High-Level Overview
Immortal Game is a Paris-based gaming startup founded in 2021 that builds a blockchain-powered online chess platform integrating web3 features like NFTs, play-to-earn mechanics, quests, and a marketplace.[1][2][4][5] It serves chess enthusiasts worldwide, offering live games, tournaments, learning tools, and monetization options through stylish NFT "Immortals" representing chess pieces with unique play styles and leaderboard boosts.[1][2][5] The platform solves the challenge of modernizing chess—a timeless game—by blending its heritage with blockchain rewards, addressing player demands for ownership, skill monetization, and community-driven experiences amid rising online chess popularity.[2][5] With $15.5M raised ($3.5M seed + $12M Series A), it has achieved early traction: 50,000 registered users, 5,000 weekly active users (as of 2022), 17,532 Discord members (2023), and 200 ETH in marketplace volume since June 2022.[2][4][5]
Origin Story
Immortal Game was co-founded in 2021 by Thomas Zaepffel (CEO, ex-Co-Founder of Adot), David Cingala (CTO, ex-Full Stack Developer at Adot), Geoffroy Mestrallet (ex-Head of Paris Unlimited at JLL France), and Efflam Daniel (Developer, ex-Lead Web Developer at Publicis Conseil), in collaboration with the global chess community.[2][4] The idea emerged from chess's surging popularity during the pandemic, aiming to leverage blockchain for a "play and earn" evolution while partnering with 50 Grand Masters as ambassadors.[2][5] Early traction included a $3.5M seed round, a partnership with Immutable X for Ethereum layer-2 scaling, and a public launch of its web3 platform, fueling a $12M Series A in 2022 led by TCG Crypto.[2][5] Backed by investors like Cassius, Greenfield One, Sparkle Ventures, 35V (Kevin Durant/Rich Kleiman), Kraken Ventures, and others, the company quickly hit milestones like 1M+ puzzles solved and weekly tournaments.[1][4]
Core Differentiators
- Web3 Chess Integration: NFTs as "Immortals" (stylish chess pieces with rarity levels, quests, and play-style bonuses) enable trading on an ETH marketplace, plus utility (CMT) and governance (IGE) tokens earned via leaderboards—unique to chess gaming.[1][2][5]
- Play-and-Earn Mechanics: Monetize skill through rewards, auctions, and live tournaments, distinct from traditional chess apps; generates real volume (200 ETH since June 2022).[5]
- Community and Ambassador Network: Backed by 50 Grand Masters for accessibility and content; robust tools like puzzles (1M+ solved), leagues, and learning features foster engagement.[2][4]
- Tech Stack and Scalability: Built on Immutable X for low-cost Ethereum transactions; daily release of 30 new pieces supports rapid iteration with a 20-person team.[5]
- Developer and User Experience: Seamless blend of classic chess with metagame elements (new modes planned), prioritizing ease for millions of existing players transitioning to web3.[2][5]
(Note: A separate "Immortal Games" entity focuses on Christian-themed games like a Noah’s Ark mobile title, but lacks blockchain/chess ties and funding scale, confirming Immortal Game as the primary match.[3])
Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Immortal Game rides the web3 gaming wave, capitalizing on chess's post-pandemic boom (millions on apps like Chess.com) by introducing blockchain ownership amid an "inflection point" in consumer gaming adoption.[2][5] Timing aligns with NFT/play-to-earn hype (e.g., Axie Infinity's influence) and layer-2 solutions like Immutable X reducing Ethereum fees, enabling scalable "play and earn" for skill-based games.[2][5] Market forces favoring it include crypto VCs' push into gaming (e.g., Animoca Brands support via Sparkle Ventures), celebrity backing (Kevin Durant), and chess's evergreen appeal in emerging markets like India.[2][4] It influences the ecosystem by onboarding traditional gamers to web3, partnering with Grand Masters to legitimize blockchain chess, and expanding U.S./Europe/India reach—potentially capturing a slice of chess's massive audience if it scales user growth.[2][5]
Quick Take & Future Outlook
Immortal Game is poised to disrupt online chess by scaling its web3 platform, with plans for advanced tournaments, game modes, and key market expansion using its $15.5M war chest.[2][5] Trends like mainstream web3 gaming maturation, AI-chess synergies, and tokenized esports will shape its path, especially as blockchain costs drop further. Its influence could evolve from niche innovator to ecosystem leader if it converts free-to-play users (targeting millions) amid crypto volatility—watch for user growth beyond 2022's 50K benchmark and sustained marketplace volume. This "winning move" in timeless chess positions it to checkmate traditional platforms.[2][5]