From Arbitrum to zkSync: TreasureDAO's Strategic Migration Explained

TreasureDAO has announced its migration from Arbitrum to zkSync. This decision received overwhelming support, with 99.5% of votes in favor. After months of careful consideration, the DAO determined that zkSync offered the best platform for its new TreasureChain.

TreasureDAO’s Migration to zkSync

Initially, TreasureDAO intended to use Arbitrum Orbit to develop its gaming environment on Arbitrum. Early in 2024, the DAO expressed interest in forging a significant foothold within the Arbitrum ecosystem, which led to the creation of this proposal. However, by February 2024, TreasureDAO expressed openness to exploring alternative options. This shift prompted multiple blockchain networks, including Optimism and zkSync, to propose potential partnerships. The desire for a robust and adaptable platform drove the DAO to reconsider its initial choice.

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The move to zkSync represents a significant change for TreasureDAO. The ecosystem currently supports over 10 games. The DAO plans a full transition to zkSync technology, enhancing its capabilities. While the mainnet launch is on the horizon, TreasureDAO has already initiated a testnet called "Topaz." This testnet allows developers and players to get accustomed to zkSync’s ZK Stack technology, including configuring the zkSync RPC for seamless integration. The hands-on experience with this new technology will ease the transition and encourage participation from the community.

Token Swap with zkSync Foundation

To further cement the migration, TreasureDAO plans a token swap with the zkSync Foundation. This swap marks an important step in the migration process. Through this close alignment, the DAO hopes to solidify its position in the web3 game industry. This calculated decision shows the DAO's dedication to long-term growth and innovation and its resolve to be competitive in a field that is changing quickly.

Despite the transition, TreasureDAO played a vital role in Arbitrum’s Gaming Catalyst Program. This program seeks to enhance gaming on Arbitrum's layer-2 blockchain. It started through a proposal co-authored by Karel Vuong, a co-founder of TreasureDAO. The initiative received majority approval from Arbitrum DAO token holders, resulting in the allocation of 200 million ARB tokens. This funding, valued at approximately $193 million, aims to foster game development over the next three years.

The Gaming Catalyst Program emphasizes various aspects of game development. It includes co-investments into game studios and resources for infrastructure development. Specifically, 160 million ARB tokens are allocated to "builder onboarding and growth." Additionally, 40 million ARB tokens are designated for infrastructure and tooling. The program has also set aside $25 million for administrative costs. These costs cover salaries, legal fees, and marketing efforts. A five-member council governs the program. This council ensures effective resource allocation and tracks key performance indicators.

Arbitrum’s Gaming Catalyst Program stands out as one of the largest gaming-focused initiatives within the Ethereum ecosystem. Its success hinges on the ability to onboard developers and gamers. This positioning could establish Arbitrum as a leader in web3 gaming. However, some concerns arise regarding the target of 20,000 daily active users (DAUs). Currently, games like Delabs’ Rumble Racing Star, which recently moved from Polygon to Arbitrum, are close to reaching 18,000 DAUs. This achievement raises questions about the ambition of the program and whether its targets need reassessment.

Final Thoughts

TreasureDAO’s migration from Arbitrum to zkSync represents a major shift in strategy for building TreasureChain. Despite the DAO's active participation in Arbitrum’s $220 million Gaming Catalyst Program, the decision to transition highlights the dynamic nature of web3 gaming ecosystems. As the competitive landscape among layer-2 solutions continues to evolve, this move signals an important moment for both TreasureDAO and zkSync.

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As TreasureDAO and zkSync advance, the collaboration will attract attention from developers and players within the web3 gaming community. This migration exemplifies how decentralized organizations can adapt to new technologies while focusing on long-term growth. The future looks promising for both parties as they embark on this new journey together.