Solana News Today: Star Atlas Unveils Zink Blockchain for 2025 Launch Amid Crypto Gaming Shift

Generated by AI AgentCoin World
Thursday, Aug 14, 2025 1:01 pm ET1min read
Aime RobotAime Summary

- Star Atlas unveils Zink, a Solana-compatible Layer 1 blockchain for 2025 launch, transitioning from Solana dependency to scalable infrastructure.

- Zink starts as centralized-permissioned chain with external validators, aiming for full decentralization within 18-24 months via iterative upgrades.

- Blockchain integrates zero-knowledge proofs for zProfiles, enabling cross-app identity control, and uses native tokens for staking and incentives.

- Airdrop campaign rewards XP points for game participation/token lock-ups, aligning user engagement with ecosystem growth.

- Reflects crypto gaming trend toward identity-focused blockchains, joining projects like Worldcoin and Moca Chain in prioritizing user-controlled digital identities.

The development team behind Star Atlas, a much-anticipated space exploration game, has announced its plans to launch a custom-built, Solana-compatible Layer 1 blockchain named Zink by December 2025. Initially, the project was expected to rely fully on Solana’s mainnet for its blockchain-based features, but the studio has since decided to build its own chain to enhance scalability and support the game’s expanding ecosystem [1].

Zink will begin as a centralized and permissioned blockchain, with the team emphasizing early control and performance optimization for Star Atlas. Michael Wagner, founder and CEO of ATMTA, explained that the chain will initially include a validator set composed partly of external parties, including some large

Solana
validators, but the studio will retain a significant degree of control in the early phase [1]. The goal is to transition to a fully decentralized and permissionless model within 18–24 months, with decentralization being implemented iteratively over time [1].

The blockchain will integrate zero-knowledge proofs to offer features like “zProfiles,” which enable users to create a centralized digital identity with “global permission settings.” These settings can automate transactions and allow cross-application functionality [1]. Zink’s native token will be used for staking, consensus, and community incentives, further aligning user activity with the blockchain’s development [1].

To drive engagement, ATMTA will launch an airdrop campaign in the coming months. This campaign will reward users with XP points based on their participation in Star Atlas, its affiliated games, and token lock-ups. For instance, playing the browser-based SAGE game or locking up existing Star Atlas tokens like ATLAS and POLIS will generate XP, which can lead to future token rewards [1].

The move reflects a broader trend in the crypto gaming industry, where developers are increasingly designing blockchain infrastructure tailored to user identity and account management. Similar projects include Worldcoin’s EVM-based blockchain and the upcoming Moca Chain, both of which focus on user control over digital identity [1]. The long-term viability of such blockchains will depend on metrics such as user adoption, network revenue, and overall ecosystem growth.

Zink’s December 2025 mainnet launch represents a major step in Star Atlas's evolution, shifting from a Solana-dependent model to a more scalable and autonomous infrastructure. This transition highlights the growing demand for customized blockchain solutions in the gaming sector and underscores the evolving relationship between game development and blockchain innovation [1].

Source: [1] Solana-compatible Star Atlas L1 plots December launch (https://blockworks.co/news/svm-layer-1-star-atlas-launch)