The popular NFT project, Pudgy Penguins, has unveiled plans for the alpha launch of Pudgy World, a Web3 game based on the Ethereum Layer 2 network zkSync Era. The press release indicates that the alpha launch is scheduled for Q1 of 2024, marking a transition for Pudgy Penguins from non-fungible token (NFT) collectibles to a comprehensive entertainment and lifestyle brand.
In this upcoming Web3 game, players will have the opportunity to explore an open world, customize their unique penguin characters, engage in story-driven journeys, and interact with each other.
Project Penguins has highlighted several firsts with the announcement, stating that the launch of Pudgy World represents the company’s entry into Web3 gaming as the first-ever Web3 game incorporating both digital and physical collectibles.
Additionally, the team behind Pudgy Penguins has introduced two characters as the project’s first “Hero Characters” named Pudgy and Peaches. These characters will serve as guides to players and drive the narrative of the game.
The alpha launch is positioned as a pioneering fusion of entertainment intellectual property (IP) and zero-knowledge (ZK) blockchain technology, representing a crucial step towards the broader adoption of Web3 technology.
The team emphasizes the importance of selecting the right blockchain for the game, one that is reliable, easily accessible, and designed to scale. Michael Lee, the Senior Vice President of Growth at Matter Labs, commented on how Pudgy World leverages zkSync’s ZK technology to unlock new business models and gaming experiences, drawing parallels to the transformative shift the gaming industry experienced with mobile games.
No Prior Pudgy Penguin Ownership Needed
The team characterizes the new game as “an immersive, digital environment” accessible to Pudgy Penguins NFT holders, Pudgy Toy owners, and all “adventurous gamers.”
According to the announcement, players are not required to hold an NFT or purchase a toy to participate in the alpha version of Pudgy World. However, holders may receive certain benefits.
Each Pudgy Penguin toy is equipped with a QR code that, when scanned, enables the owner to claim unique traits for their digital Forever Pudgy Penguin character within the game.
Furthermore, all toys are linked to existing pieces of NFT intellectual property (IP), ensuring that current NFT holders receive licensing royalties for each corresponding toy.
Luca Netz, the CEO of Pudgy Penguins, highlighted that with owners engaging with their Pudgy Toys, there’s no requirement for them to possess knowledge of the underlying blockchain technology on which the game is built. This, according to Netz, represents a significant advancement for the Web3 and NFT space with the alpha launch of Pudgy World.
At the initial launch, there will be no trading between users, and players can only derive returns from the original sale. However, in a later phase of Pudgy World, players will have the opportunity to participate in the game’s economy.
Michael Lee added, “The launch of Pudgy World, in collaboration with Walmart, stands as a remarkable testament to the capabilities of our joint development teams. Whether you’re a seasoned NFT collector or venturing into crypto for the first time, Pudgy World aims to welcome millions of gamers into web3 to have fun, as well as forge lasting friendships.”
It’s noteworthy that in September, Pudgy Penguins introduced its toy line in over 2,000 Walmart stores across the United States.
