In a strategic move within the crypto gaming and metaverse investment sector, Animoca Brands has announced its intention to launch a metaverse ecosystem token built on the Bitcoin (BTC) network. The token’s development will be facilitated through the Ordinals protocol by Darewise Entertainment, an Animoca Brands subsidiary.
A Bitcoin-Powered Metaverse Ecosystem
Darewise Entertainment, also known as Life Beyond Studios, is pioneering the creation of a metaverse ecosystem centered around Bitcoin Ordinals. This innovative protocol enables the recording of NFT-like assets on the blockchain and the creation of BRC-20 tokens within the Bitcoin network.
The studio envisions an expansive metaverse that incorporates immersive gaming experiences, brand integrations, real-world connections, and more. Their upcoming game, Life Beyond, is set to become one of the pioneering titles to feature the newly introduced Bitcoin-based metaverse token for in-game assets and virtual lands.
While Life Beyond has previously ventured into the realm of gaming NFTs on the Polygon scaling network, this initiative marks its entry into the Bitcoin ecosystem. The Bitcoin-based token will serve as the primary currency within the Life Beyond game, facilitating transactions involving in-game assets and virtual lands.
Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, noted the significance of the Ordinals protocol for Bitcoin’s evolution and cultural impact. He emphasized the pivotal role of high-quality gaming in driving mass adoption, expressing excitement over Darewise Entertainment’s collaboration with Horizen Labs, renowned for its expertise in smart contract development and token strategies.
Collaboration with Horizen Labs
To bring the Bitcoin metaverse token to life, Darewise Entertainment will collaborate with Horizen Labs, a company acclaimed for its proficiency in zero-knowledge cryptography and smart contract development. Horizen Labs previously contributed to the creation of ApeCoin (APE), an Ethereum-based token associated with the popular Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT project.
Robert Viglione, CEO of Horizen Labs, expressed eagerness to work with the Life Beyond team, leveraging their expertise to advance this technological innovation. The collaboration aims to explore Bitcoin’s potential within the gaming ecosystem, while addressing challenges related to viability and scalability.
Vincent Marty, Chief Product Officer at Darewise Entertainment, reaffirmed their commitment to testing Bitcoin’s capabilities within the evolving digital landscape. He promised forthcoming technological advancements that will impact not only Life Beyond but also metaverses and games on a global scale.
This venture by Animoca Brands’ subsidiary is a testament to the growing adoption of blockchain and NFT technologies in diverse industries, including luxury brands. As luxury companies increasingly turn to NFTs to ensure product authenticity, this move aligns with the broader trend of integrating blockchain solutions into traditional sectors.
For instance, Prada Group has partnered with the Aura Blockchain Consortium to offer blockchain services for customers to verify product authenticity, while Panerai plans to introduce NFT-based “digital passports” with its watches to enhance transparency and trust in the luxury watch industry.
