ZKcandy Launches Mainnet, Aims for 2 Million Users in Six Months

ZKcandy, an AI-driven gaming and entertainment Layer-2 powered by ZKsync and iCandy Interactive, has launched its mainnet chain. This significant milestone follows a successful testnet phase and a $4 million seed round funded by Wemix Pte. Ltd., Animoca Ventures, and other notable institutional and angel investors. The launch marks ZKcandy's ambition to revolutionize Web3 game development by creating immersive, interoperable gaming ecosystems where users own their assets and can move them freely across different titles.

The platform leverages advanced AI to enhance non-player characters (NPCs), generate dynamic and unscripted storylines, and provide a personalized experience for each player. ZKcandy's focus on mobile-first Web3 games positions it to compete in the rapidly expanding global mobile gaming market.

During the open testnet phase, ZKcandy saw the creation of 2.46 million wallets and amassed 230,000 active users across five games. This success has made ZKcandy one of the most well-received ZK Chains in the ZKsync’s Elastic Network ecosystem. The platform has collaborated with partners such as Layer3, Aethir, Rarible, and Out Of The Nest, onboarding a total of 19 partners to grow its ecosystem.

Following the mainnet launch, gamers will have access to eight Web3 games, including Pepe Kingdom, Candy Defense, and Sugar Rush. ZKcandy is also partnering with game studios to co-develop Web3 games based on Hollywood film intellectual properties (IPs). The first Tier-1 Hollywood IP game is already in development.

ZKcandy aims to expand to 2 million active ecosystem users within six months of its public launch. The global mobile gaming market is projected to reach significant revenue, and ZKcandy's combination of iCandy’s expertise in game development and ZKsync’s low fees and account abstraction positions it uniquely to become a leading mobile-first Web3 gaming hub.

Kin Wai Lau, CEO of ZKcandy, expressed pride in making ZKcandy available to the general audience. He highlighted the success of the testnet phase and the platform's goal to make blockchain gaming open and accessible to everyone. Lau emphasized the importance of connecting mobile gaming and Web3, stating that ZKcandy is privileged to have the right team to achieve this.

ZKcandy was created in partnership with iCandy Interactive and Matter Labs. iCandy Interactive is a leading game developer with a portfolio of over 500 mobile games and world-class AAA titles. Matter Labs contributes to ZKsync, a blockchain technology using zero-knowledge proofs and uniting ZK Chains into an elastic modular network. ZKsync offers frictionless interoperability and has attracted significant Total Value Locked.

ZKcandy is powered by ZKsync, an Ethereum L2 ecosystem that advances the mass adoption of crypto through ZK-proof technologies. With ZKsync’s tech stack, ZKcandy builds an ecosystem of interoperable games with fast transactions, negligible fees, and top-notch account abstraction features. As a ZK Chain in the Elastic Network, ZKcandy can easily communicate with other chains, ensuring unrestrained liquidity flows.

To encourage ecosystem growth after the mainnet deployment, ZKcandy will launch promotional campaigns on the Layer3 launchpad. The platform has allocated 5% of the total native token supply as a monetary stimulus for participants. Developers will also be able to submit applications for the upcoming ZKcandy grant.

ZKcandy is an AI-powered Layer-2 aiming to redefine what’s possible in gaming and entertainment. As a ZK Chain built on ZKsync’s Elastic Network, it focuses on building immersive gaming ecosystems where players can leverage today’s AI capabilities. Unscripted storylines, dynamic NPCs, and a deeply personalized experience are key features of ZKcandy's mobile-first Web3 games.

ZKcandy is backed by iCandy Interactive, the largest game studio in Southeast Asia, with over 500 games, including 180 AAA titles, downloaded over 300 million times. The platform is powered by ZKsync technology, where simplified onboarding and negligible fees lay the ground for mass adoption. With over $4 million in funding and strategic partnerships, ZKcandy is set to push the boundaries in Web3 entertainment, inspired by the AI revolution.