Zentry has announced that its flagship MMORPG, Ragnarok Landverse, will join Sky Mavis’ Ronin blockchain network. The move marks a significant milestone for the popular gaming franchise as it ventures into the web3 space, combining classic gameplay with blockchain technology to create opportunities for players to own and trade in-game assets securely.

A Legacy Continues in Web3

Ragnarok Landverse builds on the legacy of Ragnarok Online, a cultural phenomenon in the MMORPG genre. Since its launch in 2002 by South Korean developer Gravity, the franchise has attracted over 100 million players worldwide and generated more than $2 billion in revenue. Known for its immersive gameplay, player-driven economies, and vibrant community, Ragnarok Online remains a beloved title, particularly in Southeast Asia.

The transition to web3 allows Ragnarok Landverse to formalize its player-driven secondary markets. Through Ronin’s blockchain infrastructure, players can securely own and trade in-game assets, including items and NFTs, while enjoying the classic gameplay that has captivated audiences for two decades.

Ragnarok Landverse Coming to Sky Mavis‘ Ronin Network

The Partnership Between Zentry and Ronin

Zentry’s partnership with Ronin extends beyond the integration of Ragnarok Landverse. Zentry will also serve as a validator on the Ronin network, underscoring its commitment to the ecosystem. This collaboration highlights Ronin’s reputation as a gaming-focused blockchain, hosting popular titles like Axie Infinity and facilitating over $4 billion in NFT trading volume.

Ronin, an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based blockchain developed by Sky Mavis, boasts over 4.7 million monthly active users and three million daily transactions. Its scalability and seamless integration of blockchain features make it an ideal platform for Zentry’s vision of onboarding millions of players to web3 gaming. Notably, Ronin took home the "Best Ecosystem" trophy at our GAM3 Awards in November. 

"Best Ecosystem" Winner at Our GAM3 Awards

Enhancing Gameplay with Blockchain Features

Zentry’s CEO, Jarindr Thitadilaka, emphasized that the integration of Ragnarok Landverse with Ronin will maintain the franchise’s immersive gameplay while leveraging blockchain to empower players. “We’re paving the way for future gaming IPs to transition into web3,” Thitadilaka stated. He also noted the project’s focus on quality gameplay, global accessibility, and blockchain-powered asset ownership, without relying on token-based incentives.

Sky Mavis CEO Trung Nguyen echoed this sentiment, citing Ragnarok Landverse as proof of the growing potential of web3 gaming to deliver enjoyable and economically empowering experiences for players. Players can pre-register for Ragnarok Landverse starting today, with the game’s official release slated for Q1 2025. The game has already shown promise, achieving $15 million in revenue through NFT and in-game item sales during its soft launch.

Ragnarok Monster World

Honoring a Classic, Innovating for the Future

The move to Ronin represents more than a technological shift; it is a continuation of Ragnarok’s legacy. By merging the franchise’s iconic gameplay and community-driven experiences with the capabilities of blockchain, Zentry and Ronin aim to bridge classic MMORPG mechanics with modern digital ownership. Through this collaboration, Ragnarok Landverse seeks to bring its nostalgic charm to a new generation of gamers, ensuring its enduring appeal in the rapidly evolving gaming landscape.

Source: GamesBeat