Ronin, an EVM blockchain for gaming, has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Ragnarok: Monster World, an innovative strategy game that melds tower defense and monster collecting elements. This partnership promises to bring the cherished Ragnarok Online universe into blockchain gaming space, marking a significant milestone for both entities.
Launched by Sky Mavis, the creator of Axie Infinity, which has made over $1.3 billion in revenue, Ronin is the only blockchain known to handle millions of users daily for one game and has processed over $4 billion in NFT transactions.
Ragnarok, a transmedia intellectual property (IP) developed by South Korean gaming powerhouse Gravity, boasts an impressive track record with over 167 million downloads across 122 territories. Its journey from a widely read Manwha comic series to a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) has captivated audiences worldwide. The upcoming launch of Ragnarok: Monster World on Ronin represents the first foray of a Web2 gaming IP into the blockchain space, setting a precedent for future collaborations and signaling the network’s growing influence in the gaming industry.
Scheduled for release in Q3 2024, Ragnarok: Monster World is the brainchild of ZERO X AND (0x&), a Web3 development company and game studio dedicated to revolutionizing NFT gaming. The studio’s integration into Google Cloud’s Startup Program underscores its commitment to innovation and scalability.
With a team boasting experience in Web2 titles like Blade for Kakao and Shot Online, ZERO X AND aims to bridge the gap between traditional and blockchain gaming audiences with Ragnarok: Monster World. The game invites players to tame and collect creatures known as Ragmons, engage in battles, and unlock rewards through both player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) features.
Sky Mavis CEO and Co-Founder, Trung Nguyen, noted Ragnarok’s profound impact on Southeast Asian gaming culture. “Ragnarok holds a special place in the hearts of our core audience in Southeast Asia, including many of our own team members who grew up as avid fans. We are committed to bringing IP that will transcend gaming culture through our bleeding-edge technology and can’t wait to see the Ronin Effect on Monster World,” remarked Nguyen.
The collaboration between Ronin and Ragnarok underscores Ronin’s rapid ascent since its inception in 2021. Boasting approximately 17.6 million total wallet addresses, the platform continues to prioritize scalability with the imminent launch of zkEVM. By partnering with leading entities like Sky Mavis, Ronin aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for blockchain gaming, offering tailored distribution and fostering strong community engagement.
Seokjun Kim, Founder of ZERO X AND, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting the success of projects like Axie Infinity in pioneering play-to-earn (P2E) gaming and NFT integration. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with the team behind Axie Infinity, who has spearheaded a new paradigm for P2E and NFTs. By leveraging the skills of our team members experienced in Web2 alongside SkyMavis’ Web3 expertise, we aim to cultivate a stronger gaming and blockchain community,” said Kim.
As the gaming and blockchain industries continue to converge, partnerships like Ronin’s collaboration with Ragnarok: Monster World signal a transformative shift in the way games are developed, distributed, and experienced.
Read Also: Sky Mavis Raises $7.5M in Series A Funding
