Sugartown, the browser-based web3 gaming platform initially developed under Zynga and now operated by D20 Labs, has announced the launch of its CORES NFT mint, set to begin on May 13, 2025. The event introduces a new class of NFTs designed to provide ongoing access to exclusive games, platform rewards, and blockchain-based features. The CORES mint represents a strategic step forward for the platform as it continues to expand its ecosystem and player engagement through token-based mechanics.

Key Details on the Sugartown CORES NFT Mint

About  Sugartown

Sugartown is a browser-based web3 gaming platform that merges casual gameplay with blockchain-enabled features. Originally launched by Zynga in 2023 as its first blockchain title, Sugartown is now managed by D20 Labs. The platform is built around a fictional narrative in which three farm animals inadvertently open a rift, bringing in characters known as ORAs. These ORAs formed the platform’s first NFT collection, consisting of 9,999 tokens.

Players stake ORAs to earn Energy, which is required to access in-game activities and generate the in-game currency called Sugar. Sugartown currently offers three live games. NGMI is a casual 2D side-scrolling game, ATH (All Time Heights) is a vertical climbing challenge, and RNPC (Royal Nutz Poker Club) is a multiplayer poker game that incorporates on-chain rewards.

The platform’s ecosystem now includes multiple digital assets: ORAs for staking and access, CORES for evolving features and token-based benefits, Sugar as the internal currency earned through gameplay, and $WIN, an upcoming token connected to high-stakes gaming. As of now, more than 6,900 ORAs have been minted, indicating an active and growing user base. The addition of CORES is expected to add further depth and complexity to the platform, though its long-term impact on user engagement and retention remains to be seen.

CORE NFTs and ORA Holders

The CORES NFT mint is structured across four distinct phases over two days. The initial phases prioritize existing holders of ORA NFTs, with later phases opening access to whitelisted users and the broader public. On May 13, the mint begins with a free claiming period for ORA holders. Between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM Eastern Time, eligible users can claim one CORE NFT for every three ORAs held in their wallet. Eligibility is determined by a snapshot taken just prior to the mint’s start.

Following the free mint, a paid mint for ORA holders will run from 2:00 PM on May 13 through 8:00 AM on May 14. During this window, ORA holders can purchase up to two CORES, plus two additional NFTs for every three more ORAs they own. This provides larger ORA holders with increased access during the mint’s longest continuous phase.

On May 14, a one-hour whitelist phase will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time. Whitelisted users will be able to mint up to two CORES per wallet on a first-come, first-served basis. The final phase of the mint opens at 2:00 PM and runs until 12:00 PM the following day, offering a public raffle open to all participants. There are no limits to the number of raffle entries a user may submit, though each transaction may include up to 20 entries. Non-winning participants will automatically receive ETH refunds, reducing the financial risk typically associated with failed mints.

Key Details on the Sugartown CORES NFT Mint

Function, Utility, Distribution and Supply

CORES are positioned as “progressive NFTs” within the Sugartown platform, meaning they offer evolving utility over time rather than remaining static collectibles. Once minted, CORES provide access to exclusive games, reward systems, and upcoming token-based features. Holders will be able to earn Abstract XP, participate in product drops, and gain entry to future game modes and platform expansions.

CORES also serve as the key to accessing the High Stakes Playground, a competitive feature tied to Sugartown’s forthcoming $WIN token. In practical terms, CORES function as a digital season pass with added layers of gameplay and rewards. The total supply of CORES NFTs is capped at 9,999. However, not all will be available through the public mint. Approximately 2,000 CORES have already been distributed via a closed presale.

Another 1,500 are reserved specifically for the ORA holder free mint. The remaining supply—around 6,500 NFTs—will be made available through the paid mint for ORA holders, the whitelist phase, and the public raffle. Once the mint concludes, trading of CORES will open, allowing users to buy, sell, or collect based on personal strategy or market conditions.

Key Details on the Sugartown CORES NFT Mint

Minting Process and Technical Requirements

The CORES NFT mint will take place on Abstract Chain, an Ethereum Layer 2 network optimized for lower gas fees. To participate, users will need to hold Abstract ETH in an EVM-compatible wallet. ORA holders seeking to access full platform benefits must also link their wallets to an Abstract Gaming Wallet (AGW). While this step is required for full functionality, NFTs can still be transferred later if the wallet connection is not completed during the mint.

The launch of the CORES NFT mint marks a significant development for Sugartown as it seeks to enhance its web3 gaming environment. With a phased approach to access and a focus on NFTs that evolve over time, the platform aims to provide both utility and longevity to its digital assets. As the mint proceeds and the ecosystem continues to grow, Sugartown's position within the web3 gaming space will become increasingly defined. For more information and updates, users can visit the official minting site at mint.sugar.town.