Blockchain Chess Casts Spells on Community Governance with $CHECK

Animoca Brands’ Anichess, a blockchain-based chess project in collaboration with Chess.com, has announced the token generation event (TGE) for its $CHECK token, set to launch in Q4 2025. The project, which integrates NFTs and community-driven mechanics, aims to redefine chess through web3 innovation. Anichess has already minted 960 Ethernals NFTs, each representing a piece of the game’s lore and offering utility within the Checkmate ecosystem. These NFTs, inspired by Fischer Random Chess, are divided into rarity tiers, with 24 “Void” NFTs considered legendary and 105 with “Special Effect” backgroundsAltcoin Buzz^[1]. Holders of Ethernals will receive 10% of the $CHECK token supply at TGE and future airdropsNFT Playgrounds^[2].

The $CHECK token, previously known as $C, will be distributed under a performance-based model, with 55% allocated to the community. Player rewards (36.4%) and ecosystem/treasury allocations (19%) form the core of the tokenomicsPlayToEarn^[3]. Ethernals holders, particularly those with higher rarity NFTs, will receive proportionally larger rewards. The token is designed to power governance, in-game privileges, and community-driven initiatives like VibeCheck, a system enabling players to propose and vote on new game ideas using $CHECKgam3s.gg^[4]. This model aligns with a broader trend in blockchain gaming, where utility-driven tokens foster long-term engagement over speculative tradingAltcoin Buzz^[5].

Anichess has demonstrated strong community traction, with over 5 million minutes played in Season 4 alonegam3s.gg^[6]. The Ethernals NFT collection, launched via a free mint in July 2025, has seen a floor price rise from 0.2 ETH to over 0.5 ETH, reflecting growing demandOpenSea^[7]. The project’s partnerships with Animoca Brands and Chess.com—home to 200 million users—have bolstered its credibility and reachPlayToEarn^[8]. High-profile endorsements, including chess champion Magnus Carlsen, highlight Anichess’s appeal to both traditional and web3 audiences. Carlsen praised the game’s innovative mechanics, such as teleportation and piece swaps, which layer spells onto classic chess rulesgam3s.gg^[9].

The $CHECK TGE follows a strategic rollout of features like Genius Score, a reputation system tracking in-game achievements and on-chain activityPlayToEarn^[10]. This score will influence future games in the Checkmate ecosystem, adding a layer of value for long-term players. Upcoming Sandbox Mode will allow users to design custom game formats, further expanding the platform’s utility. The project has also raised $3.3 million in funding and leveraged social media campaigns to reach 100 million people across TikTok, YouTube, and InstagramNFT Playgrounds^[11]. These efforts position Anichess as a bridge between traditional gaming and decentralized ecosystems.

Market data indicates robust NFT activity, with 629 unique holders and a 24-hour trading volume of 1.13 ETH on OpenSeaOKX^[12]. The Ethernals’ floor price has fluctuated recently, dropping 3.5% in a day to 0.439 ETHOpenSea^[13]. Despite volatility, the NFTs remain a cornerstone of Anichess’s strategy, offering both symbolic identity and functional benefits. With the $CHECK TGE approaching, the project aims to solidify its role as a leader in blockchain gaming, leveraging partnerships, community-driven design, and hybrid mechanics to attract a new generation of playersNFT Playgrounds^[14].