Nika Labs, a web3 gaming foundation supported by Sei Development Foundation, Circle, and Allora Network, has acquired the full intellectual property (IP) of Archer Hunter, a mobile role-playing game with over three million installs. The acquisition represents a significant step for Nika Labs as it works to integrate proven gaming IPs into tokenized, player-owned economies on the Sei Network. Unlike many web3 projects that launch untested games with speculative token models, Nika Labs is focusing on established IPs that already have an active user base and reliable engagement metrics.
Bringing Web2 Games into Web3
Most web3 gaming projects attempt to attract players without a foundation of existing engagement, often relying on marketing and token incentives to generate interest. Nika Labs takes a different approach, acquiring games that have already demonstrated traction in the traditional mobile market. Archer Hunter is one such title, with millions of downloads and strong retention rates. By starting with proven IP, Nika Labs inherits active communities, established economies, and gameplay patterns that resonate with players globally. This allows the studio to focus on integrating blockchain-based systems without the initial challenge of building a player base from scratch.
The transition from a conventional mobile game to a tokenized ecosystem involves creating an infrastructure where game assets, upgrades, and interactions are represented by tokens and NFTs. Player-earned items gain tangible ownership and can be traded or utilized across compatible platforms. Revenue distribution and staking mechanisms are directly linked to gameplay, creating an economy that rewards both players and developers. Interoperability is also a key feature, as assets can carry value across future games and related platforms.
Why IP Ownership Matters in Web3 Gaming
For web3 games, owning the underlying IP is critical for long-term sustainability. Without control of creative and economic elements, tokenization remains superficial, limited to temporary overlays on a traditional game. Nika Labs’ full ownership of the Archer Hunter IP allows the studio to design gameplay that is inherently integrated with on-chain assets, ensuring that player interactions and digital ownership are embedded into the game itself. This ownership extends to creative direction, economic models, and community governance, providing a foundation for lasting player-driven ecosystems.
Tokenizing a fully owned IP also allows for the creation of programmable assets that persist across games. Characters, items, and storylines can accrue value and utility over time, forming the basis of an integrated, vertically aligned ecosystem. In doing so, Nika Labs moves beyond short-term hype to create an environment where digital assets and player participation contribute to a sustainable economic model.
Archer Hunter’s Transition to On-Chain Gaming
Before joining the Sei Network, Archer Hunter had achieved significant market success. The game recorded over three million downloads, with 737,000 new users and 438,000 returning players, alongside an average daily playtime of 3.2 hours. Following its integration with blockchain, the game now reports over 950,000 active on-chain addresses and more than 3.3 million monthly transactions. These metrics indicate that players are actively engaging with the on-chain economy, validating the transition from a conventional mobile game to a tokenized web3 ecosystem.
Steven Cao, Co-Founder of Nika Labs, emphasized the importance of IP control, stating that owning the entire creative and economic stack allows the studio to create ecosystems that reward longevity and sustainable participation. The integration of $FASTER, the utility token for Archer Hunter, is intended to support ongoing gameplay, economic activity, and future expansions across Nika Labs’ portfolio of IPs.
A Model for Future Web3 Gaming
Nika Labs’ acquisition of Archer Hunter reflects a broader industry trend in web3 gaming, where projects increasingly focus on verified adoption and proven game economies rather than speculative launches. The studio’s approach combines the performance metrics of traditional mobile gaming with the flexibility of blockchain technology, setting a framework for scalable, player-driven economies. Market research predicts continued growth for web3 gaming, with the sector projected to expand from $37.55 billion in 2025 to $182.98 billion by 2034, largely driven by established mobile titles integrating blockchain systems.
Archer Hunter represents more than a single game for Nika Labs. It is a blueprint for how proven IPs can be converted into sustainable, tokenized ecosystems that reward player participation, ensure asset utility, and provide interoperable experiences across future titles. This model positions Nika Labs as a leading example of how web3 gaming can bridge the gap between traditional mobile gaming success and on-chain economies.
About Archer Hunter
Archer Hunter is a skill-based RPG available on iOS and Android, featuring a mix of PvE and PvP gameplay. The game allows players to unlock and upgrade heroes, participate in seasonal events, and interact with a broader gaming ecosystem on the Sei Network. By integrating blockchain functionality, the game provides players with genuine ownership of in-game assets while maintaining a familiar and engaging mobile gameplay experience.
Learn more: https://link3.to/archerhunter_hq
Community: discord.gg/archer-hunter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Archer Hunter?
Archer Hunter is a mobile role-playing game that combines skill-based combat with blockchain-enabled ownership of in-game assets. Players can upgrade heroes, engage in PvE and PvP content, and participate in seasonal events on the Sei Network.
Why did Nika Labs acquire the Archer Hunter IP?
Nika Labs acquired the IP to create a tokenized web3 ecosystem around an established game. Full ownership allows the studio to integrate blockchain assets and design gameplay that supports long-term player participation and economic sustainability.
What is $FASTER?
$FASTER is the utility token for Archer Hunter, designed to support gameplay, asset ownership, and economic activity within the ecosystem. It does not provide equity, profit rights, or ownership in the game or related entities.
How does Archer Hunter integrate with web3?
The game’s assets, upgrades, and interactions are represented by tokens and NFTs, allowing players to own, trade, and utilize items across compatible platforms. Staking and revenue mechanisms are also integrated into gameplay.
How many players does Archer Hunter have?
Archer Hunter has over three million downloads, with more than 950,000 active on-chain addresses following its transition to the Sei Network.
Why is IP ownership important for web3 games?
Owning the underlying IP ensures that gameplay, economy, and creative direction can be fully integrated with on-chain mechanics, supporting sustainable, player-driven ecosystems instead of temporary token overlays.
