Introduction

In an exciting move for both the gaming and chess communities, Anichess, the dynamic online chess-based strategy game developed by Animoca Brands, has announced a partnership with Yield Guild Games (YGG) to broaden the distribution of its groundbreaking game across Southeast Asia. This collaboration aims to engage a thriving audience of gamers, chess enthusiasts, and students in the region.

About Anichess

Anichess is not your average chess game. Following a statement released on Tuesday, the creators revealed that they have collaborated with Chess.com and five-time World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen to develop a unique gaming experience that has now entered its public alpha phase. Southeast Asia stands out as one of Anichess's key markets, boasting one of the highest numbers of registered players.

Innovative Gameplay

This partnership aligns perfectly with Anichess’s ambition to innovate in the realm of Web3 gaming by providing a fresh twist on chess, traditionally regarded as one of the oldest games in history. The game combines classical chess mechanics with new spell mechanics, resulting in an immersive experience that challenges players’ strategic thinking in unprecedented ways.

Game Modes and Features

With the public alpha, players can dive into a variety of gameplay options, including the recently introduced player-versus-player (PvP) matches and player-versus-environment (PvE) spell chess puzzles. Anichess now boasts four distinct game modes: ranked match, quick match, friend match, and bot match, allowing players to climb leaderboards based on their performance and compete against one another or AI opponents.

Upcoming Tournament

To kick off this exciting partnership, Anichess and YGG plan to host an exhilarating tournament featuring qualifying rounds beginning in October. The grand finale will take place during the YGG Play Summit in November in Manila, Philippines, further amplifying the excitement and engagement within the chess community.

Community Engagement

By collaborating with various guilds, educational institutions, and content creators, Anichess seeks to cultivate an engaged community, fostering deeper connections among players across Southeast Asia. Brian Chan, the head of Anichess, expressed enthusiasm for this new gaming endeavor, emphasizing the potential of the partnership to reach a diverse audience in a region rich in gaming culture.

Statements from Leadership

Gabby Dizon, Co-founder of YGG, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the Philippines' robust competitive gaming scene, particularly in chess. As players immerse themselves in this innovative, spell-infused chess experience, YGG anticipates significant engagement from its community.

Growth Metrics

Since January 2024, Anichess has already garnered over one million registered wallets, showcasing its growing popularity, with approximately 30,000 monthly active users. These players have collectively tackled more than 50 million puzzles, resulting in an astounding total of 14 million minutes of gameplay.

Vision and Future

Anichess, a branch of Animoca Brands, is dedicated to advancing decentralized chess through its unique gameplay. By marrying traditional chess mechanics with modern technologies, Anichess aims to modernize and tokenize the game, capitalizing on the opportunities available through Web3 innovations.

Conclusion

As Anichess breathes new life into the world of chess, it promises an exhilarating, free-to-play experience that captures the essence of traditional chess while introducing strategic layers through its innovative spell mechanics and challenges, appealing to seasoned players and newcomers alike. Get ready to level up your chess game!