Pudgy Penguins Launches Skill-Based Game Pengu Clash on TON Blockchain

Pudgy Penguins, a well-known non-fungible token (NFT) collection featuring cartoon-style penguin avatars, has introduced a new skill-based Web3 game called Pengu Clash on The Open Network (TON) blockchain. This initiative places Pudgy Penguins in the competitive mini-game arena, utilizing the extensive and diverse user base of Telegram, which boasts over 44 million activated wallets on the TON blockchain.

The game, Pengu Clash, operates on a play-to-win model, where players compete against each other and are rewarded for their gaming prowess rather than speculation. This model contrasts with the traditional play-to-earn model, where players earn tradable currency provided by the game. Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz highlighted that Pengu Clash is a user-vs-user-based system, emphasizing skill and competition.

Pengu Clash will offer various game modes with different rules and objectives, along with skill-based challenges. The choice of the TON blockchain for development was influenced by Telegram’s unique user base, which includes users from Northern Europe and other regions. Netz noted that most platforms are not optimized for this type of gameplay, viewing it as an opportunity to scale the Pudgy Penguins brand.

The launch of Pengu Clash is part of Pudgy Penguins' broader strategy to expand its brand and reach a wider audience. While commercial gains are considered a secondary outcome, the primary goal is to extend the Pudgy Penguins intellectual property (IP) to the masses. The project plans to release more games in 2025, with the next game, Pudgy Party, scheduled for release in August.

Pudgy Penguins was launched as an NFT collection in 2021 and quickly gained popularity. The collection includes 8,888 unique NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain, with a total market capitalization of nearly $200 million as of June 17. The launch of Pengu Clash on the TON blockchain is a strategic move to tap into the large user base of Telegram and expand the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem.