Anichess: A New Chess Game with a Twist
Anichess, a free-to-play browser game developed by Animoca Brands in collaboration with Chess.com and Magnus Carlsen, has entered its first release stage. The initial version of the game offers a single-player experience, with plans to add an online player-vs-player (PVP) mode in Q1 2024. According to Animoca Brands co-founder Yat Siu, Anichess combines traditional chess strategy with spellcasting, a fantasy storyline, and Web3 functionality.
Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion, has praised Anichess as a “refreshing chess experience.” The game incorporates magical spells and NFTs called Orbs of Power. Players can collect these Orb NFTs for free by connecting their crypto wallet to the game and completing daily puzzle challenges. Each Orb represents a different chess piece and element, unlocking further challenges and rewards.
The Orbs were initially released on the Ethereum scaling network Polygon in August 2023 and have already seen significant trading volume. Anichess also offers Moca ID integration for users who have gained IDs from Animoca Brands’ loyalty platform, Mocaverse.
In a blog post, the Anichess team hinted at future features such as spell chess puzzles and player-versus-player gameplay and tournaments. The game previously raised $1.5 million in seed funding from investors like GameFi Ventures and Koda Capital.
Hot Take: Anichess Adds Magic to the Classic Game of Chess
Anichess brings a fresh twist to the timeless game of chess by introducing magical spells and NFTs. With its innovative gameplay mechanics and integration of Web3 technology, Anichess offers players a unique chess experience. The addition of spellcasting and Orbs of Power adds a new layer of strategy and excitement to the game, making it a compelling choice for chess enthusiasts. As Anichess continues to evolve with upcoming features like player-vs-player gameplay and tournaments, it has the potential to become a popular destination for both casual and competitive players. So, if you’re looking for a chess game that combines tradition with innovation, Anichess is definitely worth a try!