Big news in the world of web3 gaming! Onchain Heroes (OCH), an upcoming idle RPG, has announced that they’ll be building on Abstract, the consumer-focused blockchain by Igloo Inc. — yep, the same company behind the beloved Pudgy Penguins NFTs. If you’ve been keeping an eye on Onchain Heroes, this move might come as no surprise, but here’s why it’s a game-changer.
A Quick Intro to Onchain Heroes
If you’re new to Onchain Heroes, here’s the lowdown. It’s an idle RPG where players make decisions based on their risk tolerance. You can choose to play it safe or opt for high-risk, high-reward gameplay, similar to those you might have seen in other web3 games like Wolf Game, Raid Party, and Crypto Valleys. There’s also a staking component that adds layers of strategy to the mix.
Originally slated for launch in Q3 this year, the game saw some delays, but the good news is that it’s now back on track for a launch on Abstract Chain in Q4. Onchain Heroes is the brainchild of Skarly, the former lead dev at Wolf Game, and has backing from web3 titans like Beanie, Hunter, and Seedphrase.
Why Abstract Chain?
So, why did the team choose Abstract? Turns out, the decision came down to three major factors: User Experience (UX), Distribution, and Culture. Let’s break it down.
User Experience (UX)
When Abstract’s developer documents went live, Onchain Heroes quickly saw the potential of Abstract Global Wallet (AGW), a wallet abstraction tool that simplifies the crypto user experience. Abstract allows login systems that web2 users are familiar with, which should make onboarding smoother, not just for crypto pros but also for web3 newcomers.
The team was also impressed by Abstract’s Paymasters feature, which lets smart contracts cover transaction gas fees for players. While OCH hasn’t fully committed to using this feature, it opens the doors for them to design unique user experiences.
But the real draw? Abstract’s ability to integrate dApps seamlessly within the game, allowing players to interact with other apps on Abstract without ever leaving the game. This integration could lead to new gameplay potentials and make OCH a crucial gateway into Abstract’s wider ecosystem.
Distribution
In the world of web3 gaming, more players mean a better experience for all. Onchain Heroes aims to reach a massive audience, and Abstract’s distribution powers are key to making that happen.
The team was notably blown away by the success of Pudgy Penguins, whose viral reach has surpassed 29 billion views thanks to the clever use of Pudgy Media and novel distribution strategies. What’s more, Pudgy Penguins has sold over a million physical toys. That’s the kind of scale OCH is gunning for, and they’re confident Abstract will help them achieve that.
Simply put, the more players that get into OCH, the richer the ecosystem becomes, and Abstract offers the infrastructure to scale up quickly.
Culture
Lastly, culture plays a massive role in the team’s decision to choose Abstract. The Pudgy Penguins community, often known as the “PengPal Mafia,” is well-known for being at the forefront of the crypto space. Penguin holders have received several airdrops from major protocols and are seen as one of the most active groups in NFT.
By aligning with this culture, OCH aims to foster a strong community of its own. This cultural fit is just as important as the technology behind Abstract, as it provides a solid foundation for growth and engagement.
What is Abstract Chain?
To learn why this collab is such a big deal, it helps to know a bit more about Abstract Chain. Built by Igloo Inc., Abstract is a Layer 2 blockchain designed for consumer crypto. Using zkSync’s ZK rollup technology, Abstract offers lower transaction fees and faster speeds while maintaining the security of Ethereum. It’s notably focused on dApps that center around culture, creativity, and community.
Abstract has been branded as the “Consumer Chain” because it’s user-friendly and caters to applications like SocialFi and NFT ecosystems. This makes it the perfect home for games like Onchain Heroes, which are all about engaging players in a trustless environment.
What’s Next for Onchain Heroes?
Now that OCH has found its home on Abstract, the team is one step closer to shipping the ultimate web3 gaming experience. The game will feature fully on-chain mechanics, meaning everything — from game state to logic — will live on the blockchain. This ensures that the game remains trustless and verifiable by anyone.
And while the core gameplay loop is designed to be simple and easy to learn, don’t be fooled. Onchain Heroes promises that it’ll be challenging to master, offering players a risk protocol where they can tailor their experience based on how much they’re willing to risk.
For those eager to get started, you’ll need to hold tight. The official launch on Abstract is set for Q4 2024, but knowing the attention to detail this team puts into their work, it should be well worth the wait.
Abstract’s Growing Game Library
Onchain Heroes isn’t the only game making its way to Abstract. Other web3 titles, like DUPER and Pengpals, are also joining the ecosystem. It looks like Abstract is bound to be a major hub for on-chain gaming and consumer-facing apps, making it an exciting time to be a part of this growing network.
