Crypto gaming is set to make its mark on the XRP Ledger with the introduction of the XRPL Gamechain, a dedicated platform for gaming aimed at bringing new users into the ecosystem.
The initiative is led by appchain network and gaming ecosystem B3, which originally started as a layer-3 network on the Ethereum network Base, in partnership with XRPL Commons, an organization focused on driving the growth of the network supporting the popular cryptocurrency XRP.
“Gaming is something that resonates with all of us. Whether we play games on our phones now or grew up with video games, it’s a universal experience,” explained Viktoriya Hying, co-founder of B3’s creator NPC Labs, in an interview with Decrypt. “Through our research, conducted during our time at Coinbase, we discovered that the most effective way to engage users on-chain is by creating enjoyable, seamless, and innovative experiences. On-chain games provide that opportunity.”
The XRPL Gamechain will kick off with a testnet version of Xcade, an online arcade featuring five distinct casual or hyper-casual gaming titles designed for fast-paced gameplay and mobile-friendly sessions. The full version of the arcade is slated for release this autumn.
“Our goal is to make engagement on the XRP Ledger enjoyable, accessible, and entertaining,” stated Hying. “Following the launch, the game selection will continue to expand within the same genre. We plan to update the Xcade catalog weekly post-launch to ensure a constant stream of new games, fun experiences, and opportunities to engage in the XRP ecosystem beyond just holding the token.”
On the XRPL Gamechain, users can participate in challenges and earn XRP rewards through tournaments, competitions, and game nights on the network, made possible by the introduction of the XRPL EVM sidechain in June.
With increased composability and programmability, B3 and XRPL Commons aim to boost activity and enhance the utility of XRP—the digital asset linked to Ripple.
“XRP is a widely held token seeking new applications,” noted Hying. “Our objective is to introduce innovative ways to utilize the token, reward users for their engagement, and grow the number of active users within the XRP community.”
B3, founded by former members of the team behind Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network Base, initially launched its gaming ecosystem—BSMNT—on Base before expanding to a more comprehensive network of appchains. The ecosystem token was introduced in February, and the platform boasts over 100 playable games and 8.5 million registered wallets.
