This Week in Gaming | Ubisoft NFT Mint, MixMob $10K Events, Gunzilla Mainnet, Apeiron Mobile, Pudgy Penguins Token, Avalanche $250M Upgrade, and the Latest Free Mint & Airdrop Updates
Web3 Game Development
Ubisoft Launches Free NFT Mint for ‘Captain Laserhawk’ Ahead of Game’s Release on Arbitrum Read More
Ubisoft’s Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E. will launch on December 18 on Ethereum layer-2 network Arbitrum. Inspired by the Netflix series Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, the game features characters from popular franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Rayman. A free mint for the Niji Warrior NFT collection has started on Magic Eden, offering holders exclusive perks, input into game development, and evolving NFTs based on engagement. This project highlights Ubisoft’s continued push into blockchain gaming and collaborative game design.
Neon Machine Appoints New CEO, Prepares for Shrapnel’s Launch and Fundraising Read More
Neon Machine, developer of the Avalanche-based game Shrapnel, has named Xbox veteran Ken Rosman as CEO, with co-founder Mark Long transitioning to an advisory role. The leadership change aims to enhance execution as the game nears its free-to-play launch in 2025. The studio is also raising funds in a round led by the Blizzard Avalanche Ecosystem Fund, with details expected in Q1 2025. Meanwhile, Shrapnel continues to evolve with blockchain-based assets and NFTs integrated into its gameplay.
MixMob Unveils MaxxMas and MixMas Events with $10K USDC Prize Read More
MixMob kicks off the holiday season with MaxxMas and MixMas, running from December 13 to 25, offering double Social-Fi points, Pop-Up Arenas, and major rewards. Players can earn points by engaging on Discord, creating content, and participating in exclusive challenges, with a chance to win $10,000 USDC on January 2. MixMas introduces 12 Pop-Up Arenas featuring 1,000,000 MXM in rewards, rare NFTs, and exclusive in-game items. The M3LEE Alpha Showcase adds a 24-hour gaming event, giving players a glimpse into the future of gaming.
Gunzilla and Delphi Launch GUNZ Foundation Ahead of Mainnet and Token Rollout Read More
Gunzilla Games, creator of the battle royale shooter Off the Grid, has partnered with Delphi Ventures to establish the GUNZ Foundation, which will oversee the upcoming GUNZ mainnet and GUN token launch. Built on Avalanche, the mainnet will enhance item ownership and trading while introducing the GUN token as a key ecosystem asset. The GUNZ Foundation aims to ensure sustainable token economics and support future games on the network, with Q1 2025 targeted for the rollout.
Treasure Launches ZKsync-Based Gaming Chain, Moving Away From Arbitrum Read More
Treasure, a blockchain gaming ecosystem, has introduced its own Ethereum layer-2 network using ZKsync’s Elastic Chain, shifting from Arbitrum to meet gaming-specific needs. The move enables features like gasless transactions, social account creation, and enhanced game economies. Treasure plans to launch multiple games on the network by Q1 2025, starting with titles like Wanderers and Zeeverse. This new direction aligns with Treasure’s vision to redefine blockchain gaming while maintaining its development timelines.
Apeiron Launches Mobile Version in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Japan Read More
Web3-based god game Apeiron: Godling Genesis has debuted on the Apple App Store and Google Play in select regions, expanding its reach beyond PC. Developed by Hong Kong-based Foonie Magus, the game blends god simulation with rogue-lite dungeon card-battling, integrated with blockchain for player ownership and creative engagement. The mobile release introduces features like a Battle Pass and a webstore, enhancing gameplay and monetization. With $24 million in funding to date, Apeiron plans a broader global release in 2025, including the U.S., China, and Latin America.
Pudgy Penguins to Launch PENGU Token on Solana in 2024 Read More
Pudgy Penguins, the popular NFT brand, is set to launch its PENGU token on the Solana blockchain in 2024, with 25.9% of the 88.8 billion supply allocated to its NFT holders. The token aims to expand community engagement and bridge digital and physical ecosystems. Alongside gaming projects like Pudgy Party and merchandise available in Walmart and Target, the launch highlights the brand’s efforts to combine web3 innovation with mainstream cultural appeal under Luca Netz’s leadership.
Game Financing
Avalanche Secures $250M Funding to Launch Avalanche9000 Upgrade Read More
Avalanche has raised $250 million through a locked-token sale led by Galaxy Digital, Dragonfly, and ParaFi Capital, with participation from over 40 investors. The funding supports the Avalanche9000 upgrade, which promises a 99.9% cost reduction for L1 deployment and 25x lower transaction costs on the C-Chain. Scheduled for a December 16 mainnet launch, the upgrade aims to enhance scalability, boost institutional adoption, and drive innovation across DeFi, gaming, and tokenization of real-world assets. A $40 million Retro9000 grant program will further support developer growth.
Beam Ventures Launches a $150M Fund to Boost Gaming Innovation in Abu Dhabi Read More
Beam Ventures has introduced a $150 million venture fund to advance gaming innovation in Abu Dhabi, focusing on blockchain, AI, VR, AR, and web3 technologies. The initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global gaming hub through strategic investments, infrastructure support, and an accelerator program for startups. This effort aligns with the Emirate’s vision to foster a knowledge-based economy and creative industries, competing with other regional hubs like Dubai and Riyadh in the gaming and tech sectors.
Moonray Raises $10M, Expands to PlayStation 5, and Bridges Web3 and Traditional Gaming Read More
Ethereum-based sci-fi combat game Moonray has secured $10 million in funding, backed by Animoca Brands and Republic Crypto, to enhance its ecosystem. Since 2021, the game has combined blockchain and traditional gaming, offering web2 and web3 experiences to cater to diverse audiences. Plans include a PlayStation 5 release in 2025, a mobile version, and expanded IP ventures like graphic novels and animated series. This hybrid approach underscores Moonray’s commitment to immersive gameplay and fair competition, earning praise from industry leaders.
Airdrop & Free Mints & Launchpad
Domi Online Public Playtest with $10K price pool from Dec. 15 to Dec. 22 Read More
Axie Classic Guild Wars Tournament provides 500 AXS on Dec 15 Read More
TON Station, TG meme and premium game distribution platform, $SOON TGE & Listing on December 22 Read More