Ancient8, an Ethereum-based layer 2 gaming network built on the Optimism Superchain, has opened up the registration phase for Grant Program Season 1, through which various projects have a chance of receiving funding and more.

What Is the Ancient8 Grant Program?

The Ancient8 Grant Program is an accelerator program designed to support new and existing projects that are driving innovation in the realm of blockchain gaming.

The launch of this program comes thanks to the chain receiving a 500k $OP grant from Optimism’s Governance Fund. If you want to become a part of this gaming ecosystem or are already building in it and looking for funding, mentorship, as well as resources that enhance user acquisition and GTM (go to market strategy), then this program is for you.

How Does Ancient8 Grant Program Season 1 Work?

The first season features a total of 200k $OP (currently around $348k) from the Optimism Foundation, with each qualified project set to receive up to 25k $OP tokens. That’s up to $43.5k per grant at the time of writing, a number that may or may not change significantly in the months ahead.

There are two tracks you can apply for this season: a track for existing projects, and a track for new, prospective projects. Criteria and timelines vary between these two tracks.

If you already have an existing project you’re working on as an individual or as a team that has already contributed to this ecosystem, then you could get rewarded for your contributions thus far and receive support to continue scaling for long-term growth and sustainability. So, to be eligible for this track, you need to have active contribution to this ecosystem, on-chain activity that includes verified contracts and wallet interactions, and you need to have demonstrated “long-term commitment and measurable impact.” If you meet the aforementioned eligibility criteria, you have until February 28th to register with info on your contributions and key achievements. The A8 Foundation Council will then undergo a performance review that lasts 2 months, after which chosen projects will undergo a community voting phase, where $A8 stakers in the end actually pick which of the shortlisted projects should get funded. Projects receive funding via milestone achievements.

The prospective projects track is dedicated to new projects looking to deploy or expand within this ecosystem, with the focus of this track being to onboard “innovative initiatives” that improve gaming, user experience, growth tools, content creator networks, and infrastructure. Accepted projects will get funding and mentorship, as well as resources to help deliver a successful launch. To successfully apply, you need to have clear project goals and budget allocation, demonstration of “innovation and technical feasibility,” and a strong alignment with the ecosystem’s growth objectives. You have until February 15th to register for this track by submitting in-depth proposals containing expected outcomes. These proposals will then be reviewed by the A8 Grant Council. If at least 6 out of 10 council members vote in favor of your project, you’re set to win a grant, with funding unlocked through milestone completion.

The A8 Grant Council is divided into 2 subcommittees: A8 Governance Partners, and the A8 Foundation Council. In the former are experienced web3 gaming professionals such as the co-founder and CEO of Sky Mavis, Axie Infinity, and Ronin, Trung Nguyen.

If you want to apply, check out the official blog post for detailed info on evaluation criteria and timelines, as well as instructions on registering while time remains.

Ancient8 isn’t the only ecosystem looking to expand by supporting various blockchain gaming-related projects. Recently, the Ronin Network unveiled a $10M Ecosystem Grants initiative through which they’re offering grants of up to $300k in $RON tokens.