Splitgate, the popular free-to-play PC shooter, has partnered with fintech startup Zebedee (ZBD) to introduce Bitcoin rewards for players. This collaboration between ZBD and Splitgate's developer, 1047 Games, focuses on integrating Lightning Network technology into the gaming experience, allowing players to earn Bitcoin by participating in upcoming tournaments.

Described as a combination of the iconic Halo series and the mind-bending mechanics of Portal, Splitgate has gained a substantial following since its early access launch in 2019. The surge in popularity during the 2021 beta phase underscored its widespread appeal, causing servers to face increased demand. The debut of the Bitcoin integration will take place at the Splitgate Winter Invitational this December. Sixteen teams will compete for a share of the 0.5 Bitcoin prize pool, valued at approximately $19,000. Prior to the tournament, ZBD plans to conduct beta testing to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

For those interested in participating, registration details can be found on the ZBD Discord server. Eligible players must be at least 18 years old, possess a ZBD account, and reside in the United States or Brazil. In addition to earning Bitcoin through victorious matches, players can choose to contribute to the prize pool, enhancing the competitive atmosphere. Ian Proulx, CEO, and co-founder of 1047 Games, expressed enthusiasm for ZBD's innovative solution, stating, "Splitgate continues to have a loyal and engaged player base. We're always interested in exploring inventive ways to reward our players, such as what ZBD has done and the upcoming tournament they plan to hold."

Despite 1047 Games announcing the conclusion of active development for Splitgate in late 2022, the game remains online and free to play, boasting an impressive 18 million downloads across various platforms. The studio's success was evident in its 2021 funding round, raising $100 million with a valuation reaching $1.5 billion.

Zebedee (ZBD) has a history of integrating Lightning-based Bitcoin technology into mainstream PC games. In 2021, the company introduced a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) server allowing players to pay an entry fee and potentially earn Bitcoin. More recently, ZBD facilitated Bitcoin earnings in Microsoft's Minecraft, overcoming challenges posed by the game's updated usage rules.

ZBD recently partnered with Beamable to introduce their ZBD Beamable starter kit, aiming to support small developers and hypercasual game creators in seamlessly integrating Bitcoin transactions into web3 gaming environments. The ZBD Beamable starter kit evolves from the ongoing partnership between Zebedee and Beamable, providing a plug-and-play API that allows players to earn small quantities of Bitcoin while playing games. Noteworthy is the kit's emphasis on heightened security, achieved by maintaining a clear separation of sensitive information from the client side of the game.

ZBD's cutting-edge technology, which facilitates Lightning Network transactions, has already demonstrated remarkable results. Web3 games like Ludo Zenith observed a remarkable 82% increase in ARPDAU, while Bitcoin Miner, a leading play-and-earn game, experienced a tenfold surge in its day 30 user retention rate. ZBD recently revealed another noteworthy partnership with AdInMo to bring Bitcoin rewards to web3 games through InGamePlay ads, reshaping player engagement and revenue sharing.

Ben Cousens, chief strategy officer at ZBD, said in a statement, “We’re delighted to collaborate with Ian, Nick, and the phenomenal team at 1047 Games to redefine the reward system in gaming and give players a revolutionary new way to experience in-game competition. For developers and publishers alike, this integration delivers a proven gamer retention model as evidenced by this partnership, and the additional 100-plus games powered by ZBD. With the ZBD-infused version of Splitgate, we’ve raised the bar for competitive gameplay by seamlessly providing Bitcoin rewards to gamers who demonstrate skill and loyalty.”

This venture into cryptocurrency isn't Splitgate's first foray into the blockchain space. In 2019, the game collaborated with crypto video streaming platform Theta (formerly Sliver.tv) for NFTs and token rewards. Additionally, in 2021, a partnership with crypto startup Epik Prime resulted in the release of premium Splitgate NFT collectibles. As Splitgate explores the intersection of gaming and cryptocurrency, the Winter Invitational promises a fusion of competitive gaming and the opportunity to earn Bitcoin. This marks a significant development in the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment, positioning Splitgate at the forefront of innovation in the gaming industry.