This Week In Gaming | Sony Launches Soneium, GOAT Gaming Launches AlphaGOATS AI Agents, Xociety Joins SUI Play, Ronin Launches $10M Ecosystem Grants and More

Web3 Game Development

Sony Launches Soneium Ethereum Network with Potential for Gaming Integration Read More

Sony has officially launched Soneium, its Ethereum Layer-2 scaling network, aiming to introduce blockchain technology to mainstream users across entertainment sectors, including gaming. Developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, Soneium offers NFT-based engagement and an incubator program. While several blockchain-based games are already being developed on the network, Sony has not confirmed plans to integrate PlayStation franchises. The network remains open to developers, fueling speculation about its potential role in the gaming industry.

Castile Launches Heroes Championship with 1,000,000 CAST in Rewards Read More

Castile has introduced its first Pioneer Season Leaderboard Event, Heroes Championship, running from January 18 to January 24 (UTC 0). Players can earn leaderboard points by summoning new heroes or leveling up their existing heroes’ star levels. A total of 1,500 players will be rewarded with Pioneer CAST Points, which can be converted to $CAST at a 1:1 ratio after the Pioneer Season ends. Additional in-game rewards can be unlocked through incremental targets, with both free and paid tiers available.

Forgotten Runiverse Launches "Crash the Runiverse" Event with 21 Trillion Quanta Airdrop Read More

Forgotten Runiverse, a web3 fantasy MMORPG, has launched the Crash the Runiverse event from January 14 to 17, offering players a chance to earn rewards and test new gameplay features. The event introduces Quanta ($XP), a token essential to the game’s economy, with a 21 trillion Quanta airdrop available through various in-game activities. Players can win exclusive cosmetic armor sets and land plots while exploring the new Omen system, which adjusts dungeon difficulty for increased rewards. The event marks a key phase before the game’s full launch on the Ronin blockchain later this year.

IndieDotFun Launches Community-Focused Fundraising Platform for Solana Games Read More

IndieDotFun, a new community-centric fundraising platform for Solana-based games, has officially launched. The platform offers game developers an innovative way to raise funds by issuing tokens, allowing supporters to invest and take part in shaping the in-game economy. After an initial launch with a few partners, the platform is now accessible to all developers.

GOAT Gaming Launches AlphaGOATS AI Agents for Web3 Gaming Read More

GOAT Gaming has announced the launch of AlphaGOATS, AI-powered agents designed to automate gameplay and generate rewards for users. Scheduled for release on February 6, AlphaGOATS enable players to participate in gaming activities such as tournaments and prediction markets without active involvement. Built on GOAT Gaming’s proprietary AlphaAI technology, these agents offer guaranteed rewards in $GG tokens with a flexible vesting schedule. GOAT Gaming, with over five million users, aims to enhance web3 gaming accessibility and support third-party developers in creating and monetizing Telegram games.

Rumble Kong League Joins Ronin Blockchain to Enhance Web3 Basketball Gaming Read More

Rumble Kong League (RKL), a basketball-themed blockchain game, has officially integrated with the Ronin blockchain, offering players enhanced opportunities to compete and earn rewards. Season 4 of the Sigma League features a 300K $FAME prize pool, with the top player winning 50K $FAME. Players can participate in exclusive $FAME quests through the Ronin Wallet and access onboarding guides to ease their entry into the game. RKL's collaboration with Ronin aims to expand accessibility and engagement, with community events and discussions driving the platform’s growth in the web3 sports gaming space.

REVENGE by Everreach Labs Partners with Immutable for 2025 Launch Read More

Everreach Labs has announced REVENGE, a cooperative PvE extraction shooter set to launch in 2025, integrating Immutable zkEVM technology for true asset ownership. The game introduces a unique spectator-driven experience, where Oracles can influence gameplay by modifying environments and providing strategic upgrades. Players take on roles as Raiders, Guides, or Oracles, creating a dynamic and interactive experience. Through Immutable’s blockchain, in-game assets can be earned, traded, and sold securely. The pre-alpha phase is scheduled for early 2025, with the game available for wishlisting on Epic Games.

Xociety Joins SUI Play, Bringing Sci-Fi Fantasy Gaming Metaverse Read More

Xociety, a hybrid third-person shooter and MMORPG gaming metaverse, is now available on SUI Play. The game blends science fiction and fantasy elements, offering players the opportunity to own avatars and land NFTs. This ownership allows users to actively engage in shaping the virtual world while earning rewards for their contributions.

Immortal Rising 2 Launchpool Season 2 Achieves Greater Success Read More

Immortal Rising 2's Launchpool Season 2 surpassed the previous season, attracting over 183,520 unique active wallets in just seven days. The most completed mission was playing for five consecutive days. As a dark fantasy RPG, the game builds on the success of its predecessor, which topped Korea's role-playing game charts. With a player-centric approach, Immortal Rising 2 allows players to influence game development through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), ensuring a transparent and community-driven governance model.

Game Financing

Web3 Game Company Hyve Labs Secures $2.75M in Pre-Seed Funding Read More

Hyve Labs, a Web3 gaming company, has raised $2.75 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Framework Ventures. Other investors include Volt Capital, Builder Capital, and 32 Bit Ventures, along with several individual investors. Hyve Labs aims to create a decentralized gaming ecosystem by leveraging technologies like EigenDA for data availability. The company seeks to prioritize engagement and innovation without constraints for developers and builders. Lucas Fulks, CEO and co-founder, stated that this funding will help reshape the gaming environment. Previously, Framework Ventures led a $2.5 million investment in Starpower, an energy-focused infrastructure startup.

Ronin Launches $10M Ecosystem Grants to Support Blockchain Innovation Read More

The Ronin blockchain has introduced the Ronin Ecosystem Grants, a $10 million initiative aimed at fostering blockchain development and expanding the platform’s capabilities. The program offers two funding options: the Builder Grant, providing up to $300,000 in RON for milestone-based projects, and the Waypoint Gas Grant, offering up to $20,000 in RON to cover transaction costs. In addition to financial support, grantees will receive exposure through Ronin’s channels, access to the Builders Discord, and collaboration opportunities. Applications are open on a rolling basis to encourage participation from a diverse range of developers.

BeraTone Secures $2M Seed Funding to Develop Blockchain-Powered Farming Game Read More

BeraTone, a farming and life-simulation game on the Berachain blockchain, has secured $2 million in seed funding, led by Animoca Brands, with participation from SNZ Holding, Citizen X, Avid3, Metazero Capital, Digits, and other investors. The funds will be used to accelerate development, expand the team, and enhance gameplay features. Inspired by titles like Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley, BeraTone integrates Berachain’s Proof of Liquidity system, allowing seamless interaction with blockchain applications. The game aims to attract both web2 and web3 audiences through an engaging and accessible gaming experience.

Airdrop & Free Mints & Launchpad

It Remains will have a FREE NFT mint on the MagicEden launchpad starting January 23, 2025. Read More

Zoo, a Telegram Game Inspired by Microsoft’s Zoo Tycoon, to End In-Game Point Farming on January 31 for Airdrop Snapshot Read More