- Zynga, a well-known name in mobile and casual gaming through hits like FarmVille, has handed over control of its crypto game Sugartown and its intellectual property.
- The game development team, now operating independently as D20 Labs, is moving forward with new ventures, including an upcoming game.
- Matt Wolf, ex-VP of Web3 gaming at Zynga, and Tommy Ngo, the former Web3 General Manager, now lead D20 Labs.
D20 Labs emerges from Zynga to revolutionize crypto gaming, launching fresh titles and embracing Web3 incentives.
D20 Labs: Navigating New Waters in Crypto Gaming
D20 Labs has come into existence as an independent entity after separating from Zynga. With this newfound independence, co-founders Matt Wolf and Tommy Ngo are steering the company into new, innovative directions within the crypto gaming industry. Free from corporate constraints, D20 Labs aims to blend Web2 and Web3 elements to push the boundaries of gaming innovation. Wolf emphasized this transformative shift as “historic,” marking the company’s unique position in the market.
Introducing Royal Nutz Poker Club
One of D20 Labs’ first major announcements is the impending release of Royal Nutz Poker Club. Built on Coinbase’s Base chain, an Ethereum layer-2 network, this new mobile and web game will feature poker tournaments where players can climb leaderboards and win prizes. Although the game is part of the broader Sugartown IP, it operates independently with its own narrative and objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement and NFT Utility
Owners of Sugartown NFTs, known as Oras, and holders of APE tokens on ApeChain will gain exclusive access to the game. This strategy exemplifies D20 Labs’ commitment to intertwining blockchain-based incentives with traditional gaming. It is important to note that players won’t be wagering real money; instead, a rewards system developed through strategic partnerships will be in place.
Partnerships and Strategic Alignments
In its quest to innovate, D20 Labs has established its first partnership with ApeChain, an Ethereum scaling network powered by Arbitrum. This new approach aims to provide a seamless and rewarding experience for gamers, leveraging strategic collaborations to drive further engagement and growth in the crypto gaming space.
Future Prospects and Industry Implications
Although Zynga has not publicly detailed the mechanics of the transition to D20 Labs, the publisher confirmed that D20 now possesses full ownership of Sugartown and its associated IP. This shift raises questions about Zynga’s future involvement in blockchain gaming, given its prior interests under the umbrella of parent company Take-Two Interactive. Zynga’s earlier statements about maximizing Web3 opportunities appear to be in flux following this move.
Conclusion
D20 Labs’ emergence marks a significant moment in the crypto gaming landscape. With experienced leadership and innovative game titles like Royal Nutz Poker Club on the horizon, the company is positioned to make substantial contributions to the evolving world of Web3 gaming. As it navigates its post-Zynga journey, the industry will be watching keenly to see how D20 Labs leverages its hybrid DNA of Web2 and Web3 elements to redefine gaming experiences.
