Treasure has officially transitioned from Arbitrum to its own Ethereum layer-2 (L2) network built on ZKsync’s Elastic Chain technology. This move is a strategic step toward the teams' vision of creating a "blockchain network tailored specifically for gaming", offering faster transactions, lower costs, and a suite of developer tools. The migration signifies a major milestone for the team, positioning Treasure as a frontrunner in this rapidly evolving sector.

Designed Exclusively for Gaming

Treasure’s new Ethereum L2 is crafted with gaming at its core. The network introduces features that simplify user interactions and game development, such as gasless transactions, social account logins, and an enhanced toolkit for developers. At the heart of this ecosystem is the MAGIC token, which facilitates all transactions and interactions on the platform. The migration from Arbitrum includes more than 15 games, numerous NFTs, and hundreds of thousands of tokens.

The process has been streamlined with the Hyperlane bridge, allowing players and developers to transfer assets securely and efficiently. Calling itself a “decentralized game console,” Treasure offers a unified platform for blockchain-based games. This migration is one of the largest in the crypto gaming space, with over $200 million worth of assets transitioning to the new chain, underscoring the platform's growth and ambition.

Treasure Launches Gaming-Focused Ethereum L2

The Shift from Arbitrum to ZKsync

Earlier this year, Treasure had committed to expanding on Arbitrum with plans to launch Infinity Chains. However, the team reevaluated its strategy, concluding that general-purpose layer-2 networks lacked the gaming-specific capabilities needed for long-term success.

Treasure’s co-founder, Karel Vuong, explained the decision, highlighting the need for a custom-built ecosystem. “We need gaming-specific features, and to cultivate a specific culture and distribution flywheel that general layer-2s don’t prioritize. That requires a gaming-first approach from the bottom-up,” Vuong stated.

ZKsync emerged as the optimal choice for Treasure’s new network. With features like account abstraction, zero-knowledge-based scalability, and interoperability via Elastic Chain technology, ZKsync aligns with Treasure’s vision for a scalable and innovative gaming ecosystem. Vuong emphasized that the migration was not driven by shortcomings on Arbitrum but by a forward-looking strategy to meet the evolving needs of Treasure’s community.

Treasure x ZKsync

Enhanced Features for Players and Developers

The launch of Treasure’s new network on ZKsync brings numerous benefits that enhance both the player and developer experience. Gasless transactions significantly reduce costs, making it easier for players to engage with games. Social account logins simplify onboarding, allowing users to access games using email or social media accounts rather than solely relying on crypto wallets.

The network also features an upgraded Game Exchange, which provides a faster and more affordable way to trade in-game assets, supply liquidity, and earn rewards. For developers, the Treasure Development Kit streamlines the process of adding blockchain functionality to games and supports the integration of AI agents, making the platform attractive for both established studios and new entrants.

According to Vuong, these advancements have generated excitement among existing partners and new developers alike. “Our momentum is strong, with both existing partners and new games excited about building on Treasure’s infrastructure,” he noted.

ZKsync Roadmap 2025

Popular Games Migrating to the New Chain

The migration has drawn interest from several prominent games, many of which are now exclusively available on Treasure’s new chain. Among them is Wanderers, an action roguelite game that will launch solely on Treasure. Another title, Bitmates, a monkey-themed MMO, is working toward becoming fully on-chain, while Zeeverse, a role-playing game, is already integrated with Treasure’s Game Exchange system.

Treasure is also in discussions with other developers, including the team behind Calamity, an action RPG currently on Ethereum L2 Base, which plans to transition to Treasure’s network. This growing roster of games highlights the platform’s appeal as a hub for blockchain-based gaming.

Wanderers on Treasure 

Celebrating the Launch with a Unique Campaign

To mark the launch of its gaming-specific L2, Treasure introduced an event titled Decentralized Entertainment System: Cartridges. This campaign draws inspiration from retro gaming systems and invites players to mint unique Treasure Cartridge NFTs daily until December 24. Each NFT celebrates a game within the Treasure ecosystem, creating a collectible tribute to the platform’s vibrant community. Participants who mint all 15 Cartridges by December 31 will receive an exclusive achievement titled “The First Edition.”

Treasure has also allocated substantial MAGIC rewards for the event, with 42,000 MAGIC going to the game with the most cartridges minted, followed by 16,900 MAGIC for the second-place game and 10,520 MAGIC for the third. Additionally, ten lucky collectors who mint all 15 Cartridges will each win 420 MAGIC tokens. The event is designed to be accessible, with each NFT priced at just 0.15 MAGIC. To participate, players can use the Hyperlane bridge to transfer MAGIC tokens to their wallets, with minting already underway.

Decentralized Entertainment System: Cartridges

The Road Ahead for Treasure

The launch of Treasure’s dedicated gaming L2 is just the beginning of its ambitious roadmap. By early 2025, the platform plans to introduce staking for its MAGIC token using Ethereum’s EigenLayer protocol, adding new dimensions to the token’s utility. Treasure also aims to roll out L3 Infinity Chains, which will enable on-chain games to operate as standalone platforms.

These chains will offer developers even greater customization and scalability, further enhancing Treasure’s appeal. Additionally, the platform is exploring deeper integrations with artificial intelligence and zero-knowledge (ZK) technologies, signaling its commitment to innovation. As Treasure continues to evolve, it is setting a new standard for blockchain gaming, providing a robust and accessible foundation for the next generation of decentralized games.

Source: PlayToEarn