Anichess Combines Chess Tradition with Blockchain Magic

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Anichess: A New Era in Chess Gaming

Anichess, a Hong Kong-based web3 chess game, has shown remarkable growth since its public alpha launch in October 2024. By December, there were more than 100,000 active users of the game per month. This achievement marks Anichess as a top web3 gaming platform and indicates its broad appeal. The game creates thrilling, fast-paced games by fusing blockchain technology with classic chess and employing mystical spells and extraordinary powers.

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Players have played more than 500,000 matches since the game's release, logging over 3 million minutes of gaming. Currently, the game's 40,000-strong Discord community actively shapes the game. Members create a collaborative atmosphere by offering ideas for updates, features, and mechanisms. This involvement strengthens the bond between Anichess and its players, creating a vibrant and dedicated community.

About Anichess and Animoca Brands

Anichess is a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, focused on modernizing chess through blockchain technology. By adding tokenization and magic mechanics, it gives one of the oldest games in the world a new angle. All skill levels can play on the platform, which is free to use. It is interesting and approachable because of its focus on strategic complexity and striking imagery.

Games and products built on the blockchain are created by Animoca Brands, a pioneer in web3 innovation. Its portfolio consists of PHANTOM GALAXIESTM, Crazy Defense Heroes, and The Sandbox. The business upholds its position as a blockchain pioneer by promoting open metaverse and digital property rights.

Anichess contributes to Hong Kong’s growing web3 gaming ecosystem. Following a US$1.8 million funding round in April 2024, led by Sfermion and Amber Group, the game has focused on local collaboration. Partnerships with developers and educational institutions support hackathons, workshops, and internships, bridging traditional gaming and web3 technologies.

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Anichess actively participates in key industry events to increase its visibility. It plans to showcase its innovations at the Consensus Hong Kong event in February 2025 and the Hong Kong Web3 Festival in April. In 2024, it played a role in the GEN3 Playground event, educating over 1,000 attendees about blockchain, web3, and digital ownership.

Anichess is expanding into the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on markets like India, the Philippines, and Vietnam. India stands out due to its strong chess culture and growing interest in blockchain. With a scalable web3 model, Anichess aims to tap into South Asia’s gaming market while exploring opportunities in Latin America.

This regional expansion aligns with Anichess’s goal of building a global, engaged player base. The combination of chess’s strategic appeal with blockchain features positions the game to attract both experienced and casual players.

Looking to the future, Anichess plans to introduce a play-and-earn model. This will include tournament buy-ins, an in-game marketplace, and premium features. These updates aim to create a sustainable in-game economy while keeping the game accessible to all players.

Brian Chan, head of Anichess and vice president of operations and projects at Animoca Brands, expressed pride in the game’s achievements. “Anichess reaching 100,000 monthly active users showcases the appeal of web3 gaming and our innovative fusion of chess with blockchain. We're proud to have built this game in Hong Kong and to expand it globally.We will continue to be dedicated to fostering our foundation—Hong Kong's thriving web3 gaming scene—as we expand.”

Final Thoughts 

Anichess is redefining chess gaming by blending tradition with blockchain innovation. Its rapid growth, active community, and focus on global expansion highlight its potential as a leader in the web3 space. With plans for further updates and regional outreach, Anichess is well-positioned to shape the future of blockchain gaming.