Animoca Brands announces the first phase launch of Anichess, a free-to-play chess strategy game developed in partnership with Chess.com and five-time World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen. Commenting on the launch of the first phase of Anichess, Magnus Carlsen said: “I am excited that Anichess is bringing innovation to chess with spells and strategy gaming elements that provide a refreshing chess experience.”

Anichess is a spellbinding strategy game that combines the core rules of chess with a rich, captivating story and new gameplay elements including magic spell mechanics for a range of offensive, defensive, and counter-tactics. In the first phase of the launch, Anichess features player-versus-environment (PvE) gameplay, while the second phase of the launch will introduce player-versus-player (PvP) later in Q1 2024. 

Anichess preserves the core ethos of chess, demanding of its players the same understanding of strategic planning, probability, and psychology required in the classic game, while also introducing an innovative spell mechanism that adds an entirely new strategic layer. Players of all skill levels, including beginners, can enjoy this new evolution of chess enriched by new strategic depth, tactical magic, and expansive lore.

In its current first phase of launch, Anichess immerses players in a solo adventure in which they must use unique magical spells (e.g. transforming any non-royal piece into a knight) to solve daily chess puzzles. By completing these daily challenges, players can collect Orbs of Power game assets that provide in-game utility, such as unlocking new challenge puzzles that offer greater rewards. 

The goal of Anichess is to deliver an experience that makes chess more engaging and accessible to all. By working closely with partner chess Grandmasters and game designers, Anichess seeks not only to cater to a large global community of chess enthusiasts but also to widen the chess horizon and tap into new audiences, including those who enjoy strategy games but do not play chess regularly. 

In addition to Magnus Carlsen, Anichess has assembled an elite roster of chess talent, including Anish Giri, the Dutch Grandmaster and world's number 7; David Howell, the English Grandmaster, commentator, and world number 56; David Antón Guijarro, the Spanish Grandmaster and world number 58; Sopiko Guramishvili, the Georgian-Dutch International Master, Woman Grandmaster, acclaimed author; and others. 

Yat Siu, the co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, commented: “Anichess revolutionizes the classic royal game by fusing traditional strategy and gameplay with the innovative elements of spellcasting, a fantasy storyline, and Web3 functionality. We are thrilled to partner with Chess.com and to have Magnus Carlsen and other impressive chess talent with us as we pioneer this new dimension of chess.”

Anichess stands as a testament to the dynamic evolution of classic games, redefining the boundaries of strategic thinking within the realm of chess. With the collaborative efforts of Animoca Brands, Chess.com, and esteemed chess Grandmasters, including Magnus Carlsen, Anichess not only preserves the timeless essence of chess but also introduces a spellbinding experience that appeals to both veterans and newcomers alike.

As the phased launch progresses, the anticipation builds for the upcoming player-versus-player gameplay in early 2024.