In a recent announcement, Sky Mavis, the company known for developing the blockbuster web3 game Axie Infinity, revealed the termination of its partnerships with game developers ACT Games and Bowled.io. This decision marks a significant shift in the strategic direction of the Ronin Network, the blockchain platform developed by Sky Mavis.

Alekander Larsen, co-founder and COO of Sky Mavis, stated on X that the "decision to part ways with ACT Games and Bowled.io was based on strategic misalignment". Larsen also emphasized the importance of finding partners fully aligned with Ronin's web3 strategy.

Details of Termination

(1) ACT Games Zoids Wild Arena

The termination of the partnership with South Korean developer ACT Games means that the trading card game Zoids Wild Arena will no longer be available on Ronin. Additionally, the NFTs associated with the game will be removed from the network, with holders receiving compensation in RON, Ronin's native currency.

ACT Games has carved a niche for itself through partnerships with beloved Japanese IPs, including Hello Kitty, Zoids, Aggretsuko, and Bubble Bobble. ACT Games is a prominent South Korean gaming studio, with a track record of over 3 million downloads across 4 titles developed since 2019.

Zoids Wild Arena, their newest IP, is inspired by the iconic Zoids Wild and Zoids Wild Zero anime series. Zoids Wild Arena, currently in beta, will launch globally soon (excluding Japan, China, and Korea). The web3 game allows players to engage in battles, and trade cards, with blockchain-powered trading dynamics inspired by traditional trading card games.

Larsen cited strategic shifts within the leadership of ACT Games as the primary reason for the termination, stating that "they no longer align with Ronin's vision".

(2) Indian Developer Bowled.io

The separation from Indian developer Bowled.io comes as a surprise to some, especially considering that Sky Mavis led Bowled.io's funding round earlier in February 2024. However, it was clarified that Bowled.io's games are "not considered a natural fit for the Ronin community". Bowled.io has announced its intention to move its operations to BNB.

Sky Mavis and Ronin

Despite these most recent developments, Sky Mavis appears confident in its position within the web3 gaming space. With a growing user base, particularly driven by the success of Pixels and other third-party games like Apeiron, Kaidro, and Wild Forest, Sky Mavis asserts its authority and strategic focus.

Larsen expressed optimism about the future of Ronin Network, highlighting a robust pipeline of upcoming games and exciting IPs. Larsen went on to emphasize the importance of aligning with partners who share Ronin's vision for the future of blockchain gaming.

As the web3 gaming landscape continues to evolve, Sky Mavis remains committed to driving innovation and delivering engaging experiences to its community. The company's decision to part ways with ACT Games and Bowled.io reflects its dedication to maintaining alignment with its strategic objectives.