Gunzilla has officially launched its $GUN token on Binance, aiming to enhance the Off the Grid battle royale gaming experience by allowing players to trade in-game items. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to integrate web3 elements into mainstream gaming while maintaining accessibility for traditional players. By introducing a hybrid web2 and web3 approach, Gunzilla seeks to position Off the Grid as one of the first major success stories in web3 gaming.

Gunzilla Expands Off the Grid with $GUN Token on Binance

Gunzilla GUNZ platform

The $GUN token will be used within Gunzilla’s GUNZ platform, which provides blockchain-based infrastructure for game developers. In addition to purchasing in-game items and customization options, players can use the token for Hex decoding fees. The token can be earned through gameplay or acquired on the Binance exchange, giving players multiple ways to engage with the game’s economy.

Gunzilla’s Off the Grid has already gained significant traction, with over 14.5 million wallets created on the Avalanche blockchain and approximately 500,000 daily active users. The game has recorded 431 million transactions, with two to three million transactions occurring daily. These activities have so far been confined to the testnet, but with the transition to the mainnet and the integration of Binance’s web3 network, the game is expected to reach an even broader audience.

Gunzilla Expands Off the Grid with $GUN Token on Binance

Mix of Web2 and Web3 Gamers

Since launching in early access in October 2024, Off the Grid has attracted a mix of web2 and web3 players. The game is available on the Epic Games Store but not on Steam due to Valve’s policy against web3 games. Despite this limitation, Gunzilla has successfully expanded its reach by making Off the Grid the first web3 game to launch on consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Initially, the game experienced a surge in players, reaching 900,000 daily active users, partly due to the involvement of high-profile streamers such as Ninja. After the peak, the number dropped to 400,000 before steadily climbing again. Gunzilla acknowledges these fluctuations as part of the natural lifecycle of a game in early access and remains focused on ongoing development.

Recent updates have improved player retention, with one update introducing AI-controlled opponents for new players, leading to a 35% increase in retention rates. Future updates will bring additional gameplay refinements, including ranked modes and skill-based matchmaking, to ensure a balanced and rewarding experience.

Off the Grid Statistics 

The Role of Blockchain in Off the Grid

The game incorporates web3 mechanics that allow players to collect, trade, and own digital assets. One of its unique features is the Hex Cube system, where players extract in-game items during matches. After a successful extraction, they can decode the Hex Cube by paying a small blockchain transaction fee, revealing items such as cybernetic limbs, weapons, or cosmetic skins. These items can be used in-game or sold on the marketplace, enabling a player-driven economy.

Unlike traditional web2 games, where in-game assets have no real-world value, Off the Grid allows players to resell items for real money. The rarity of items determines their value, with some unique items potentially worth thousands or even millions of dollars. More common items, such as weapons, are typically priced at lower amounts.

As the transition from the testnet to the mainnet takes place, Gunzilla will burn testnet tokens, but all previously acquired in-game items will be migrated. Players will eventually have the ability to trade their assets on external platforms like OpenSea. The introduction of the $GUN token on Binance means players can now use real funds to purchase items, including seasonal battle passes and customization options. Binance will support the launch with a token pool, making 4% of the total token supply available to early adopters.

GUNZ on OpenSea

Gunzilla’s Broader Vision for Crypto Gaming

Gunzilla’s long-term vision extends beyond Off the Grid. The GUNZ ecosystem is designed to serve as a foundation for other developers, eliminating the need for deep investments in blockchain architecture. The platform offers easy-to-integrate software development kits (SDKs), enabling studios to create web3 economies for their games.

The company has also built blockchain-based infrastructure, including a wallet, companion app, NFT marketplace, and minting engine, all of which run on Avalanche. These tools will be available to external developers looking to integrate web3 functionality into their gaming intellectual property.

Gunzilla was founded in 2019 by Vlad Korolov and Alexander Zoll, both veterans of the gaming industry. The company has grown to 420 employees and has raised a total of $120 million in funding. Korolov and Zoll, who previously worked on the free-to-play shooter Warface, initially proposed blockchain gaming concepts while at Crytek but eventually launched their own company to pursue this vision.

According to Theo Agranat, Gunzilla’s director of web3, the company is focused on providing players with better gaming experiences rather than forcing them to engage with blockchain technology. Players can choose to participate in web3 features or simply play Off the Grid as a traditional free-to-play game. The company believes that asset ownership and player-driven economies will eventually become standard in the industry.

Gunzilla Expands Off the Grid with $GUN Token on Binance

The Revival of Game Informer

In addition to its work on Off the Grid, Gunzilla recently made headlines by acquiring and reviving Game Informer, the long-running gaming publication that was shut down by GameStop in August 2024. Gunzilla has restored the publication with its original staff but has emphasized that Game Informer will operate independently, maintaining journalistic integrity and autonomy.

Gunzilla’s acquisition of Game Informer aligns with its broader commitment to gaming culture, though the publication will remain separate from its web3 initiatives. This move demonstrates the company’s dedication to the gaming industry beyond just game development.

Off the Grid Trending on Epic Games Store

Final Thoughts

The launch of the $GUN token on Binance marks a significant milestone for Gunzilla and Off the Grid. By integrating web3 technology into a high-quality battle royale game, Gunzilla is attempting to bridge the gap between blockchain and mainstream gaming. The company’s approach, which allows players to choose their level of engagement with web3 features, sets it apart from many other blockchain-based gaming projects.

As the game continues to evolve and new updates roll out, Gunzilla’s focus remains on improving the overall player experience. With a growing player base, expanding marketplace, and future plans for additional games within the GUNZ ecosystem, the company is positioning itself as a leader in the emerging web3 gaming space.

Source: GamesBeat