The Resurgence of Digital Horse Racing: Introducing Zed Champions
Virtually Human Studio, known for its acclaimed blockchain-based horse racing game Zed Run, announced the beta release of its new title, Zed Champions, this past weekend. This move aims to revive what was once a standout in the Web3 landscape.
A Brief Look Back at Zed Run
Zed Run has seen better days; it was an innovative digital horse racing platform where players could breed, own, and compete with virtual racehorses. Integrating blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, it tapped into the fantasy of owning a thoroughbred but has now seemingly run its course. According to Nir Efrat, Virtually Human Studio’s new CEO, “Zed Run embodied the dream for many gamers who wished to stake their claim in this thrilling domain,” during his discussion with GamesBeat.
Building on Legacy: The Promise of Zed Champions
Zed Champions builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor—Zed Run—which witnessed breeding activities totaling 420,000 horses and financial transactions exceeding $400 million. The upcoming game offers an enhanced competitive gaming environment that melds skill with strategy while enhancing user experiences visually as well. Efrat expressed optimism about these advancements.
Navigating Challenges: The Transition from Zed Run
The transition won’t be straightforward; due to market fluctuations influenced by multiple NFT downturns and community engagement hurdles that plagued Zed Run’s latter days before being retired after six years. Additionally noted by industry economist Catalin Alexandru is that NFTs associated with the old game will not carry over into this new iteration—a decision met with significant resistance on social media platforms like Twitter/X.
Player Engagement and Rewards System
Current players will have a month-long window to claim or trade reward badges from the original game—these rewards will transfer over into Zed Champions where they can unlock opportunities for acquiring new horses.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Gameplay Models
“The team management model prevalent in sports often proves more sustainable than speculative systems yet still carries risks,” Alexandru shared in correspondence with GamesBeat as he underlined concerns surrounding scalability within these gaming structures.
Future Prospects for Web3 Gaming
With potential regulatory relaxations anticipated under recent government shifts favoring Web3 creations and cryptocurrency innovations—as indicated by various analysts—Efrat stepped into his role as CEO 16 months ago aiming at rejuvenation through strategic pivots initiating from launching ZED Champions.
Your Investment Matters: Financial Health Insights
The company previously secured $20 million during a funding round led by reputable investment groups including The Chernin Group and A16z back in 2021—a significant cushion serving current operations according to Efrat.
A Unique Gaming Experience Awaits Players in ZED Champions
This title focuses on fostering skill enhancement through competitive play unlike many previous projects within Web3 centered merely around speculation. For instance, players are introduced to an exclusive Racing Pool where racehorses compete continuously without manual scheduling required thanks to automated events saturating gameplay dynamics clarified earlier in discussions about gameplay design improvements launched alongside features such as Dynamic Auction Breeding systems using $ZED Tokens for engaged user interaction within their economy model comprising breeding fees among others related matches punctuated against ranks based heavily off leaderboard performance metrics showcasing skilled actions taken outside mere luck aligned strategies utilized throughout races via gamification aspects present inside software architecture choices made innovatively driving modern hobbyist trends further upward revenue trajectories shaping accessibility avenues reaching diverse communities linking talents together effectively nurturing routes towards greater engagements overall!
Diverse Customization Options Enhance User Control
This iteration features three augment categories available providing layers such as Passive ones promoting stable enhancements while Situational adaptations cater quick topics adjusting conditions allowing Progressive modes prioritizing long-term growth trajectories all entwined together promoting intense rivalries ensuring maximum competition driven atmospheres revolve capture interests routinely fueling engagements continuously round out lively entertainment fields berthing laterally distributed audience scopes rather smoothly interconnecting audiences regardless varying degrees familiarity demonstrating ease adaption facilitating smoother transition processes building strong momentums persistently tantalizing participants across spectrums drawn toward progressively engaged adventures encapsulated seamlessly within continuous contests measuring prowess accurately delivered periodically rewarding veterans’ devouts dedicated alike experienced gambling antics…
Reflecting on Origins & Forward Growth Perspectives:
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A Fresh Start for Virtual Horse Racing: Introducing the New Leadership
Reviving a Legacy
Nir Efrat, previously part of the teams behind renowned games like Candy Crush and Dots, has taken on the role of CEO at VHS as of October 2023. He was brought in to rejuvenate the company’s operations, facing challenges head-on with a plan to restore its former glory.
Efrat highlights that his decision to join VHS stemmed from both the company’s notable history and its unrealized potential. “This was once one of the most successful NFT games, generating over $50 million through virtual horse sales. At its peak, thousands engaged in countless races,” he noted, recognizing a significant shift that adversely affected user numbers.
The downturn can be attributed to what many refer to as an “NFT winter,” marked by unscrupulous practices within crypto markets alongside rampant speculation.
“The organization became muddled—a plight common among Web3 ventures during that era—and users started departing,” Efrat explained. “After several unsuccessful attempts at revamping gameplay, it reached a point where usability plummeted, complicating any future growth.”
Despite these issues, Efrat remained optimistic about prospects ahead. Unlike many other Web3 games that primarily focus on speculative ownership without true value for players, he believes this platform holds genuine utility rooted in sports—specifically virtual horse racing—a massively popular sector globally.
Enhancing User Experience
Drawing from his extensive experience creating long-lasting engagement in traditional gaming environments (referred to as Web2), Efrat spotted an opportunity to build something resilient and sustainable by enhancing accessibility for newcomers. His initial encounters with gameplay revealed significant obstacles; navigating wallet setups and purchasing horses required considerable effort—and therefore deterred potential users.
“The process involved establishing wallets and acquiring assets via external sites—it demanded navigating three different currencies just to buy one horse,” he stated. “That complexity sets an intimidating threshold for new players.” His goal is straightforward: craft an experience readily accessible for anyone interested in diving into virtual racing—that aspiration was pivotal in his decision to join VHS.
Currently consisting of around 40 staff members—including individuals versed in both Web2 and Web3 gaming—Efrat is actively reshaping team dynamics by recruiting experts focused on enhancing user interfaces That way they can create captivating experiences aimed at new audiences. With plans set into motion around their ambitious game Zed Champions, he anticipates achieving substantial growth through subsequent funding rounds necessary for scaling operations effectively.
“I’ve made significant changes within our team structure,” he asserted confidently.
Constructing Legacy Through Strategic Gameplay
!Zed Champions – The Successor of Zed Run
Zed Champions marks a new chapter following Zed Run’s legacy—a game where retired racehorses contribute genetics shaping future champions through strategic breeding frameworks aimed at fostering optimal traits essential for competitive success while utilizing player ingenuity throughout this ecosystem.
All transactions within Zed Champions utilize the $ZED token fostering self-sufficiency—where race earnings combined with breeding costs results continuously flowing back into player economies thereby sustaining robust interactions among participants while propelling stakes higher depending on horses’ balances resulting ultimately creating exhilarating competition levels across various contexts.
Years invested refining digital equestrian competitions culminate here—the input generated from dedicated community members amplifies developments alongside revolutionary technological advances enabling immersive gameplay experiences poised poised strongly influencing Web3 gaming trajectories going forward.
Additionally,VHS has introduced Zed Picks, which serves as mobile application designed specifically allowing non-blockchain literate users partake easily joining races cheering favorite competitors along competing without necessitating comprehension intricate crypto mechanics—all thanks illustrative clear interfaces granting everyone opportunity relish thrilling festivities.
!Staticinfographics21920×1080.jpg?resize=930,523″>Zed Champions Celebrates the Transition
Zed Champions has extended an invitation to seasoned players from Zed Run, heralding an exciting shift in the gaming landscape.
Embracing Web3 Innovations in Gaming
While many leading developers within traditional Web2 frameworks may hesitate to embrace Web3, Efrat passionately advocates for this technological transition. He believes that blockchain technology can deepen player interaction and enhance their connection to games. The decentralized nature of blockchain also allows for innovative monetization strategies and greater transparency—ensuring that all activities are verifiable without manipulation by the company.
“I aspire to merge the best aspects of both traditional gaming and blockchain,” Efrat stated. “By infusing engaging experiences with ownership rights, asset accessibility, and novel monetization options inherent in blockchain technology, we can improve overall user engagement.” He further emphasizes that his team values openness with players regarding game operations.
Efrat has observed a notable resistance towards Web3 among Western gamers despite witnessing a stagnation in growth within conventional gaming avenues.
“We need a paradigm shift,” he urged. “It’s essential to explore new business models and find fresh ways to captivate our audience.” Having roots in mobile gaming underscores their understanding of necessary innovation as classic gameplay proves increasingly challenging due to higher entry barriers and market saturation.
Unveiling Zed Champions
!Staticinfographics4_1920x1080.jpg?w=800″>Transition Phase: Leaving Behind Old Structures
As part of this evolution, Zed Run will sunset its predecessor model entirely; existing NFTs are not transitioning into this latest release due fundamentally unfavorable price shifts impacting nearly everything associated with it—a detail which had certainly disappointed some users.
“Conversations have been ongoing within our community where it became evident no single solution would appease all stakeholders,” shared Efrat candidly. “However tempting alternative routes may seem at first glance—the reality is they could jeopardize game quality given prevailing conditions.”
The current development team faced significant limitations under earlier frameworks while acknowledging substantial portions dedicated toward token liquidity aimed directly at community welfare instead through upcoming generous token air drops expected shortly now serves rather redemptive purposes despite prior discontent voiced among invested interests adeptly recognized vis-à-vis user sentiments surrounding monetary investments made previously historically outweighed present considerations owing inevitable shifts driven by fluctuating values considering marketplace dynamics happening continuously today onward henceforth memorialized forever constantly evolving along these lines innovatively anew utilizing broader strategy insights gathered regularly cumulatively meeting demands adeptly moving forward thus rectifying choices taken socially engendering suitable contexts fulfilling needs ultimately bridging gaps trending strongly converging overtime visibly aligned within coherent logical structures consistently highlighting newfound ambitions succinctly summarized enveloping presents utilizing distinct voice representative unity responsiveness reflected comprehensively characterizing ethos intended altogether upheld faithfully preserving foundational core elements ensuring Down-to-Earth authenticity equally respected enjoyed widely resonant authentic engagements derived wholly across landscapes profiled established reach responsibly thereby assuring proliferation success multiplied riveting realms witnessed concomitantly enhancing volition towards fun-filled journeys reinventing possibilities postures reimagined collaboratively inspiring communal aspirations burgeoning future potentials collectively brought alive invigorating endeavors focused ahead!
Zed Champions Transition: A Move from Polygon to Base
Zed Champions is embarking on a significant transition from the Polygon network to the Base blockchain, a decision poised to revitalize player experience and engagement.
Seamless Transition for Players
As players breed new virtual horses in this updated environment, they will find that gameplay remains continuous. According to Efrat, there’s a strong mutual interest between the gaming company and its community. Players have a grace period of one month for this changeover since the previous game concluded last Friday.
Building Mutual Benefits
Efrat expresses confidence in creating an ecosystem that benefits everyone involved. “Our goal is to cultivate a dynamic environment that’s rewarding for all participants,” he explained. The team is committed to being fair and generous with players, fostering enthusiasm around Zed Champions.
New Opportunities on Base Blockchain
The upcoming token will be hosted on Coinbase’s newly established Base blockchain, which promises enhanced stability. Competitive racing events are set to resume by April, featuring faster-paced gameplay along with greater strategic depth for users.
“It’s important to clarify that we’re not marketing tokens as financial investments,” Efrat noted. “Our focus lies in player involvement within the game; we anticipate that as long as players participate actively, token values will increase organically.”
Strategic Racing Mechanics
Players will engage deeply in horse breeding while considering each horse’s historical performance metrics and statistics before entering them into races. Competitors can enhance their horses’ capabilities through power-ups or other boosts during competitions. Success on the racing leaderboard contributes positively toward each horse’s value upon retirement; at this point, trainers can unlock their earned value directly into their wallets.
Moreover, social interaction becomes an integral part of gameplay by allowing owners to share stakes in fellow racers’ horses—this nurtures community involvement and shared experiences among gamers.
“Anticipate quicker actions along with significantly improved personal agency over gameplay choices,” Efrat added enthusiastically.
By embracing these advancements within Zed Champions’ new framework on Base blockchain, both developers and players are set for exciting opportunities ahead!
