ZKcandy, the gaming-focused Layer 2 blockchain powered by ZKsync, has announced the successful closure of a $4 million private funding round. The funding, backed by industry heavyweights like Wemix Pte. Ltd., Animoca Ventures, and Spartan Group, is set to propel ZKcandy's vision of transforming web3 gaming.
The funding round saw participation from a host of investors. These included Wemix Pte. Ltd., Animoca Ventures, Spartan Group, and Efficient Frontier. Other contributors like Flowdesk, Perlone Capital, and Prometheuz also joined the effort. Angel investors and early supporters from major firms like Stacks and Xangle added to the momentum.
This backing signals strong confidence in ZKcandy's mission. The platform has carved a niche by focusing solely on web3 gaming, setting itself apart from other Layer 2 solutions. Its unique focal point is key to its strategy of attracting major gaming studios and IP holders.
ZKcandy's recent testnet phase, called "Voyage," has already made waves. Within two weeks, the open testnet recorded over 2.4 million wallets created. This milestone highlights the platform's potential to engage a broad audience of gamers and developers.
Such success also hints at the scalability of ZKcandy. Built on ZKsync, it uses zero-knowledge rollup to deliver fast and cost-effective transactions. By processing transactions off-chain, it retains Ethereum's security while offering the speed and efficiency required for modern gaming.
The $4 million injection will drive several key efforts:
The funds will also support ongoing development and partnerships. By simplifying blockchain for users and builders, ZKcandy hopes to become a go-to platform for gaming studios.
At its core, ZKcandy is a Layer 2 blockchain designed specifically for gaming. Built by iCandy Interactive, one of Southeast Asia's largest game studios, ZKcandy benefits from years of gaming expertise. iCandy has created over 300 games with 400 million downloads to date, making it uniquely equipped to bridge gaming and blockchain.
ZKcandy uses ZKsync's technology, which allows it to handle large volumes of transactions efficiently. This tech stack ensures that gaming on the blockchain is fast, affordable, and scalable. It also makes the platform attractive to builders who need robust infrastructure for their games.
The focus on gaming has allowed ZKcandy to stand out in a crowded blockchain space. Unlike generic Layer 2 solutions, ZKcandy tailors its features to meet the specific needs of gaming. This includes support for NFTs, in-game currencies, and complex multiplayer ecosystems.
ZKcandy's mainnet launch will be a major milestone, giving builders and gamers access to a full-fledged platform. With 25 games in the works, players can expect a diverse lineup of titles that push the boundaries of web3 gaming.
One of the most exciting prospects is their Telegram-based ecosystem. This will allow players to access games directly within the Telegram app, simplifying entry for non-blockchain users. It's a bold move aimed at making web3 gaming as easy as traditional mobile gaming.
What's more, the integration of AI agents could redefine gameplay. These agents may help with tasks like matchmaking, content creation, and player engagement. For builders, they promise tools that streamline game creation and management.
No doubt, ZKcandy's $4 million funding round marks the start of an exciting chapter. With a clear focus on gaming, the platform is poised to lead the next wave of blockchain adoption.
For now, all eyes are on 2025. The mainnet launch, new game titles, and groundbreaking features will determine how far ZKcandy can go in disrupting the gaming world.