H&R Block Brings Block City to the Minecraft Metaverse

Rhea-AI Summary

H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) announced the launch of a new tax-themed gaming experience in Minecraft, integrating custom versions of the original game, featuring a playable H&R Block branded character, Sir Block. The unique MCL will include customized maps, models, and characters, as well as a series of avatars and skins available for download by any Minecraft player. The live-streamed MCL tournament will feature professional Minecraft players battling across multiple levels for a prize pool of $100,000. H&R Block will also host community invitational MCL events with hundreds of gamers from around the country. The company aims to connect with the 79% of the overall population that are gamers, reminding them that tax season is here and H&R Block is here to help. The fresh new experience was designed in partnership with GALE and Moonrock.

Exclusive live-streamed event revives the Iconic Minecraft Competitive League

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) announced the launch of a new tax-themed gaming experience in Minecraft that kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 3 with a live-streamed Minecraft Competitive League (MCL) competition at 2 p.m. EST.

H&R Block’s new Minecraft experience integrates custom versions of the original game, featuring a playable H&R Block branded character, Sir Block. Additionally, this unique MCL will include fully customized maps, models and characters, not to mention a series of avatars and skins available for download by any Minecraft player, even those not competing in MCL.

“Gaming and taxes are an unlikely pairing, which is exactly why we wanted to do this,” said Jill Cress, chief marketing and experience officer, H&R Block. “Many young adult gamers are or will soon file taxes for the first time. Block City and Sir Block are fun and relevant ways to remind them that we are here to help them tackle this challenge and get the best possible outcome at tax time.”

On Feb. 3 the company will unveil this exclusive experience with a live-streamed MCL tournament featuring professional Minecraft players, like CaptainSparklez and hannahxxrose. Eight teams of five top gamers from across the country will battle across multiple levels and compete to win a prize pool of $100,000. This H&R Block themed reboot of the iconic Minecraft Competitive League (MCL) can be viewed live by following any of the eight team captains – ItzMasayoshi, jojothamofo, Punz, SmallAnt, BadBoyHalo, BTMC and Fit – or any of their team members on their YouTube, Twitch or Kick accounts.

Beginning Saturday, Feb. 10 for 12 consecutive Saturdays at 2 p.m. EST, H&R Block will host community invitational MCL events with hundreds of gamers from around the country. These individuals will compete on teams to show off their gaming skills while exploring the exclusive H&R Block Minecraft experience. Links to watch the community events will be published each week by Moonrock, the creative agency partnering with H&R Block to bring this experience to life, on the brands social channels.

For the millions of Minecraft players, including those not participating in the MCL tournament or MCL community invitational events, three collectible in-game wearables/skins will be available for download at lunarclient.com/HRBlock. The “cloak” is available today using HRBlock as a download code. Two additional skins will come available in February and March on the 15^th of each month, featuring a “pet” and an “emote.”

“Building this interaction of MCL has been a fun and highly collaborative process with H&R Block as a partner.” said Krishna Singh, VP of Game Development, Moonrock. "From custom branded maps, to a special never before seen powerful character, we hope gamers can engage with H&R Block and become acquainted or re-acquainted with the brand through this new and exciting Minecraft Competitive League experience."

Gamers account for 79% of the overall population¹, with players between the ages of 18-24 representing as much as 90%. By integrating H&R Block into Minecraft, H&R Block is reminding them that tax season is here, and that H&R Block is here to help. More than five million people switched to H&R Block in 2023 for its reliable tax filing products and services, all backed by the company's 100% accuracy, maximum refund guarantees, and upfront, transparent pricing.²

“We believe in creating entertainment not ads as a way to connect with audiences and make a lasting impression,” said Max Bass, emerging connections director, GALE. "This MCL experience by H&R Block is a perfect example of how brands should integrate and engage with gamers in an authentic way."

This fresh new experience was designed in partnership with H&R Block, GALE and Moonrock. Click the link to see a demonstration of the experience: https://youtu.be/YwqBb6Uxy00

1. Knezovic, A. (2023, December 19). Gen Alpha and Gen Z Gamers: How They Engage with Games. https://www.blog.udonis.co/mobile-marketing/mobile-games/gen-alpha-gen-z-gamers
2. Total number of new customers using assisted or DIY tax solutions regardless of other prior tax preparer or method. See hrblock.com/guarantees for complete details.

Full list of MCL competing players:

Team Masayoshi	ItzMasayoshi
	Sleepy
	Rainhoe
	m0xy
	5up
Team JoeBart	JoeBart
	jojothamofo
	Hansumfella
	Flowtives
	Wallibear
Team Punz	Punz
	Hbomb94
	FireBreathMan
	CaptainSparklez
	sagemommy69
Team SmallAnt	SmallAnt
	Fruitberries
	Feinberg
	Meowmoonified
	InTheLittleWood
Team BadBoyHalo	BadBoyHalo
	awesamdude
	Antfrost
	Sapnap
	Aicandii
Team BTMC	BTMC
	Krtzy
	Mrekk
	JojoSolos
	OrionSound
Team Fit	Fit
	pactw
	Sneegsnag
	Couriway
	Krinios
Team Warn	WarnTV
	hannahxxrose
	EskayOW
	AntVenom
	Purpled

About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/975341bf-c954-4c21-a0e6-99458821d41a

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for H&R Block?

The ticker symbol for H&R Block is HRB.

What is the new tax-themed gaming experience launched by H&R Block?

H&R Block launched a new tax-themed gaming experience in Minecraft, integrating custom versions of the original game, featuring a playable H&R Block branded character, Sir Block.

What is the prize pool for the live-streamed MCL tournament announced by H&R Block?

The live-streamed MCL tournament will feature professional Minecraft players battling across multiple levels for a prize pool of $100,000.

What is the purpose of H&R Block hosting community invitational MCL events?

H&R Block aims to host community invitational MCL events with hundreds of gamers from around the country to connect with the 79% of the overall population that are gamers, reminding them that tax season is here and H&R Block is here to help.

Who are the partners involved in the design of the new gaming experience by H&R Block?

The new gaming experience was designed in partnership with GALE and Moonrock.