In a significant development for Web3 gaming, the highly anticipated idle RPG, Onchain Heroes (OCH), has officially partnered with Abstract, a consumer-centric blockchain created by Igloo Inc., the team behind the popular NFT Pudgy Penguins. This collaboration is expected to be a crucial step that will reshape the way Web3 games interact with their users and the ecosystem as a whole.
Onchain Heroes, a game that allows players to make choices based on their risk tolerance, offers the opportunity to engage in high-risk, high-reward scenarios, similar to other blockchain-based games like Wolf Game, Raid Party and Crypto Valleys. A staking component further enhances strategic complexity, adding more layers to gameplay. Originally scheduled for the third quarter of this year, delays pushed the launch back to the fourth quarter, with the game now set to debut on Abstract Chain.
Strategic shift to the abstract: improving user experience and delivery
The decision to create Onchain Heroes on Abstract was primarily driven by three key factors: user experience (UX), distribution, and culture. The game’s creators, led by Skarly, a former Wolf Game developer, realized the potential of Abstract’s features when its developer documentation was made available. One notable aspect is Abstract Global Wallet (AGW), a tool designed to streamline the user experience by allowing Web3 and non-crypto-native users to easily log in using familiar Web2 methods. This system should make onboarding easier, especially for new users entering the blockchain gaming space for the first time.
Additionally, Abstract’s innovative Paymasters feature provides the opportunity to reduce transaction costs, with smart contracts able to cover gas fees for players. Although Onchain Heroes has not yet confirmed full adoption of this feature, it opens up the potential for unique gameplay mechanics that could further differentiate it from other blockchain games. The seamless integration of decentralized applications (dApps) into its ecosystem is also a game changer. This feature allows players to interact with various dApps without leaving the gaming environment, creating a smooth, uninterrupted experience and fostering deeper engagement in Abstract’s expanding ecosystem.
For Onchain Heroes, a larger user base equals a richer gaming experience, and the distribution capabilities provided by Abstract are essential to achieving this goal. The success of Pudgy Penguins, which has garnered over 29 billion views and sold over a million physical toys, is seen as a model for Onchain Heroes. The game’s developers believe that Abstract’s strong distribution framework, powered by Pudgy Media’s viral strategies, will help them replicate similar results, growing the game’s audience quickly and efficiently.
Cultural synergy: building a strong community
The culture surrounding Abstract also played a significant role in the decision to partner with blockchain. The Pudgy Penguins community, often referred to as the “PengPal Mafia,” is one of the most active and influential groups in the NFT space. By aligning with this vibrant community, Onchain Heroes aims to cultivate an equally passionate and engaged player base. The developers view this cultural fit as essential to fostering long-term growth and establishing a strong foundation for the game’s success.
Also adding to its appeal is Abstract’s underlying technology, built using zkSync’s ZK rollup for Layer 2 solutions. With lower transaction fees, faster speeds, and the security of Ethereum, Abstract is well-positioned to address consumer-focused dApps, particularly those focused on creativity, culture, and community. Blockchain has earned the title “Consumer Chain” due to its user-friendly design, making it an ideal platform for games like Onchain Heroes that aim to engage players in a decentralized, trustless environment.
A promising future for Web3 gaming on Abstract
With Onchain Heroes now committed to building on Abstract, the game moves closer to delivering a fully on-chain experience where every aspect, from game logic to state, is recorded on the blockchain. This ensures transparency, trustlessness, and verifiability, which are fundamental principles of Web3 applications. Although the game’s mechanics are designed to be intuitive, mastering its intricacies will prove difficult, offering players the opportunity to tailor their experience based on the level of risk they are willing to take.
The official launch is expected in Q4 2024, with players eagerly awaiting the game’s release. As more Web3 titles such as DUPER and Pengpals are also set to join the Abstract ecosystem, blockchain is positioning itself as a hub for blockchain gaming and consumer-facing applications. For those watching the growth of the Web3 gaming industry, Abstract and Onchain Heroes are becoming names to watch as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the space.
