Atari partners with DYLI for limited-edition physically redeemable NFT drop

Video game giant Atari has unveiled 500 limited-edition physically redeemable NFTs through DYLI, a blockchain-powered collectibles marketplace.

Through a Jan. 23 announcement, the New York-headquartered gaming firm announced the launch of limited edition collectible patches themed around its gaming legacy.

Each of the packs will be priced at $15 and will contain one of seven new patch designs or a vintage patch from the 1980s, along with a chance to score bonus items like gift cards or a special item signed by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell.

The packs will be sold on DYLI, a blockchain-powered marketplace built on Abstract chain, an upcoming Ethereum layer 2 developed by Pudgy Penguins creator Igloo Inc. Each patch pack is tied to a redeemable NFT, which will allow buyers to unlock their items digitally before claiming the physical versions, according to a blog post from Atari.

However, the NFT packs would only reveal the specific patch design upon purchase, while any bonus items will remain undisclosed until the physical pack is redeemed.

All NFTs will be stored and managed on DYLI’s integrated wallet, which supports gas-free transactions with fees covered via Abstract Chain’s native paymasters. Buyers can hold their NFT packs indefinitely or trade them on DYLI’s secondary marketplace, where users can buy, sell, or relist the packs before choosing to redeem the physical versions.

The packs are slated for launch next week. According to DYLI founder Alex Needelman, these “partner drops” will help onboard the “next million users to DYLI and Abstract Chain.”

For Atari, it’s far from its first foray into blockchain. The gaming pioneer has been exploring Web3 initiatives since as early as 2018, with the launch of its own cryptocurrency ATRI.

Over the years, it has continued to expand its presence in the sector by partnering with industry heavyweights like Enjin and LiteCoin. 

Last year, it partnered with Coinbase to launch Onchain Arcade on Ethereum L2 base to bring its classic games like Asteroids and Breakout to the blockchain.

Other major names in the gaming industry, like Sega and Ubisoft, have also ventured into blockchain gaming. 

Sega has partnered with Oasys, a gaming-optimized blockchain platform, to bring its popular title Sangokushi Taisen, into the Web3 space. Similarly, Ubisoft announced its first blockchain-based game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, which will launch on the Oasys blockchain.