Pudgy Penguins, a well-known NFT project, has recently revealed the upcoming alpha launch of Pudgy World. This new project is an exciting Web3 game built on the Ethereum Layer 2 network zkSync Era. According to their press release, the alpha version of Pudgy World is set to launch in the first quarter of 2024.
With Pudgy World, Pudgy Penguins is expanding beyond non-fungible token (NFT) collectibles to create a fully immersive entertainment and lifestyle brand. In this game, players will have the opportunity to explore an open world and customize their own unique penguin characters. They will also engage in story-driven journeys and interact with other players.
Pudgy Penguins introduces “Hero Characters” and leverages ZK technology
Pudgy Penguins has also made several noteworthy announcements. They have introduced two new characters, Pudgy and Peaches, who will act as the game’s first “Hero Characters.” These characters will guide the players and drive the narrative of the game.
In addition, the alpha version of Pudgy World will be a groundbreaking fusion of entertainment intellectual property (IP) and zero-knowledge (ZK) blockchain technology. This innovative use of technology is seen as a vital step towards the mass adoption of Web3 technology.
In order to ensure the success of the game, the team behind Pudgy Penguins needed a reliable and easily accessible blockchain that could scale effectively. Michael Lee, SVP of Growth at Matter Labs, commented that Pudgy World leverages zkSync’s ZK technology to unlock new business models and gaming experiences, similar to the transformative shift experienced by the gaming industry with the rise of mobile games.
Pudgy World’s inclusive gameplay and benefits for NFT holders
The team describes Pudgy World as an immersive digital environment that is available to both Pudgy Penguins NFT holders and adventurous gamers. Interestingly, players will not be required to hold an NFT or purchase a toy in order to play the alpha version of Pudgy World. However, those who do hold an NFT or possess a Pudgy Penguin toy may receive certain benefits.
Each Pudgy Penguin toy is equipped with a unique QR code. By scanning this code, the owner can claim unique traits for their digital Forever Pudgy Penguin character within the game. It’s worth noting that all toys are connected to existing pieces of NFT intellectual property, which means that current NFT holders will receive licensing royalties for each corresponding toy.
Pudgy Penguins CEO, Luca Netz, emphasized that owning a Pudgy Penguin toy allows players to enjoy the game without any knowledge of the underlying blockchain technology. This accessibility is a significant step forward for the Web3 and NFT space.
Initially, there will be no trading between users at the launch of Pudgy World. Players can only benefit from the returns generated by the original sale. However, as the game progresses through later phases, players will have the opportunity to participate in the Pudgy World game economy.
In September, Pudgy Penguins made waves by launching their toy line in over 2,000 Walmart stores across the United States.
