Unveiling Avalanche: Empowering the Next Generation Gaming

Brace yourself for an extraordinary venture into the realm of web3 gaming! The emergence of blockchain tech has ushered in a revolutionary era of gaming, presenting limitless opportunities for gamers, developers, and investors alike.In this series of reports, we will explore various gaming blockchain ecosystems reshaping the future of gaming as we know it.

The spotlight falls upon the Avalanche gaming ecosystem in this installment as we collaborate with industry leaders, Dappradar and BGA. Together, we comprehensively examine Avalanche's gaming landscape, shedding light on the talented team driving it forward, highlighting noteworthy projects and partnerships, and showcasing the games poised for greatness.

Key takeaways

• Avalanche outperforms rivals in customizability, scalability, flexibility, and decentralization via its subnets

• Evergreen Subnets provide a groundbreaking institutional solution for inter-company communication and asset transfers in gaming.

• Avalanche's funding achievements, such as Avalanche Rush, Blizzard and Multiverse funds, drive ecosystem development and innovation.

• Partnerships with notable entities like BLRD, Wildlife Studios, TSM, Gamestar+, and Loco amplify Avalanche's industry opportunities.

• AvaCloud, co-developed with AWS, is a promising Web3 launchpad poised for wide adoption.

• Influential initiatives like SK, Blitz, and Shrapnel using AvaCloud illustrate its potential for transforming blockchain gaming experiences into the norm.

• Avalanche's shift towards AAA titles from play-to-earn games, supporting AAA studios, hints at high-quality games by 2024, likely to transform industry metrics.

Table of Contents

• Avalanche: A Brief Dive In

• Brains Behind Avalanche

• Decoding On-Chain Data: Trends and Insights

• Why Avalanche When It Comes To Gaming?

• The Leader in Gaming Networks

• Subnets: Future Of Web3 Gaming?

• Exploring Popular Avalanche Gaming Subnets 

• Crabada- Most Popular Avalanche Game?

• Promising Games to Keep an Eye On

• Avalanche Subnets vs. Polygon Supernets

• Institutional Web3: Avalanche Evergreen Subnets and the Gaming Industry

• Building Bridges: Avalanche Arcad3

• Partnership With The Japanese Gaming Giant

• Avalanche To Tap Into Mobile Gaming?

• Avalanche X Esports: Pioneering the Future of Competitive Gaming

• Ties with Alibaba and Amazon?

• Other Industry Changing Partnerships

• AvaCloud And The Future of Blockchain-Powered Gaming

• 8 Figure Funds

• Conclusion

Introduction

In this thrilling world of Web3 gaming, Avalanche stands tall as a force to be reckoned with. As the global interest in blockchain gaming reaches unprecedented heights, Avalanche has emerged as a frontrunner, captivating users from all corners of the globe.

While Ethereum initially stole the spotlight, serving as the birthplace of groundbreaking play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity and Crypto Kitties, the ecosystem soon outgrew its confines.

Enter Avalanche, a blockchain platform that opened its arms to these innovative projects, showcasing its ability to break barriers and offer a more accessible alternative.

Avalanche's allure lies in its ability to break barriers and offer a more accessible alternative. As the valuation of the blockchain gaming industry soars into the billions, developers and gamers alike, have recognized the immense value of expanding beyond Ethereum. Networks like Polygon, Immutable X, Wax, Avalanche have gained traction.

With its exceptional speed and cost-effectiveness, Avalanche has become the ‘go-to’ platform for gaming enthusiasts seeking seamless experiences. But what sets it apart from other gaming chains is the inclusion of its subnet feature, a game-changer for developers. This ingenious addition allows them to unleash their creativity and build without limitations, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in gaming.

Moreover, Avalanche's commitment to sustainability has struck a chord with environmentally conscious gamers. Its low environmental impact aligns with the growing demand for greener solutions in the blockchain space, creating a win-win situation for gamers and the planet.

In this ever-evolving landscape, Avalanche has positioned itself as a powerhouse, captivating developers, gamers, and industry giants alike. Its innovative spirit, lightning-fast transactions, and scalability have made it a go-to platform for those seeking the ultimate gaming experience.

Avalanche: A Brief Dive In

In 2020, Ava Labs introduced Avalanche, a blockchain platform with smart contract capabilities. The primary objective of Avalanche is to offer a scalable blockchain solution that upholds decentralization and security while also prioritizing affordability, swift transaction speeds, and environmental sustainability.

Avalanche sets itself apart through its innovative architecture comprising three blockchains instead of the traditional single-chain approach. This architectural decision showcases brilliance as it designates specific purposes for each blockchain within the Avalanche ecosystem.

Source: Avalanche

By distributing tasks across multiple chains, the Avalanche platform achieves the coveted trio of blockchain qualities: decentralization, security, and scalability.

1. Exchange Chain (X-Chain): Serving as a decentralized platform, the X-Chain facilitates the creation and trading of digital assets.

2. Contracts Chain (C-Chain): The C-Chain operates as a smart contract platform compliant with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) standards, seamlessly integrated with the Avalanche platform.

3. Platform Chain (P-Chain): The P-Chain serves as Avalanche's metadata blockchain, overseeing validators, maintaining a record of existing subnets, and enabling the deployment of new subnets. Additionally, the P-Chain executes the Snowman consensus protocol, a crucial component of the Avalanche ecosystem.

Brains Behind Avalanche

Avalanche was brought to life by a group of brilliant minds from Cornell University, led by Emin Gün Sirer, along with doctoral students Maofan "Ted" Yin and Kevin Sekniqi. They embarked on extensive research to develop a blockchain network tailored to meet the specific requirements of the finance industry. Building upon their research findings, they established a technology startup, Ava Labs, to bring this vision to fruition.

At the helm of Ava Labs, Emin Gün Sirer assumed the role of CEO, with Kevin Sekniqi serving as the COO. John Wu took on the position of President, while Ed Chang joined the team as the Head of Gaming.

Ed brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously served as the Senior Director of Partnerships at the renowned gaming company Electronic Arts (EA Games). Before that, he worked as the Entrepreneur in Residence at The Chernin Group, a prominent media company focused on investments and operations within the media industry, with a particular emphasis on esports and gaming opportunities. Additionally, Ed founded Basikz Agency, an influential gaming agency, and consultancy.

With offices in New York City and Miami, the Ava Labs team comprises world-class computer science, economics, finance, and law experts. They are a passionate group dedicated to creating a seamless and frictionless world by redefining how people build and utilize finance applications. Their collective experience spans leading Fortune 500 finance and tech companies as well as high-growth blockchain enterprises.

Together, the Ava Labs team is driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of blockchain technology.

Decoding On-Chain Data: Trends and Insights

An in-depth analysis of the monthly average of Unique Active Wallets (UAW) on Avalanche provided by Dappradar, categorized by DeFi, High-Risk, Games, and NFTs, provides valuable insights into the platform's user engagement dynamics.

Examining the data from January 2022 to May 2023, it becomes evident that DeFi dominates the platform by on average 20,000-30,000 UAWs monthly, commanding the largest share of UAWs.

During last year's crypto slump, UAWs across all categories declined, reflecting the overall market sentiment. However, as the new year brought relief and market recovery, UAWs for DeFi experienced a notable rebound and upward trend.

In contrast, the UAWs for Games, High-Risk, and NFTs plateaued, tilting slightly downwards during this period, highlighting a potential divergence in user engagement.

When examining the Average Monthly UAWs across categories, DeFi remains dominant, accounting for 73.6% of the UAWs on Avalanche. Games and High-Risk categories hold a similar share, with 11.20% and 11.0%, respectively, while NFTs represent the weakest category, comprising only 4.2% of the Average Monthly UAWs.

A notable factor influencing the NFT category on Avalanche is the absence of top-rated games and collections that drive significant NFT volume, as seen on platforms like Polygon and ImmutableX. Polygon boasts massively popular games centered around NFTs such as Planet IX and Pegaxy, while ImmutableX showcases titles like Gods Unchained and Cross The Ages.

Additionally, Avalanche lacks widely recognized NFT collections like Polygon's y00ts, further highlighting the disparity- not to mention Ethereum's dominance in the NFT space.

These factors contribute to the weak strength observed in the NFT trend when examining the graph. Avalanche's limited presence in popular NFT gaming and NFT collections has hindered its ability to generate significant traction in this area.

Besides, the lack of recovery in Unique Active Wallets (UAWs) for Games on Avalanche can be due to multiple factors.

Firstly, Avalanche is currently building the necessary infrastructure to host the next generation of top blockchain games. As the platform is still in its building phase, it is working towards creating a robust ecosystem that caters to the needs of game developers and players alike (we will explore the details of ongoing development in the subsequent sections).

Furthermore, it's essential to note that not every game built on Avalanche requires extensive on-chain interactions. Avalanche recognizes the importance of flexibility and understands that game development projects have varying requirements. As a result, the platform allows developers to choose the level of on-chain interactions based on their specific game design and mechanics. This approach enables developers to leverage Avalanche's capabilities in a way that best suits their game development needs.

Another contributing factor to the lack of recovery in UAWs for Games on Avalanche is the prevalence of play-to-earn games, which have experienced a decline in popularity recently. This trend has likely impacted engagement and user activity within the gaming category on the platform.

Acknowledging this shift in market dynamics, Avalanche has shifted its focus from play-to-earn games to AAA titles, understanding that the key to driving mass adoption lies in deploying enjoyable games rather than ones built on unsustainable economies.

Moreover, Avalanche is actively supporting studios developing AAA titles technically and financially. Currently, most of these AAA games, such as Shrapnel and Off the Grid (OTG), are still in development, with some not even reaching the Alpha phase.

However, the expectation is that a significant number of these high-quality games will launch on the platform by 2024.

By transitioning from play-to-earn games to AAA titles and actively supporting studios in their development, Avalanche aims to drive a shift in user engagement and metrics. The focus on creating games that prioritize player enjoyment over unsustainable economies is a strategic move toward attracting a wider audience and fostering mass adoption of the platform.

As these AAA titles begin to launch and gain traction, game-related metrics on Avalanche will experience substantial changes, paving the way for a more vibrant gaming ecosystem on the platform.

Why Avalanche When It Comes To Gaming?

Let us now explore some of the critical features of Avalanche that contribute to a seamless blockchain gaming experience within its ecosystem.

Sustainability: Avalanche adopts a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism instead of the energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW). By doing so, Avalanche prioritizes energy efficiency and sustainability, providing an alternative protocol and algorithm development approach.

Security: With the prevalence of cyberattacks in the gaming industry, including blockchain games like Axie Infinity, the Avalanche ecosystem ensures network ownership and continual threat monitoring. It also incorporates robust vulnerability management measures, bolstering the security of games operating within the ecosystem.

Flexibility: Avalanche offers unparalleled flexibility, enabling any project or venture to effortlessly launch decentralized applications (Dapps), including blockchain games, on its platform.

Speed: The Avalanche network boasts remarkable scalability, handling approximately 4,500 transactions per second (TPS) which is much higher for the subnets (unclear). In comparison, Ethereum (before the merge) could process 15 TPS, and Bitcoin about 5 TPS. This significant difference in transactions highlights the impressive speed of Avalanche.

Low Transaction Fees: Another advantage of the avalanche infrastructure for Web3 gaming is its low transaction fees. Avalanche excels in speed and high throughput and ensures cost-effective transactions. It eliminates the inconvenience of hefty gas fees and presents a more efficient economic model for blockchain gaming.

Ecosystem funds: Grant programmes specifically designed for gaming projects, with a strong focus on advancing and enhancing their gaming ecosystem. They have a clear vision and mission to excel in this space.

Such inefficiencies are overcome within the Avalanche-powered games, providing seamless integration of payments, real-time dashboard updates, and a sense of security for users.

The Leader in Gaming Networks

Why does Avalanche have an edge over other networks and ecosystems?

Well, the answer is simple. Avalanche works tirelessly and seamlessly for both players and developers.

When collaboration and connectivity find the perfect balance, just as Avalanche has achieved, projects and network providers can divert their attention toward more crucial matters in the growth of Web3. No longer burdened by software bugs, exorbitant transaction fees, cyber attackers, entry barriers, or speed limitations, they can focus on new integrations and pioneering features within the Avalanche ecosystem.

Avalanche's flexibility grants developers one of the most empowering abilities of Web3 has to offer—customization.

Developers can explore various programming languages, virtual machines, and operating systems, with Avalanche providing support for most of them

But what about ImmutableX and Polygon?

ImmutableX offers low transaction costs but lacks the customizability some games require. In contrast, Avalanche Subnets are highly customizable, making them ideal for games seeking tailored blockchain solutions. As for Polygon, it is limited to Ethereum-compatible blockchains and lacks customizable virtual machines (VMs).

Additionally, Polygon currently lacks the flexibility to transition from a permissioned to a permissionless chain, which is where Avalanche excels as a go-to blockchain for Web3 games. Avalanche incentivizes subnet validators by requiring them to lock 2000 AVAX, with a recommended minimum of 5 validators per subnet. The flexibility of permissioned/permissionless subnets empowers teams to select their validator sets based on various factors, including geographical location, hardware capabilities, and KYC requirements.

Furthermore, the direct feedback from the Shrapnel team serves as further evidence of Avalanche's dominance in the gaming sector.👇🏼

Subnets: Future Of Web3 Gaming?

Avalanche sparked spirited discussions within the web3 gaming community, fueled by the notion that "Avalanche subnets represent the future of gaming," a sentiment that resonated strongly.

But what exactly are these subnets, and why have they captured the attention of the web3 gaming industry?

Subnets serve as a revolutionary approach to harnessing the power of Avalanche's validators, creating entirely new instances of the Avalanche blockchain. Nestled within the main Avalanche chain, each subnet possesses its unique set of validators, gas currency, and security measures.

In simple terms, subnets empower games and decentralized applications to tap into the existing Avalanche infrastructure and effortlessly establish their own tailored blockchain environments custom-made for the specific needs of their users.

Moreover, the collection of subnets on Avalanche is a treasure trove of utilities with tremendous significance in blockchain gaming. These subnets encompass regulatory frameworks, intellectual property safeguard, privacy and data protection mechanisms, DAO management tools, risk mitigation strategies, governance structures, etc. And each subnet wields immense value and possesses the capability to handle operations rarely found in most blockchains.

One of the critical advantages of Avalanche’s subnets lies in their scalability. Each subnet is scalable, with its dedicated validator set responsible for validating and publishing transactions specific to that subnet.

For instance, if player1 plays game A on subnet A and player2 plays game B on subnet B, the network does not need to allocate the same valuable validator resources for confirming and publishing transactions for both games. This segregation enables seamless confirmation and publishing of transactions in separate environments, providing an optimized and scalable experience for users.

During an episode of Decrypt's gm podcast, Ava Labs President John Wu shed light on how Avalanche's subnets feature is poised to power potentially substantial Web3 game economies.

Subnets on Avalanche serve as dedicated spaces, akin to white-label solutions for custom blockchains designed for decentralized apps (dApps) or games.

Imagine this scenario: if another app or game on Avalanche is causing congestion on the main network, it won't hamper the performance of your game if it's running on a subnet.

"Games in general, especially GameFi games—there's a gazillion transactions. So those transactions eat up the chain's capacity, in some sense," Wu emphasized. "If someone else is doing something, it won't affect your speed or timing in your subnet."

Unlike other blockchain platforms that may face congestion or even crashes,as Solana experienced, subnets offer a reliable solution.

While bootstrapping a subnet can be challenging, the Avalanche Foundation has established a $290 million fund to incentivize and support teams in launching their subnets.

Moreover, projects interested in launching a subnet can submit their applications directly to the foundation for review, providing developers a valuable opportunity to leverage subnets' power within the Avalanche ecosystem.

Exploring Popular Avalanche Gaming Subnets

Let's take a closer look at some of the popular gaming-related subnets within the Avalanche:

DeFi Kingdoms: Crystalvale 

DeFi Kingdoms, a play-to-earn MMORPG game that debuted on the Harmony blockchain, launched the first Avalanche subnet. This subnet, also known as the DFK Subnet, has showcased remarkable performance and growth since its launch on March 17, 2022. With staggering ~500M transactions completed to date, DFK Subnet has proven to be a bustling hub of activity within the Avalanche subnets.

Averaging 6.08 Transactions per Second (TPS), DFK Subnet has around eight active validators. Moreover, a clear upward trend emerges when examining the graph of Total Addresses on the DFK Subnet. This upward trajectory indicates a growing user base and increasing adoption of the subnet.

Swimmer Subnet

Crabada, a play-to-earn game, introduced its Swimmer Subnet on May 6, 2022. With this subnet, players can dive into the captivating world of Crabada and participate in rewarding gameplay. By migrating to the Swimmer Network, Crabada improved transaction speed by 12 seconds and reduced fees to under $0.0005, maximizing gameplay for players.

The Swimmer Network Subnet has completed approximately 33,700,00 transactions since its launch. However, it's worth noting that the average Transactions per Second for the Swimmer Network Subnet stands at around 0.05 TPS. While this TPS rate may appear relatively low compared to other subnets, it reflects the transactional demands of the subnet.

Validation within the Swimmer Network Subnet operates through a single blockchain, with five active validators contributing to the subnet's security and consensus process.

An interesting observation comes from analyzing the graph of Active Addresses on the subnet, which reveals a downward trend. This decline in active addresses is not unexpected, as the Crabada team decided to sunset the Crabada Battle Game and Swimmer Network operations a few months ago. Consequently, the decrease in active addresses aligns with the cessation of these specific activities.

DOS Labs' Subnet

DOS Labs, the visionary company behind MetaDOS, the groundbreaking 200-player esports battle royale game, develop DOS Subnet. DOS Labs partnered with the Vietnam Game Developer Association, aiming to build the next generation of games on this subnet. By fostering collaboration, they aspire to shape the future of gaming on the Avalanche network.

The DOS Subnet, introduced to the Avalanche ecosystem on February 9, 2023, has quickly made its mark as a promising addition. As a relatively new subnet, its performance and growth are worth examining.

One notable aspect is the average Transactions per Second (TPS) exhibited by the DOS Subnet, which ranges from 0.5 TPS to 9.5 TPS. This fluctuation suggests a dynamic environment with varying levels of transactional activity.

Validation within the DOS Subnet operates through a single blockchain, with nine active validators ensuring the reliability and integrity of the subnet's operations.

A promising observation emerges when analyzing the graph of Active Addresses and Transaction Count on the DOS Subnet. This upward trajectory indicates a growing user base and increasing transactional activity within the subnet. Notably, since May 19, 2023, the activity has experienced a significant spike.

The timing of this spike coincides with two significant events: the release of the Premium Pass for MetaDOS and the project's joining the CMC-Community. It is reasonable to speculate that these developments have contributed to the surge in activity within the subnet.

GUNZ 

Gunzilla Games' highly anticipated game, Off the Grid (OTG), has its dedicated subnet, "gunzilla." With a planned release later this year, OTG offers an immersive experience accompanied by a captivating seven-episode miniseries directed by renowned filmmaker Neill Blomkamp.

Although the subnet launched on December 9, 2022, it is currently not indexed by Avalanche, limiting our access to deeper insights. However, we do know that approximately 11 validators support the subnet.

Beam 

Beam is a subnet designed to streamline game deployment for developers, focusing on shaping the future of Web3 gaming. The Merit Circle DAO, an influential gaming decentralized autonomous organization with over 60 partner games, is launching Beam as an Avalanche Subnet tailored specifically to Web3 gaming development and gameplay.

As the Beam subnet has not yet been launched, there is currently a lack of available insights or information regarding its stats. Nevertheless, the Beam subnet is a highly anticipated subnet.

After all, Merit Circle is regarded as the most extensive gaming DAO, boasting a strong presence with over 60 game partnerships and an impressive treasury valued at ~$100 million.

These are just a few examples of the vibrant subnets flourishing within the Avalanche network. As per the Avalanche Explorer, there are approximately 59 subnets active- a significant of them contributing to the growth and diversity of the web3 gaming landscape on Avalanche.

Crabada - Most Popular Avalanche Game?

One cannot discuss the top games on the Avalanche blockchain without mentioning Crabada, a once-prominent crypto game that left a mark in the gaming landscape.

Crabada gained recognition as a play-and-earn idle game where players assume control of hermit crabs engaged in battles for dominion over oceanic kingdoms. Launched in November 2021, Crabada quickly gained popularity as an idle game built on the Avalanche blockchain.

Players could own NFT crabs and partake in mining, looting, battling, and crafting to earn rewards. The unique aspect of Crabada being an idle game allowed players to engage with it periodically, typically every four hours, to send their NFT crabs on treasure-hunting expeditions.

In the "looting" game mode, players could battle against crabs owned by other players who might be mining their crabs at that time.

During its peak, Crabada surpassed the renowned Axie Infinity in terms of NFT trading volume in May 2022. With over $227 million worth of transactions, Crabada became the highest-grossing NFT project on the Avalanche blockchain.

While Crabada garnered significant attention and transaction volumes, its popularity eventually waned as time went on.

In 2023, the Crabada team made the difficult decision to sunset the Crabada Battle Game and Swimmer Network operations.

However, the legacy of Crabada will continue through the decentralization of Crabada NFTs and the open-source sharing of its contracts and intellectual property (IP).

Despite its eventual closure, Crabada showcased the potential and success of NFT-based gaming on Avalanche.

Promising Games to Keep an Eye On

1. Shrapnel

Shrapnel marks a significant milestone in the maturation of the Web3 gaming space as the first AAA game built on Avalanche.

Drawing inspiration from acclaimed titles such as Escape from Tarkov, Valorant, and Apex Legends, Shrapnel presents an extraction-based game that offers players the unique ability to create custom object skins. These customized skins can be minted into NFTs and listed for sale on the marketplace, providing players with opportunities for creativity and monetization.

Additionally, Shrapnel empowers players to design their own maps, utilizing SHRAPNEL-provided base assets and prefabricated assets, enabling experienced creators and novices to craft high-quality content.

At its core, Shrapnel is designed to reward and empower players and creators, with user-generated content fueling its high-stakes gameplay. Avalanche, renowned as a premier platform for building robust, reliable, and secure networks with customizable implementations, serves as the ideal foundation for Shrapnel's ever-evolving design.

Don Norbury, Head of Studio at Shrapnel, emphasizes, "Shrapnel is being built from the ground up, with community involvement driving gameplay and development at every stage. Choosing Avalanche, with its blazingly fast, low cost, and eco-friendly network, was a no brainer for our team. The ability to run Subnets and define our own parameters provides the flexibility needed to facilitate the type of adrenaline-pumping, extraction-based shooter that Shrapnel is. We know that reducing frictional elements and minimizing risk will be key for bringing players on board. With Avalanche as our foundation, we are excited to showcase all the features of AAA gaming that players know and love, while also enabling new modding capabilities and reward mechanisms."

Moreover, the Shrapnel team comprises industry veterans with extensive experience in transmedia, virtual production, and gaming as a service, boasting a track record that includes contributions to renowned franchises like Halo and Call of Duty.

With a successful seed funding round raising $10.5 million from prominent players like Griffin Gaming Partners, Polychain Capital, and Forte, and a $7 million token sale featuring participation from Dragonfly, Three Arrows Capital, and notable angel investors, Shrapnel has garnered substantial support and investment.

Although the game has not been officially released, the developers have made a playable prototype known as MPX.1 (Multi-Player Experiment 1) available. They exclusively previewed MPX.1 to a curated group at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and publicly revealed it at Consensus 2023, a renowned event within the Web3 community.

Shrapnel captivates players with its realistic and highly cinematic visual style. Set in 2044 on a future Earth, where meteor crashes are commonplace, the game features pervasive steam, ambient neon lighting, and other visually striking elements that create an immersive experience akin to a filmmaker's vision.

The development progress of Shrapnel is promising, and rumors are that an alpha launch is anticipated in the fourth quarter of this year. Undeniably, Shrapnel is one of the standout games worth the wait in the gaming landscape.

2. Off the Grid (OTG)

Off The Grid, a collaborative creation between Gunzilla Games and filmmaker Neill Blomkamp presents a dystopian Battle Royale experience that seeks to redefine the genre with a strong focus on narrative progression.

This innovative game combines PvP skirmishes and PvE storyline missions within a shared real-time map where players interact.

As the Chief Visionary Officer of Gunzilla Games, Neill Blomkamp, renowned for directing films such as "District 9," "Chappie," and "Elysium," has played a pivotal role in shaping Off The Grid. His visionary approach is evident in the game's world, which he envisioned from the ground up.

Joining him in developing the game's narrative is Richard K. Morgan, the acclaimed novelist and screenwriter of "Altered Carbon," and Olivier Henriot, known for his contributions to successful game franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.

Off The Grid is scheduled for launch this year, accompanied by a cinematic seven-episode miniseries directed by Neill Blomkamp, inspired by the game's immersive world.

While specific details about the game's lore remain scarce, it has been disclosed that the action unfolds in and around Teardrop Island, a fictional location in the Pacific Ocean. Here, three powerful corporations engage in a fierce battle for scarce resources, employing advanced technology, robotic enhancements, futuristic shields, and an array of weaponry.

Gunzilla co-founder Vlad Korolev states, "Both traditional gamers and Web3 gamers can enjoy the game. However, it is not a Web3 game in itself. It is a traditional AAA multiplayer shooter that will be released on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, unlike Web3 games."

Korolev added, "As a free-to-play game, our aim is to compete with market leaders such as Fortnite, PUBG, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends. We provide an additional component that grants players greater transparency, security, and ownership over their in-game assets."

Moreover, OTG's development and launch on Avalanche can potentially expand the platform's adoption significantly. As a highly anticipated AAA game with the involvement of renowned filmmaker Neill Blomkamp, it is likely to attract a wide audience and generate substantial attention.

Off The Grid promises an exciting and immersive gaming experience, combining intense gameplay, a captivating narrative, and the creative expertise of Neill Blomkamp and his team. As its launch approaches, anticipation builds for this game that aims to redefine the Battle Royale genre.

3. Providence

Providence is an upcoming free-to-play web3 game developed by Dynasty Studios. It combines survival, exploration, base building, and strategic planning within a post-apocalyptic universe.

Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Providence aims to provide players with an immersive and visually stunning gameplay experience. Lush alien biomes and unique monsters populate the Providence Universe, creating a visually immersive experience. A state-of-the-art AAA title, no doubt!

Players take on the role of Trailblazers, exploring shattered alien worlds, gathering resources, and crafting new items to survive and thrive in a hostile environment.

Lore

The Providence Universe revolves in a post-apocalyptic scenario where the remains of destroyed planets float above a devouring Singularity. Trailblazers are survivors faced with the challenge of staying alive in this hostile environment.

The shattered fragments of lost civilizations hold rare resources and advanced technology, attracting daring individuals searching for fortunes. Players will uncover the mysteries of these lost civilizations as they venture deeper into the Providence Universe.

Gameplay

In Providence, players start by establishing a permanent base of operations called Homesteads on larger, more stable asteroids. They must gather resources and craft essential items using blueprints found in the game world. The landscapes include wild vegetation, exotic creatures, mysterious alien vaults, and rare resources.

To progress further, Trailblazers embark on expeditions to Slipworlds, asteroids on the brink of falling into a singularity. Each Slipworld offers unique challenges and opportunities, and players must make strategic decisions about what to bring on each run.

The game operates on a time-based loop mechanic, where each run is a race against time before the Slipworld is lost forever. Players can go on quick runs for raw materials, collaborate with friends to build on-site bases for more efficient resource processing, or even engage in PvP-enabled Slipworlds to pirate other players' work and claim their spoils.

The acquired resources and blueprints can be utilized back at the Homestead to expand and improve operations, enhancing crafting capabilities and preparing for the next adventure.

Moreover, the 3^rd person game includes:

• Customizable Xenosuit: Players can tailor their Xenosuit, a crucial component for survival, using blueprints found throughout the game.

• AI Companion: The AI companion, Nexodrone, can be customized and trained to perform tasks such as resource gathering or zone defense, providing valuable support based on player needs.

• PvPvE Encounters: Slipworlds offer high-risk, high-reward gameplay, where players can compete against other Trailblazers and the dangerous monsters lurking in the abyss.

Providence has been in development for the past two years by an experienced team of game designers and developers. The core team has evolved from Logic Artists, an independent studio known for successful games such as Clandestine and the Expeditions series, which THQ Nordic acquired.

While a playable teaser experience is in the works, the studio has not announced specific testing or release dates. But they have confirmed that the playable alpha will launch on the Windows PC first this year.

4. Raini: The Lords of Light

Raini: The Lords of Light is an innovative trading card game developed by Raini Studios. Set in the Rainiverse, players assume the role of deck builders and engage in strategic battles using magical spells and minions. With skillful gameplay and blockchain tech, RTLOL offers a unique gaming experience in the trading card game landscape.

Essentially, RTLOL revolves around deck building and competitive battles. Players construct powerful decks consisting of creatures, spells, and resources. Each card in the game is an NFT that players can earn through staking $RAINI.

One of the standout features of the game is its resource management system. Players must carefully balance their resources to cast spells, summon creatures, and defend against enemy attacks. It adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, requiring players to adapt their real-time strategies.

The game includes various card types:

• Minions: Cards placed on the arena with attack damage and health points. Minions can attack or be attacked, and their effectiveness depends on their attributes.

• Spells: Cards with diverse in-game effects played from the hand to influence the battlefield.

• Season Cards: Cards that apply passive effects to the arena, influencing gameplay dynamics.

Mana, represented by gems of different colors, is the resource used to play cards. Players acquire crystals by staking cards, which reward them with corresponding mana gems. The staking mechanism allows players to progress by earning resources and drawing new cards.

Additionally, Raini incorporates DeFi NFT farming and rewards holders with unique NFT drops and collectibles. RTLOL emphasizes community engagement and provides opportunities for players to contribute to the game's development.

Raini: The Lords of Light stands out among the crowded landscape of NFT-driven card games such as Gods Unchained, Skyweaver, and Splinterlands by embracing a unique vibe.

The game incorporates the crypto world's larger-than-life personalities and humorous memes. Its card art references notable figures such as disgraced Sam Bankman-Fried, Changpeng Zhao, Elon Musk, Peter Schiff, the Winklevoss twins, Satoshi Nakamoto, and Vitalik Buterin. It adds a touch of humor and familiarity for players immersed in the crypto space.

Although Raini: The Lords of Light provides a free-to-play mode that includes a basic deck, players also have the option to trade the NFT versions of cards on secondary marketplaces.

Interestingly, the open beta version of RTLOL is available for download on Windows and Mac platforms through the Elixir game store. The game plans a full release on the Epic Games Store soon, aiming to become one of the first web3 games on the platform.

When Raini Studios launches Raini: The Lords of Light on the Epic Games Store, they plan to introduce a utility token, $Photon, on Avalanche. Like gems in popular mobile games like Clash Royale, $Photon will serve as the game currency that players can acquire by purchasing it with fiat.

Moreover, Raini Studios has formed partnerships with Ava Labs and received financial investment from Blizzard, an Avalanche ecosystem venture fund, for the upcoming launch of Raini: The Lords of Light. The team has extensive experience in the gaming industry, and Ava Labs backs the game. The game economy spans Ethereum and BNB Chain, with plans to develop an Avalanche Subnet soon.

Currently, all cards are unlocked by default, but players will need to have them unlocked on their accounts to play them in-game in the future. Although Raini Studios released the game's alpha testing in June 2022, the developers have continued to refine and expand the gameplay experience.

Supported by partnerships with Ava Labs and investments from Blizzard, Raini Studios aims to establish itself as a leading web3 game on platforms like the Epic Games Store. If you enjoy trading card games like Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, or Pokémon, Raini: The Lords of Light is worth exploring for its unique gameplay mechanics and web3-inspired content.

5. Pulsar

Pulsar is an exciting Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game that takes players on a journey to mine, build, and engage in thrilling real-time battles to claim dominion over the virtual world of Pulsar.

Developed for PC and macOS, with a mobile version on the horizon, Pulsar combines the best elements of popular titles like StarCraft and Diablo, offering players an immersive web3 gaming experience with AAA gameplay and stunning graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5.

The game presents a mechanically and economically complex gaming experience, drawing inspiration from beloved RTS classics.

It boasts a vast multiplayer world where players can construct empires, fend off alien invaders, and even conquer other players' strongholds. Pulsar integrates strategic resource mining, structure building, and combat mechanics, granting players true ownership over land, playable units, buildings, and valuable resources.

Moreover, the development team behind Pulsar comprises experienced individuals who have worked on renowned titles such as Metro Exodus, COD Warzone, Rainbow Six Siege, Halo Infinite, Saints Row - The Third, and Angry Birds Holidays, among others.

Lore

Pulsar's fascinating lore sets the stage for an epic space adventure.

As Earth's satellites intercept an unprecedented sound wave known as Beacon 0, originating from the mysterious Pulsar, humanity embarks on a quest to discover its source.

Establishing colonies on various planets and extracting resources along the way, explorers finally arrive at W12R, the last planetary outpost before the enigmatic Pulsar System. This pivotal outpost becomes a battleground as different factions vie for control, setting the stage for intense conflicts and grand ambitions.

The game takes place in the vast expanse of space within the WR-12 Planetary System, where players assume command of colonization units. Their objective is to establish bases across the planet WR-12 and exploit its abundant resources, including the highly coveted energy source, Pulsar.

As players contend with hostile aliens and rival players, they must forge alliances, expand their armies, and venture into deep underground dungeons for valuable treasures.

Multifaceted Gaming Experience

Pulsar breaks down the traditional RTS experience into distinct classes, allowing players to focus on the gameplay aspects they enjoy most. Pulsar offers diverse gaming experiences, including resource collection, NFT building, PvE missions, and thrilling PvP combats.

This multifaceted approach grants players the freedom to develop strategies, generate wealth, and ascend the ranks. Whether players prefer to excel in the game's economy, showcase their tactical prowess in missions, or engage in fierce battles against other players, Pulsar caters to various playstyles.

Balanced Accessibility and Free-to-Play Model

The Pulsar team believes in creating a balanced gaming experience that is accessible to all. The game operates on a free-to-play model, allowing players to access and participate without purchasing NFTs or the native token, $PLSR.

Moreover, free players can build their NFTs, borrow NFTs and resources from other players or the Imperial Bank to mine resources, construct infrastructure, and explore the vibrant world of Pulsar.

However, certain limitations apply to free players, preventing them from transferring assets such as Units, Land, or $PLSR, (although their earnings are shared with the landowner).

The seamless interaction between Web2 and Web3 players further enhances accessibility, enabling both types of players to engage in the game's economy. Pulsar facilitates frictionless and non-custodial on-ramps, allowing players to quickly join the fun without the need for complex wallet configurations, NFT minting, or prior crypto experience.

Investments and Partnerships

The Pulsar team brings a wealth of experience from working on highly acclaimed titles such as Metro Exodus, COD Warzone, Rainbow Six Siege, Halo Infinite, Saints Row - The Third, Angry Birds Holidays, and many more. Their expertise in developing these popular games ensures that Pulsar benefits from their deep understanding of the gaming industry and their ability to deliver top-notch experiences to players.

Pulsar has also garnered support from notable investors, including Blizzard Fund, Avalanche Asia Star Fund, AVentures DAO, Pangolin, Avalaunch, FireStorm Capital, BreederDAO, etc. These investments demonstrate confidence in the game's potential and contribute to its development and growth.

As part of the broader Avalanche ecosystem, Pulsar operates on a subnet within the Avalanche network. Unfortunately, Avalanche has not indexed the subnet, limiting our access to deeper insights.

"Just 9 months ago, Pulsar made its first public debut. Since then, we've raised over $2.5M during this bear and put thousands of development hours into creating an incredible gaming experience for our players." - the Pulsar Team.

Pulsar invites players to embark on an unforgettable web3 journey, offering a captivating blend of MMO RTS gameplay, stunning visuals, and an immersive game world.

With its intricate economy, engaging combat mechanics, and a balance between free and NFT-driven gameplay, Pulsar strives to create an inclusive and thrilling gaming experience for players of all backgrounds.

As the game continues to undergo testing and development, it holds tremendous potential to thrive and evolve into a robust web3 gaming ecosystem where players can explore, conquer, and shape their destinies in the vast universe of Pulsar.

6. Paradise Tycoon

Paradise Tycoon is an upcoming multiplayer Web3 game developed by Empires Not Vampires. Combining elements of popular life simulation games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley with dynamic gameplay and metagame features of tycoon and building games, Paradise Tycoon takes place in a tropical metaverse where players can construct and manage their virtual paradise islands.

The game focuses on progression, social interaction, and creativity, offering a unique and immersive gaming experience.

Casual Approach Without Sacrificing Accessibility

One of the critical design features of Paradise Tycoon is its "Hybrid Casual" approach, making it accessible and intuitive for casual players while gradually introducing deeper metagame elements and social features as players progress.

This approach provides long-term goals and a sense of achievement and promotes player retention through recurring social interactions.

Paradise Tycoon is cross-platform compatible between PC and mobile devices, allowing players to seamlessly transition between shorter mobile sessions and longer gaming experiences on their PCs. The alpha version of the game is already live and is playable on a web browser.

This flexibility caters to players' preferences and enables them to enjoy the game wherever they are.

To make the game experience seamless, especially for non-crypto native audiences, Paradise Tycoon requires no manual, NFTs, or wallets to start playing. The game integrates wallets to reward players without disrupting the overall gaming experience.

Gameplay

In Paradise Tycoon, players can create their paradise on an uninhabited island and become a Paradise Tycoon across the metaverse.

They actively manage their NFT crew, teach them new skills, and equip them with tools to maximize production. The game offers a highly interactive world with numerous possibilities for players to relax and have fun with friends.

The game incorporates interactive elements resembling social media, fostering a communal spirit among players. Players can chat with other players in the area and with friends, share content on social media platforms, participate in community events, and collaborate with their neighbors.

Ownership and Economy

Collaboration with neighboring landowners and community engagement are encouraged in Paradise Tycoon. Players can invite friends from across the metaverse to explore their paradise or interact with diverse characters at Port Ohana.

• The game introduces the concept of NFT Crew, unique and valuable companions that players can collect and utilize. Each crew member has different levels, skills, and rarities, adding an element of chance and excitement to collecting and strategizing their tasks. Crew members' abilities also impact the collection of resources and the construction of buildings, adding depth to the gameplay.

• Lands in Paradise Tycoon are player-owned in-game property in the metaverse, represented as unique ERC-721 NFTs. Players can trade or use their land to access the metaverse and earn higher rewards, creating a sense of ownership and investment in the game. The secondary market within the game allows players to sell their land, potentially making a profit based on ratings and size.

• The Auction House is a player-driven economy feature in Paradise Tycoon, enabling players to sell non-NFT items, resources, or consumables to the highest bidder or at a fixed buy-now price. This feature promotes player-driven trading and allows players to earn rewards and obtain rare items or resources.

Upon starting the game, players receive free land and can acquire additional land and recruit crew members, which can be used or sold as NFTs. The blockchain integration also allows players to earn real money through the $MOANI token.

Development and Support

Empires Not Vampires Ltd., the development team behind Paradise Tycoon, possesses extensive experience in the gaming industry and combines data-driven and creative processes to create a strong foundation for success in the Web3 gaming space.

Notable venture capital funds such as Shima Capital, Zee Prime Capital, Fomocraft Ventures, etc., benefit from the insights and guidance of experienced investors such as Mikko Ohtamaa (Trading Protocol), Kyn Chaturvedi (Minterest), and Gilgamesh and 0xKepler (Hiroba), support the team.

The studio is developing Paradise Tycoon using Unity's cross-platform technology, enabling simultaneous releases on Windows, WebGL, iPhone, and Android devices. The team's experience in performance optimization for multiple platforms ensures a smooth gaming experience across all devices.

Moreover, Empires Not Vampires recently concluded a successful funding round, raising $1 million to support the growth and development of Paradise Tycoon. This financial backing has set the stage for the team to expand the game and further their journey in the Web3 gaming space.

Paradise Tycoon offers a refreshing and enjoyable gaming experience by prioritizing building, creativity, and social interaction over battles and wars.

With its combination of metagame features, user-generated content, and the ownership of in-game assets, the game has the potential to attract a broad audience, including both Web2 and Web3 players.

The developers' commitment to simplicity and comparison to the successful Animal Crossing franchise suggest that Paradise Tycoon may succeed by offering a relaxing and engaging gameplay experience.

As the alpha version is already live and available on web browsers, players can look forward to immersing themselves in Paradise Tycoon and creating their virtual ‘paradise’ on Avalanche.

7. Rise Online World

Rise Online World is an extraordinary MMORPG developed in Turkey that rivals AAA titles in terms of gameplay. This immersive game takes players on an adventure through a massive open-world map, boasting stunning graphics and an intuitive physics engine that adds realism to the gameplay experience.

Drawing inspiration from the 2004 title, Knight Online, Rise Online World pays homage to its roots by incorporating familiar elements that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Long-time fans will delight in the familiar atmosphere and mechanics while being treated to exciting new features made possible by integrating blockchain tech.

In Rise Online World, players can acquire $ROKO, the in-game currency, through various activities such as raiding, crafting, PvP battles, wars, PvE boss events, and completing in-game achievements. These tokens hold significant value as players can utilize them for in-game trading or convert them into other cryptocurrencies on exchanges.

The game features a dedicated marketplace that grants players full autonomy. They can export their characters as NFTs and sell them to other players, along with a wide array of sellable digital assets. Each mode or character within the game has unique NFTs, catering to various roles such as bounty hunters, PvP players, merchants, crafters, gatherers, and leaders. Every profession holds significance and exerts a distinctive influence within the game.

To give players a taste of the game's excitement, a trial version is available for free download on the Rise Online World website, allowing players to experience the game firsthand on their PCs.

Additionally, Rise Online World organizes esports tournaments for its dedicated player base, offering attractive prizes. One notable example is the game's first online 8v8 Esports tournament, sponsored by Klasgame, which featured a prize pool of 100,000 TL.

8. The Legend of Aurum Draconis

At its core, The Legend of Aurum Draconis is a timeless fantasy role-playing game that seamlessly merges the captivating elements of traditional off-chain gaming with the unique financial incentives made possible by DeFi.

Players can embark on an immersive quest line driven by a captivating narrative, engage in strategic turn-based combat, and experience the thrill of resource collection and crafting as they delve into the depths of this enchanting world.

The game offers each player a personalized experience within an ever-expanding metaverse, where you'll encounter formidable foes, solve intriguing lore puzzles, and master the art of equipment crafting that are tradable on the in-game market.

Assembling a party of up to five heroes, players can undertake daring quests that test their skills and courage. The loot acquired during their adventures, including weapons, armor, potions, and Moreover, The Legend of Aurum Draconis has garnered support from prominent entities such as Blizzard (Avalanche Ecosystem Fund), Value Capital, Keychain Capital, MC Ventures Avalaunch, Trader Joe, Elk Finance, and more.

This medieval fantasy RPG-inspired play-to-earn blockchain game immerses you in an ever-evolving digital universe brimming with mystery, magic, and peril.

Avalanche Subnets vs. Polygon Supernets

Polygon has become a prominent player in the gaming blockchain landscape, offering its alternative to subnets called "supernets." However, evaluating supernet and subnet solutions, Avalanche's subnets clearly stand out as the superior option.

Supernets, developed on Polygon's network, serve as a blockchain development platform within the Polygon Edge framework. With it, developers can build high-performance blockchains that deliver exceptional speed and cost-efficiency. These interconnected networks act as secure data-sharing hubs, enabling collaborative work and efficient communication.

Although both subnets and supernets provide scalability solutions for the rapid deployment and development of dapps, they diverge in essential aspects.

Avalanche's subnets employ the Snowman proof-of-stake consensus protocol, ensuring scalability and infinite decentralization through probabilistic consensus.

In contrast, Polygon relies on the Istanbul Byzantine fault tolerance (IBFT) consensus protocol, which guarantees consensus but compromises decentralization and permissionless participation.

When we look at the performance, Avalanche subnets surpass Polygon supernets with an output of around 4,500 transactions per second, compared to Polygon's 1,500 transactions per second.

Additionally, subnets on Avalanche have no restrictions on the number of validators, while supernets are limited to 100 validators due to the constraints imposed by the IBFT consensus.

Clearly, it's evident that Avalanche's subnets offer superior scalability, security, and decentralization capabilities.

While many scaling solutions sacrifice certain aspects of the blockchain trilemma, Avalanche's subnets strike a balance by leveraging the existing Avalanche Network and optimizing traffic flow.

Institutional Web3: Avalanche Evergreen Subnets and the Gaming Industry

On April 6, 2023, Avalanche introduced Evergreen Subnets, a groundbreaking development by Ava Labs that has the potential to make a profound impact on the gaming industry. This institutional blockchain tooling and customization suite can address the company-specific requirements of financial services.

By providing a seamless and secure environment for inter-company communication and asset transfers, Evergreen subnets can revolutionize how gaming companies operate within the blockchain ecosystem.

Traditionally, institutions have relied on enterprise blockchains that lack interoperability and necessitate third-party bridges.

"Currently, many institutions are building use cases on enterprise blockchains such as Corda, Hyperledger, Quorum or R3, which inherently are not interoperable and rely on third-party bridges," Morgan Krupetsky, Ava Labs' institutional business development director stated.

However, Avalanche Evergreen Subnets offers a game-changing solution. With the Avalanche Warp Messaging (AWM) protocol, member institutions can now communicate directly with one another, bypassing the need for intermediaries.

It means that gaming companies can seamlessly transfer assets, conduct trade confirmations, and exchange messages with ease, all while maintaining control over their blockchain environment.

Moreover, Evergreen subnets go beyond the capabilities of default subnets. They provide a ready-made product specifically tailored to the needs of institutional blockchain deployments.

Noteworthy features include:

• User and validator permissioning.

• Jurisdiction-based geofencing.

• Custom gas token selection.

• Compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine.

These features ensure that gaming companies can comply with regulatory requirements, implement KYC/KYB-based permissioning, and establish geofencing measures to address jurisdictional considerations.

According to Avalanche Foundation director Emin Gün Sirer, subnets are the next 'big thing' in blockchain tech following Smart Contracts. Sirer believes that subnets offer capabilities that go beyond Smart Contracts by allowing for "network-level control and open experimentation."

Undoubtedly, Avalanche Evergreen Subnets present an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the gaming industry's adoption of blockchain tech.

Building Bridges: Avalanche Arcad3

Avalanche Arcad3, recently launched by Ava Labs, aims to revolutionize the blockchain gaming space and position Avalanche as one of the leading blockchains for gaming.

With Avalanche Arcad3, Ava Labs has set its sights on merging the realms of Web2 and Web3 gaming, allowing the legacy intellectual properties to flourish in the blockchain-powered gaming space.

Moreover, the new innovative program seeks to ignite a transformative shift in the gaming landscape by connecting traditional gaming titans with the thrilling possibilities of Web3 gaming.

Avalanche seeks to link established Web2 gaming giants with esports organizations, blockchain gaming guilds, and Web3 game studios building on the Avalanche platform.

One of the primary objectives of Avalanche Arcad3 is to assist Web2 partners in breaking into the world of crypto gaming and navigating the transition to Web3.

Consequently, the program offers comprehensive support and strategies in various areas, including game monetization, marketing, user acquisition, and risk management.

Furthermore, it guides partners on regulatory compliance and facilitates the implementation of NFTs, prize pools, esports marketing, and in-game tokens on-chain.

But the vision doesn't stop there. Recognizing the initial apprehension that some gamers may have towards Web3 integrations, the program empowers partners to market the benefits of this new era of gaming and captivate the hearts of players eager for innovation.

The collaborative approach ensures a smooth and successful transition, catering to the evolving preferences of gamers and fostering wider acceptance of blockchain tech.

Among the partners who have embarked on this gaming revolution are industry powerhouses like GREE and Gumi, alongside trailblazing Web3-native pioneers such as Republic Crypto, Shrapnel, Gunz Chain, Dynasty Studios, DeFi Kingdoms, TSM’s Blitz, 2dao3, and Avalaunch. This diverse group of industry leaders brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to the table, propelling the growth of the Avalanche platform and driving the evolution of gaming experiences.

By joining Avalanche Arcad3, studios and game developers gain access to a comprehensive support network and mentorship program.

With a track record of supporting over ten gaming subnets and over 100 Web3 games, Ava Labs is no stranger to pioneering advancements in the gaming industry.

Ava Labs' unparalleled expertise in developing gaming subnets, Web3 games, and on-chain gaming solutions ensures participants receive solid technical, business development, and advisory support.

• Technical support encompasses a dedicated Slack channel for seamless communication, weekly technical office hours for troubleshooting, and consultation on optimizing UX within the Web3 ecosystem.

• Business development assistance includes shared deal flow and investor sourcing for Arcad3 partners and their portfolio companies.

• Advisory support covers tokenomics design, access to Avalanche ecosystem partners and service providers, and strategic guidance on user acquisition.

More importantly, the program offers a comprehensive marketing engine led by Ava Labs' seasoned gaming marketing team.

It includes dynamic event activations, PR initiatives, and customized marketing campaigns tailored to the specific needs of program partners.

These efforts ensure heightened visibility and audience expansion, maximizing the reach and impact of partner projects within the gaming community.

Eiji Araki, the senior vice president for Metaverse at GREE, expressed his enthusiasm for the Arcad3 program.

"Having an experienced Web3 partner like Ava Labs, and a program like Arcad3 where we can collaborate at a level of commitment that we are comfortable with, is extremely valuable in order to build a great Web3 game experience," he emphasized.

Undoubtedly, Avalanche Arcad3 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of blockchain gaming. With a unique blend of expertise, collaboration, and innovation, the program aims to position Avalanche as the go-to blockchain ecosystem for gaming.

Partnership With The Japanese Gaming Giant

Ava Labs and BLRD, a subsidiary of the renowned Japanese gaming and internet media company GREE, joined forces in a strategic partnership in October 2022. The collaboration aimed to accelerate BLRD's growth in the blockchain gaming space, with plans to launch its first Web3 game in 2023.

Why is it relevant?

The significance of this partnership lies in GREE's extensive experience in creating highly engaging Web2 games over the past decade. With a successful track record that includes collaborations with renowned gaming studios like Konami, Square Enix, and Sega, GREE has garnered expertise in developing and publishing popular mobile games, such as Naruto and various iterations of Final Fantasy.

Moreover, GREE has honed its ability to identify and seize opportunities as a significant player in the thriving Japanese gaming market, the third-largest in the world. Now, through its subsidiary BLRD, it aims to venture into Web3 gaming, encompassing game development and distribution on the Avalanche platform, NFT integration, validator operations, and investments in third-party games.

Eiji Araki, Director of GREE, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "I'm excited by the potential of the Avalanche network and its ecosystem. (…) We will deliver a brand new game which will be enjoyed by players for long years as we have done in web2 games."

Moreover, BLRD, with its rich gaming heritage, boasts notable achievements, such as being the first to release a mobile social game, Fishing Star, back in 2007.

Ava Labs will be pivotal in accelerating BLRD's growth in blockchain gaming, providing comprehensive support in technical aspects, marketing strategies, business development, and ecosystem integration.

Ed Chang, Head of Gaming at Ava Labs, expressed confidence in GREE's potential, stating, "GREE has a decade-plus track record of making games that players love with timeless IP. (…) Ava Labs has all the tools to help GREE grow into a Web3 gaming powerhouse."

Looking ahead, BLRD plans to collaborate with Ava Labs and the Avalanche Foundation on various projects, including joint investments through the Blizzard Avalanche Fund.

With the combined expertise and resources of Ava Labs and GREE's subsidiary BLRD, the world of blockchain gaming is poised for exciting advancements and the creation of immersive gaming experiences on the Avalanche network.

Undoubtedly, this partnership has the potential to reshape the gaming industry and propel the Avalanche ecosystem to new heights of mainstream adoption.

Avalanche To Tap Into Mobile Gaming?

In a significant move that signals the growing importance of Web3 gaming, Empires Not Vampires Ltd, ensured that Paradise Tycoon was suitably available for casual gamers via mobile.

By enabling the game to be cross-platform between PC and Mobile, this strategic decision opens up exciting new opportunities for players of Paradise Tycoon.

The significance of the mobile gaming market cannot be overstated, as it has rapidly emerged as the dominant force in the gaming industry. With over 2.5 billion active users and annual revenues exceeding $103 billion in 2022, mobile gaming now accounts for more than 50% of global gaming revenue. While year-over-year growth may show signs of decline, the industry continues to witness a surge in studios venturing into the mobile space, recognizing its immense potential.

By leveraging Avalanche's high performance, customizability, and seamless integration with mobile devices, Wildlife Studios and Avalanche are embarking on an exciting journey that revolutionizes the gaming experience and paves the way for the widespread adoption of Web3 gaming.

Avalanche X Esports: Pioneering the Future of Competitive Gaming

In the dynamic realm of esports, where innovation meets fierce competition, the convergence of crypto and gaming is rapidly reshaping the landscape. With the esports industry soaring past the billion-dollar mark, the potential for a symbiotic relationship between esports and web3 technology becomes ever more apparent.

Investors are fueling the growth of web3 gaming and esports with substantial financial support, recognizing the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead.

Notably, partnerships between cryptocurrency projects and esports teams have yielded monumental deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, highlighting the deepening connection between these industries.

In fact, Web3 sponsorships accounted for a remarkable 15% of all esports sponsorships in 2022, according to NewZoo.

Our previous comprehensive report, titled Yoda Labs: How E-Sports is destined to drive mass Web3 gaming and crypto adoption? explores the flourishing esports industry and its potential intersection with web3 tech, delving into the question of whether this convergence will pave the way for the mainstream adoption of immersive web3 games.

With the International Olympic Committee (IOC) venturing into the world of esports through the Olympic Esports Series, it is evident that esports has achieved significant global recognition.

Always at the forefront of innovation, Avalanche recognizes the vast potential of tapping into the esports realm.

In a significant collaboration that extends beyond the surface, TSM, one of the leading esports teams globally, has chosen Avalanche as its exclusive blockchain partner as it expands its competitive gaming platform, Blitz. This partnership highlights the immense potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing the esports industry.

As part of the agreement, TSM will launch a custom subnet on Avalanche, utilizing the native AVAX token as gas to facilitate on-chain operations for Blitz.

The subnet will provide a fully customizable environment, enabling TSM to push the boundaries of gaming with its unparalleled transaction speed, scalability, and security, catering to millions of users.

TSM's plans include hosting Avalanche-branded tournaments on the Blitz subnet, providing gamers with performance insights, learning tools, and the opportunity to compete in Blitz Arenas for valuable prizes.

By leveraging Avalanche's advanced asset manager, Core, the platform will also streamline the buying and storing of digital assets, enhancing the overall user experience.

John Wu, President at Ava Labs, emphasized the platform's capabilities, stating, "Avalanche's fully customizable subnets were created to help organizations like TSM push the boundaries of what is possible for gaming with sub-second transaction speed, scalability, and security for millions of users."

TSM's massive influence, reaching an impressive audience with 3 million daily active users, 8 million monthly active users, and a total user base of 30 million, alongside generating 5.4 billion monthly impressions, showcases the organization's significant reach and engaged following.

While the partnership with FTX was once the largest in esports history, valued at $210 million, TSM's collaboration with Avalanche signifies a new chapter aimed at harnessing the power of blockchain tech to revolutionize the esports industry and onboard millions into Web3 gaming.

Ties with Alibaba and Amazon?

In a strategic move, Avalanche solidified a significant partnership with Alibaba Cloud in late 2022. As one of Asia's leading cloud service providers, Alibaba Cloud holds a ~5% share of the global market.

This collaboration aims to develop tools that empower users to launch validator nodes on Avalanche's public blockchain platform, specifically in the Asian region.

By leveraging Alibaba Cloud's plug-and-play infrastructure as a service, Avalanche developers can quickly deploy new validators while also accessing additional computing, storage, and distribution resources during peak demand.

The partnership with Alibaba Cloud is of immense importance, considering that Alibaba Cloud holds the position of being the largest cloud service provider in the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration gives Avalanche a strong foundation for expanding its reach and driving adoption in the Asian market, given Alibaba Cloud's extensive customer base and infrastructure capabilities.

Avalanche's significance in the blockchain industry was further amplified in early 2023 when it integrated its blockchain support with Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud.

This integration brought forth a range of new features, including one-click node deployment through the AWS Marketplace, AWS GovCloud integration for decentralized app (DApp) developers seeking compliance, and the ability to effortlessly create Avalanche subnets with just a few clicks.

By participating in AWS Activate, Avalanche enhances the experience of 500+ applications built on its layer-1 chain, fostering growth and innovation within its ecosystem.

Furthermore, Ava Labs, the parent company of Avalanche, has plans to include Subnet deployment in the Amazon marketplace, encouraging users to launch their unique subnets and further expanding the possibilities within the ecosystem.

These partnerships with industry giants like Alibaba and Amazon highlight the appeal and value of Avalanche to the Web2 behemoths. These collaborations go beyond mere namesake associations; they add tangible value to the Avalanche ecosystem by providing seamless infrastructure, scalability, and access to a vast user base.

Other Industry Changing Partnerships

Avalanche's collaborations have extended far and wide, leaving a lasting impact on the gaming industry. One unique partnership is with Gamestar+, a streaming social game platform that confirmed its official collaboration with blockchain developer Ava Labs in July 2022.

This collaboration aims to create a technological framework that combines iconic interactive IPs and entertainment brands with powerful web3 and play-and-earn features. Gamestar+ serves as the world's first interactive social game night streaming platform, bringing beloved titles like Family Feud, Scene It?, and Jeopardy! into the metaverse.

Besides, Avalanche's compatibility with Stardust, a seamless NFT integration solution for game developers, has further expanded the platform's capabilities. By adding Avalanche C-Chain and Subnet compatibility, Stardust empowers hundreds of game developers to easily onboard millions of mainstream players, utilizing Stardust's custodial wallet and integrating NFTs into their projects effortlessly.

This integration also allows game developers to take advantage of Avalanche's Subnet scaling and customization, enhanced security, and leading time to finality while reducing barriers to mainstream NFT adoption in the gaming industry.

Loco, a prominent esports and videogame live-streaming platform, has also joined the Avalanche Multiverse incentive program, further expanding Avalanche's presence in the Asian market.

With a successful $42 million Series A funding round, Loco has become a key player in the Southeast Asian gaming industry. Partnered with renowned publishers like Krafton, Activision Blizzard, and Riot Games, Loco utilizes the power of Avalanche Subnet to customize blockchain properties and seamlessly scale for millions of users. This partnership ensures low fees, fast transactions, and opens the door for Loco's 50 million users to join Avalanche through LegendsByLoco, an esports-focused NFT marketplace.

These collaborations highlight Avalanche's commitment to advancing the gaming industry and embracing the transformative potential of blockchain technology. By partnering with innovative platforms like Gamestar+, Stardust, and Loco, Avalanche aims to create immersive gaming experiences, expand NFT adoption, and build a thriving ecosystem that connects players, developers, and gaming enthusiasts worldwide.

AvaCloud and the Future of Blockchain-Powered Gaming

AvaCloud, the groundbreaking collaboration between Ava Labs and Amazon Web Services (AWS), holds tremendous potential to revolutionize the gaming industry's adoption of blockchain technology.

By leveraging AWS's robust infrastructure and joining forces with a global technology leader, AvaCloud enables businesses - even in the gaming industry - ranging from global enterprises to small Web3 development teams to build customized, fully managed blockchain ecosystems effortlessly.

AvaCloud is a Web3 launchpad that empowers businesses to build fully managed blockchain ecosystems without coding expertise. With a no-code portal, operators can launch a one-click testnet blockchain tailored to their needs. This accessibility and flexibility allow game developers to innovate and create immersive gaming experiences.

AvaCloud's standout features include:

• An automated blockchain builder.

• Round-the-clock technical support.

• Precompiled smart contracts.

• Managed validators.

• Comprehensive data tools.

Moreover, AvaCloud's adoption by influential initiatives like Korean conglomerate SK, popular gaming app Blitz, and AAA game studio Shrapnel sets the stage for widespread industry adoption, making blockchain-powered gaming experiences the new norm.

By providing accessible tools, seamless integration, and interoperability, AvaCloud sets the stage for widespread adoption and paves the way for a future where blockchain-powered gaming experiences become the new norm.

8 Figure Funds

Avalanche has consistently demonstrated its ability to secure substantial funding with multiple eight-figure raises. The first notable funding initiative was Avalanche Rush, a groundbreaking $180 million liquidity mining incentive program introduced in August 2021.

This program showcased the Avalanche Foundation's unwavering dedication to scaling DeFi and fostering a more accessible, decentralized, and cost-effective ecosystem.

Building upon the success of Avalanche Rush, the Avalanche Foundation announced another significant raise in September 2021, securing a staggering $230 million to boost liquidity within the rapidly expanding decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

This funding round was spearheaded by prominent investors such as Three Arrows Capital and Polychain Capital, with notable participation from CMS Holdings and Dragonfly Capital. The substantial investment highlighted the confidence and support of leading players in Web3.

In November 2021, the Avalanche Foundation launched Blizzard, a remarkable over $200 million fund designed to accelerate development, growth, and innovation across the Avalanche public blockchain ecosystem and beyond.

Blizzard comprises contributions from prominent entities, including the Avalanche Foundation, Ava Labs, Polychain Capital, Three Arrows Capital, Dragonfly Capital, CMS Holdings, Republic Capital, R/Crypto Fund, Collab+Currency, Lvna Capital, and Finality Capital Partners, among others.

This fund focuses on four critical areas of growth: DeFi, enterprise applications, NFTs, and culture applications while remaining open to supporting emerging use cases like security token issuances, liquidity providers, and self-sovereign identity.

Moreover, projects supported by Blizzard receive a range of assistance, including equity investments, token purchases, and various forms of technology, business development, and ecosystem integration support.

In March 2022, The Avalanche Foundation established the 'Multiverse,' a substantial $290 million fund to assist developers in expanding the number of subnets on the Avalanche blockchain. This ongoing initiative, structured into at least six phases, is designed to support various projects within the ecosystem.

One of the initial targets of the Multiverse initiative was DeFi Kingdoms, a popular game that migrated to Avalanche in December 2021. As part of the effort, a new Avalanche-native token called CRYSTAL was introduced to complement the game's existing JEWEL token.

In addition to these impressive funding initiatives, Ava Labs, the parent company of Avalanche, has reportedly been engaged in a funding round that positions its valuation at an impressive $5.25 billion.

According to Bloomberg News, the raise amounts to $350 million, with information provided by "people familiar with the discussions." This allegedly ongoing funding activity further reinforces the solid financial position and growth potential of the Avalanche ecosystem.

These significant funding achievements underscore Avalanche's ability to attract substantial investments, fueling the development and sustainability of the ecosystem while propelling it to new heights.

And more importantly, the ample resources at its disposal ensure that Avalanche remains at the forefront of innovation and continues to offer exciting opportunities for builders, developers, and users within the blockchain industry.

Conclusion

Avalanche is leading the charge in this gaming paradise, providing the perfect playground for blockchain games to flourish and redefine how we play.

Subnets, the backbone of this gaming utopia, hold immense potential. They combine various crypto scaling ideas, creating an interoperable ecosystem that amplifies possibilities.

In fact, subnets potentially render Layer 2 solutions unnecessary, showcasing its superiority in functionality.

Moreover, the substantial funding secured through initiatives like Avalanche Rush, the Blizzard Fund, and the Multiverse Fund showcases the ecosystem's financial strength and dedication to supporting development and sustainability. These initiatives have attracted top-tier investors and propelled the growth of the ecosystem.

Partnerships with major cloud service providers like Alibaba Cloud and Amazon Web Services further emphasize Avalanche's appeal to Web2 giants and its integration into existing infrastructure. These collaborations strengthen the ecosystem's technical capabilities and expand its reach.

And let's not forget the vast user base and engagement of Avalanche's partners. From TSM to Gamestar+ to Loco, these collaborations bring together millions of active esports, social gaming, and live-streaming users.

Avalanche's aim is clear – to onboard these users into the Web3 space, fostering the widespread adoption of blockchain tech and offering exhilarating Web3 gaming experiences.

Although the analysis of Unique Active Wallets (UAW) on Avalanche reveals the dominance of DeFi and the relatively weaker engagement in Games and NFT categories, the platform's shift towards developing AAA titles and supporting studios indicates a strategic move to drive mass adoption and enhancing user engagement.

Undoubtedly, Avalanche has established itself as a dynamic and influential blockchain ecosystem, particularly in the gaming scene. Through strategic partnerships, substantial funding, and innovative solutions like subnets, and Arcade, Avalanche provides an ideal platform for blockchain gaming projects and offers exciting prospects for developers, gamers, and investors alike.