Anichess is an upcoming decentralized chess-inspired game by Animoca Brands in partnership with Play Magnus Group (PMG) and its Champions Chess Tour. Anichess is dedicated to preserving the core ethos of chess as a predominantly skill-based and free-to-play game. While maintaining the core rules of the classic game, Anichess will provide enriched chess gameplay with an added layer of strategy through an innovative spell mechanic that consists of a range of offensive, defensive, and counter tactics. There will also be an emphasis on esport-like elements to expand the gaming experience and offer new and captivating challenges to players. 

 

Following the acquisition of PMG by Chess.com in December 2022, which has expanded the reach of the Champions Chess Tour even further, Anichess will be presented to millions of chess fans to deliver innovative experiences, grow the global chess community, and empower players through decentralization.

 

Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, commented: “The strong support expressed by investors validates Anichess’s vision of delivering unparalleled experiences for chess players, gamers, and fans. Partnering with Chess.com is an incredible opportunity to work with some of the leading chess players and influencers across the world and to bring chess into the open metaverse.”

 

Grant Lee, chief strategy officer of Chess.com, commented: "We are excited about partnering with Animoca Brands to provide some of the top players and influencers in our ecosystem with a fun and different chess experience as part of our overall mission to grow the game by presenting chess in new ways to different audiences."

 

The Alpha version of Anichess is expected to launch in Q1 2024. Follow Anichess on Twitter, join its Discord server, and register on the website to keep updated on future developments.

 

About Anichess

Anichess is a subsidiary of Animoca Brands focused on developing and advancing decentralized chess. Anichess brings new energy and innovation to one of the world’s oldest and most widely played games, modernizing and tokenizing it to take advantage of opportunities presented by Web3 technologies and communities. When it begins launching in 2024, Anichess will offer a free-to-play game that combines the core values of traditional chess with an additional layer of strategy provided by new features including an innovative spell mechanic. Anichess will boast a strong focus on powerful visuals and skill-based gameplay to deliver a captivating, esport-like experience for fans of chess and novices alike. For more information visit https://www.anichess.com.

 

About Chess.com

Chess.com is the leading online platform and community dedicated to the game of chess. With over 100 million registered users, Chess.com offers a wide range of features and resources for players of all levels, from beginners to grandmasters. The platform provides opportunities for players to learn, practice, compete, and connect with other chess enthusiasts from around the world. Chess.com's mission is to promote the enjoyment and growth of chess, fostering a global community that shares a passion for this timeless game.

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About Animoca Brands

Animoca Brands, a Deloitte Tech Fast winner, a Fortune Crypto 40 company, and one of the Financial Times’ High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2023, is a leader in digital entertainment, blockchain, and gamification that is working to advance digital property rights and contribute to the establishment of the open metaverse. The company develops and publishes a broad portfolio of products including original games such as The Sandbox, Phantom Galaxies, Life Beyond, Crazy Kings, and Crazy Defense Heroes, and products utilizing popular intellectual properties including Disney, WWE, Snoop Dogg, The Walking Dead, Power Rangers, MotoGP™, and Formula E. It has multiple subsidiaries, including The Sandbox, Blowfish Studios, Quidd, GAMEE, nWay, Pixowl, Forj, Lympo, Animoca Brands Japan, Grease Monkey Games, Eden Games, Life Beyond Studios, Notre Game, TinyTap, Be., PIXELYNX, and WePlay Media. Animoca Brands has a growing portfolio of over 450 Web3 investments, including Colossal, Axie Infinity, OpenSea, Dapper Labs (NBA Top Shot), Yield Guild Games, Harmony, Alien Worlds, Star Atlas, and others. For more information visit www.animocabrands.com or follow on Twitter or Facebook.

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Contact: press@animocabrands.com