Anichess, the innovative chess-based strategy game, recently secured $1.8 million in funding from leading investors such as Sfermion and Amber Group. This investment will be used for game development, marketing and expansion of the Anichess team. With its unique gameplay and engaging features, Anichess aims to put a new spin on the classic game of chess.
A new way to play chess
Anichess, a joint venture between Animoca Brands and Chess.com, has reimagined traditional chess by incorporating spells and new strategies into the gameplay. These elements could make the classic game more accessible to a wider audience. The free-to-play model allows players to enjoy all the intrinsic values of chess while exploring new challenges and knowledge within the game world.
Rapid growth in user base
Since its launch in 2023, Anichess has gained over one million registered players and maintains a daily active user base of 150,000. The introduction of daily player-environment (PvE) chess puzzles in January 2024 has been a major factor in attracting players to the platform. These players have collectively solved more than 50 million puzzles, demonstrating the game’s popularity and engagement.
Anichess has also implemented a leaderboard for Season 1, ranking players based on their puzzle-solving skills and collection of Orbs of Power. This has further strengthened the community and created healthy competition among players. With Anichess planning to roll out its online player-versus-player (PvP) game mode in the second quarter of 2024, expectations within the community continue to rise.
Industry leaders recognize the potential of Anichess
Dan Patterson, general partner at Sfermion, believes Anichess has the potential to redefine Web3 gaming and engage Chess.com’s massive user base. He states: “The future of gaming is community driven and player owned. Chess.com’s existing community of over 150 million players and Web3 communities such as Mocaverse, Aniches has the potential to engage tens of millions of players in that future.”
Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, recognizes Chess’s enduring appeal: “With its popularity, accessibility and incredible strategic depth, Chess is a classic game that has stood the test of time. One of the advantages of a game whose appeal is measured in centuries is the sophistication and passion of its community, and we are very happy with it Aniches to showcase our new and updated interpretation of the King game, in partnership with Chess.com.”