Zynga's involvement in web3 gaming began in 2023 with the launch of their Oras NFT collection, followed by the release of the Sugartown platform. This venture quickly gained attention, thanks to Zynga’s established reputation in traditional web2 mobile and social gaming. The company recently revealed the sale of Sugartown, to a new game development studio, named D20 Labs. The announcement came with some unexpected developments, leaving many wondering how this move might impact the web3 gaming space as a whole.

Sugartown Cover Banner on X (Twitter)

Why Did Zynga Sell Sugartown?

Zynga's sudden exit from web3 gaming has raised questions, especially since there hasn’t been an official statement from the company. While some speculate about the reasons, it mirrors a trend seen with other gaming companies that have either scaled back their blockchain-based projects or pivoted entirely to web2. The gaming industry at large still carries a certain stigma towards blockchain technology and NFTs, although that perception is gradually shifting.

The Story Behind Sugartown

The narrative of Sugartown revolves around three farm animals who, by accident, open a wormhole leading to another dimension. This rift allows peculiar beings known as Oras to enter Sugartown. With their creative abilities, the Oras transform Sugartown into a vibrant, gamified world, filled with fun and adventures.

Oras play a central role in the Sugartown universe. Zynga originally released 10,000 Ora NFTs, which they said would be essential for players to access the game. Owning an Ora NFT not only grants entry to Sugartown but also to the free-to-play casual mini-games. Players can stake their Ora NFTs to accumulate Sugar, a non-crypto, in-game currency, enhancing their gameplay experience.

Introducing D20 Labs

D20 Labs, the new owners of Sugartown, are no strangers to the platform. In fact, they were the original web3 development team working on the project under Zynga. Now, as an independent studio, they have taken full control of Sugartown’s future.

D20 wasted no time in capitalizing on this transition. Shortly after acquiring Sugartown, the studio launched a new game called Royal Nutz Poker Club, a social poker game built on the Base blockchain. This game allows players to compete in poker tournaments, advance through rankings, and win prizes. For now, the game is exclusive to holders of Oras NFTs and certain partner communities, including those holding APE tokens from the Bored Ape Yacht Club.

However, this exclusivity is temporary. D20 Labs plans to eventually open Royal Nutz Poker Club to a broader audience, recognizing that poker could be an ideal bridge between traditional gaming audiences and blockchain-based gaming. Currently, Sugartown is accessible only to Oras NFT holders as the platform is in what D20 Labs refers to as “Chapter 1.” Though details on the roadmap remain limited, D20 has teased a variety of game genres, including racing, fighting, and RPGs.

How Does Zynga Selling Sugartown Impact Web3 Gaming

Final Thoughts

Zynga’s sale of Sugartown to D20 Labs may raise some concerns about the long-term viability of web3 gaming, but the overall impact is expected to be minimal. Blockchain gaming continues to evolve, and platforms like Sugartown are pushing forward, even without the backing of larger, traditional gaming companies like Zynga.

In fact, the shift to D20 Labs may prove to be a positive development. With a team already familiar with the platform and deeply invested in its future, Sugartown remains in capable hands. As the industry continues to mature and the line between web2 and web3 gaming blurs, platforms like Sugartown could play a key role in onboarding new players to blockchain-based experiences. Though Zynga’s departure might slow the pace of growth slightly, web3 gaming is far from stalling.

Source: playtoearn.com