Delabs has announced its strategic shift toward Telegram and the TON (Telegram Open Network) blockchain, marking a significant step in the company's evolution. The South Korean game studio recently revealed its first releases planned for Telegram, including an adaptation of the popular Ragnarok IP. This move aligns with Delabs’ intention to develop mid-core games directly accessible on Telegram, enhancing player interaction by leveraging the platform’s widespread user base.

Delabs Cover Banner on X (Twitter)

Ragnarok IP Comes to Telegram

As the first major IP that Delabs will adapt to Telegram, Ragnarok is set to attract both fans of the original game and new players interested in web3 gaming experiences. Originally developed by Gravity, Ragnarok has a strong reputation for its immersive gameplay and exploration elements. Delabs’ adaptation will retain the core maze exploration aspects, adding a deeper rewards system that aims to enrich the player experience without adding unnecessary complexity.

Joonmo Kwon, CEO of Delabs, expressed optimism about this partnership, noting that bringing Ragnarok to Telegram is a strategic step designed to connect players with familiar IPs on platforms they already use for communication. “With Ragnarok, we’re creating an experience that’s not only true to its roots but also enhanced by web3 features – without any added complexity,” Kwon stated. By integrating blockchain features, Delabs seeks to offer players enhanced reward structures and a seamless gaming experience on Telegram’s accessible platform.

Delabs IPs

Additional Blockchain Versions

Although the exact nature of the Ragnarok game adaptation has not been fully disclosed, indications suggest it could be a rendition of Ragnarok Labyrinth, a previous NFT-based version released by Gravity in 2022. However, this version was later discontinued. The upcoming adaptation on Telegram may draw from Ragnarok Labyrinth’s design elements but is expected to offer expanded gameplay and reward mechanics suited for web3 integration.

In addition to this project, other blockchain-enabled Ragnarok games have also gained traction, such as Ragnarok: Monster World, which is currently live on the Ronin blockchain. Delabs’ version will differentiate itself by focusing on web3 technology via the TON blockchain, presenting unique opportunities for tokenized rewards and player engagement within the Telegram ecosystem.

Ragnarok: Monster World

Upcoming Titles and Strategic Shifts

Delabs’ focus on Telegram is not limited to the Ragnarok IP. In conjunction with this launch, the studio has unveiled its roadmap for 2025, which includes the release of Boxing Star, a mobile sports game that has previously garnered attention under 4:33 Creative Labs, the parent company of Delabs. According to the timeline, Ragnarok is expected to debut in Q1 of 2025, with Boxing Star following in Q3. The shift toward Telegram-based releases is supported by recent funding from the TON Foundation and private investor Noah Kim, underscoring the company’s commitment to its new direction.

As part of this pivot, Delabs has announced that development has been halted for two previously disclosed projects, Space Frontier and Metabolts, allowing the studio to focus resources on its Telegram-centric titles. This strategic refocus suggests that Delabs is prioritizing projects that align closely with its new direction, specifically those that can leverage the TON blockchain’s capabilities for web3-enabled gaming.

Delabs Baseball Game 

Final Thoughts

Delabs’ move to bring recognized IPs like Ragnarok to Telegram is an example of a growing trend among game developers integrating blockchain technology and adapting to new platforms. With a user base already engaged on Telegram, Delabs aims to simplify the process of accessing and playing blockchain-based games, catering to both traditional gamers and those interested in web3 functionality. This approach has the potential to expand the web3 gaming audience by providing more accessible entry points to blockchain gaming.

By embedding rewards and exploration elements within a familiar IP, Delabs positions itself to leverage both the TON blockchain and Telegram’s extensive user network. As the release dates approach, the industry will be watching to see how these adaptations resonate with players and contribute to the future of blockchain gaming within popular communication platforms.

Source: blockchaingamer.biz