ZKcandy Sets Sights on 2M Users with New Web3 Gaming Platform

ZKcandy Mainnet Launch

April 8 saw the mainnet debut of ZKcandy, a Layer-2 blockchain for AI-powered mobile games. After a successful testnet phase, the platform is now live with eight Web3 games. The platform is built on ZKsync’s Elastic Network and developed in partnership with iCandy Interactive. ZKcandy aims to onboard millions of users to its blockchain-powered mobile games.

The platform raised $4 million in seed funding, supported by Wemix Pte. Ltd., Animoca Ventures, and angel investors. This funding helps ZKcandy push forward its goal of being one of the first gaming-focused ZK Chains to go live under ZKsync’s modular Layer-2 framework. With its mainnet now active, ZKcandy is setting the stage for major growth in the mobile gaming space.

During its open testnet, ZKcandy saw impressive results. Five of the games attracted 230,000 active players, and more than 2.46 million wallets were created. These numbers highlight the early traction and success of the platform within the ZKsync ecosystem. With such results, ZKcandy is quickly becoming one of the most active chains on the network.

Source: X

Mobile-First Web3 Games

ZKcandy’s eight live games are designed for mobile devices and include titles like Pepe Kingdom, Candy Defense, and Sugar Rush. The games run on-chain, bringing Web3 elements to mobile gaming. ZKcandy integrates artificial intelligence to enhance the gameplay experience. This includes creating dynamic NPCs, unscripted narratives, and personalized game experiences. The AI-driven design sets ZKcandy apart in the competitive gaming market.

For mobile users who are not familiar with Web3 tools, ZKcandy provides a simpler access point. Because of the platform's support for account abstraction, users may play blockchain-based games without having to worry about managing private keys or paying gas fees. This feature makes it more accessible to a larger audience by lowering the barrier for users. ZKcandy is commted to making sure that both novice and seasoned Web3 users have a flawless gaming experience.

To increase its user base and development network, ZKcandy has partnered with 19 projects, such as Layer3, Rarible, and Aethir. These collaborations are essential to the platform's expansion. ZKcandy also supports onboarding activities with marketing campaigns linked to Layer3's launchpad. For testers and early adopters, ZKcandy has reserved 5% of its native token supply as a reward.

Developers that wish to expand on ZKcandy's platform will be able to apply for grants. The goal of these grants is to increase the number of games and apps that are accessible on ZKcandy and draw in new developers. ZKcandy wants to build a vibrant environment that helps players and creators by assisting developers.

Source: X

ZKcandy is also working with outside developers to co-develop games in the future. An unidentified Tier-1 Hollywood intellectual property serves as the basis for one of these games. Through this collaboration, ZKcandy demonstrates its dedication to integrating well-known intellectual properties into the platform, hence enhancing its allure for developers and players alike.

With iCandy Interactive, the biggest game developer in Southeast Asia, contributing significantly to the development, ZKcandy has solid support. With more than 500 games in their catalog, iCandy has contributed to AAA games including Spider-Man and The Last of Us. Furthermore, ZKcandy uses ZKsync's Elastic Network, which facilitates native compatibility between Layer-2 chains and quick, inexpensive transactions. ZKsync presently has more than $1.5 billion in total value locked, which gives ZKcandy a strong platform on which to operate.

Reaching two million active users in the next six months is one of ZKcandy's lofty future objectives. A surprise box campaign, additional studio collaborations, and ecosystem token incentives are just a few of the exciting developments the platform has planned. In the quickly expanding blockchain gaming market, ZKcandy is establishing itself as one of the top game-focused ZK Chains, joining competitors like Xsolla, Cronos, Abstract, and Sophon.