ZKcandy announces new Web3 gaming-focused mainnet launch

ZKcandy is set to launch its new mainnet chain on April 8 equipped with eight playable Web3 games. It also hints at games based on Hollywood IPs coming soon.

The ZKsync-based gaming and entertainment Layer-2 is officially launching its mainnet on April 8. The mainnet launch follows a successful testnet phase that attracted 2.46 million registered wallets and a $4 million seed funding round backed by major institutions such as Wemix Pte. Ltd. and Animoca Ventures.

According to a press release received by crypto.news, the mainnet will serve as an ecosystem filled with interoperable games. It offers fast transactions, considerably low fees, and account abstraction features. The platform aims to develop mobile Web3 games powered by AI-driven technology.

Upon its mainnet launch, users will be able to access eight Web3 games, including Pepe Kingdom, Candy Defense, and Sugar Rush. Not only that, the protocol is also in the process of collaborating with game developers to introduce Web3 games based on popular Hollywood movie IPs.

ZKcandy is a ZK Chain built within the Elastic Network, ZKsync’s ecosystem of interoperable Layer-2s. With the mainnet launch, it joins other ZK Chain operators including Xsolla, Cronos from Crypto.com, Abstract, and Sophon.

In addition, the platform plans to allocate 5% of its native token supply to incentivizing mainnet participants. Onboarding developers will also be able to submit applications for the upcoming ZKcandy grant.

CEO of ZKcandy, Kin Wai Lau stated the protocol is excited to make the ecosystem available to more users. He claimed that the project is already in partnership with major institutions to bring large IPs and AAA mobile games to the Web3 space.

“Blockchain gaming must be open and accessible to everyone, and it is our goal to ensure that all gamers can enjoy the transparent, secure, and low-friction experience we have to offer. Connecting mobile gaming and Web3 is a solution long overdue, and we are privileged to have the right team to do it,” said Lau.

ZKcandy was created by iCandy Interactive and Matter Labs. iCandy Interactive is the largest game developer in Southeast Asia with more than 500 games under its belt, including titles like Last of Us, Spiderman, Starcraft Remastered, and Gears of Wars among others.

Meanwhile, Matter Labs is a ZKsync contributer that uses zero-knowledge proofs and combines various ZK Chains into an elastic modular network.