or organzation to get instant updates. Use live chat or comments under the video, and put reactions under the video
Smart search and profile viewing
We have added a convenient search for fighters, judges, promoters, and gyms. Also, you can view detailed profile info, e.g., weight category, fighting technique, sponsors or location, and a list of fights (for the gym).
Rating system
We have developed and implemented a scoring system for different roles. The fighter's rating is affected by the results of each match. The promoter's rating depends on fighters' records and ratings. The rating of the judge must guarantee the transparency of refereeing.
Fan feed
We have made it possible for all fans to add content creators and events to their favorites and monitor activity at any time.
Streaming
Our experts have done several powerful integrations, including with the streaming platform. We optimized the video streaming process and offered viewers worldwide broadcasts of fights.
Kicks
During the app development, we've accomplished consolidating all extreme sports-related content onto a single platform, curated by both individual creators and major organizations.
Gamification
We took into account users' desire to compete with each other within the platform and earn rewards.
Monetization
We've developed a highly flexible monetization model for both creators within the app and organizations, including app subscriptions, advertising purchases, and an internal currency system.
Referal System
Additionally, we designed a referral system that enables users to invite friends, thereby growing the app's user base, and earning bonuses for doing so.
Numbers
80+
Screens.
1 sprint & 1 release
Feature teams allow to make functionality in every sprint.
1080x30p
Broadcast quality which keep best quality stream with up to 100,000+ active users.
Up to 5
Big releases of Public Product.
Review
"
Everything was great so I just wish them to continue to improve naturally.
Results
Development of a global platform (web and mobile) for matchmaking and streaming with the participation of 15 specialists.
Creating a concise design considering the requirements of PC users and mobile devices.
Unique features and tools for different profile types, like Featured Fighters, for fans.
Guaranteed earning opportunities even for beginner fighters (20% of PPV), which corresponds to the main idea of the client.
A well-thought-out rating system with its scoring scheme for each role: fighter, referee, promoter.
Integration with a streaming platform, giving viewers worldwide access to broadcasts.
Reliable service monetization schemes with contributions from fighters, stakes, and funding from sponsors.
A modern concept of navigation within the app, guaranteeing a seamless experience.
The product's uninterrupted operation due to comprehensive testing.
Scalable functionality and regular technical support.
