Zynga, the popular mobile and casual game publisher known for titles like FarmVille, has made a significant move in the world of crypto gaming. The company has handed over control of the Sugartown crypto game and its intellectual property to a new independent entity called D20 Labs. This new venture is led by Matt Wolf, the former VP of Web3 gaming at Zynga, and Tommy Ngo, the ex-Zynga Web3 General Manager.
D20 Labs’ independence from Zynga marks a pivotal moment for the team, allowing them to explore the world of crypto gaming in a more innovative and unrestricted manner. According to Wolf, this move positions D20 Labs as uniquely qualified to drive video game innovation with a hybrid Web2/Web3 approach.
One of the first projects from D20 Labs is the launch of Royal Nutz Poker Club, a social casino poker game built on Coinbase’s Base chain, an Ethereum layer-2 network. The game is set to debut next month, offering players the opportunity to participate in poker tournaments, climb leaderboards, and win prizes.
While Royal Nutz Poker Club is connected to the Sugartown IP, it is considered a standalone game with its own distinct identity. Players who own Sugartown NFTs known as Oras on Ethereum, as well as APE tokens on ApeChain, will have access to the social poker game. D20 Labs has developed a rewards system in collaboration with strategic partners like ApeChain to enhance the gaming experience without the need for real cash wagering.
The transition of control from Zynga to D20 Labs was confirmed by Zynga, stating that D20 now has full ownership of the Sugartown game and IP. This move aligns with Zynga’s shift towards exploring Web3 gaming opportunities, as indicated by their acquisition by Take-Two Interactive in 2022. However, with Zynga relinquishing its blockchain gaming assets, it remains uncertain if the company plans to continue its foray into this space.
Despite the spinout from Zynga, D20 Labs has assured a promising future with the launch of Royal Nutz Poker Club and plans for additional games in the pipeline. The team remains focused on developing both new titles and advancing the Sugartown project. As the company embarks on this new chapter, the possibilities for innovative and engaging gaming experiences in the Web3 realm are vast.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments from D20 Labs and the evolution of the crypto gaming landscape.
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– Edited by Andrew Hayward