In this interview, I have the pleasure of digging deeper into the developments and plans of Sugarverse.io as they detail their push in Web3 gaming.

The Sugarverse, a new web3 gaming universe.

For those just now hearing about Sugarverse, let’s dive a bit deeper. In April 2024, the Tezos Foundation announced that Sugar Gaming had secured a grant to develop several projects on Tezos. Currently, one project the team has been working on is a Web3 game called Sugar Match, a multiplayer PvP Match-3 puzzle game set in the universe of Sugarverse.

The game, coming soon on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, will feature single-player along with multiplayer PVP modes. Players will have the opportunity to use a free avatar or purchase their own unique Sugar Bear avatar to take part in the action. With an eventual release of five games and a token sale, the team over at Sugar Gaming has been busy.

Having created more than ten successful games and more than 60 million users worldwide, the team behind Sugarverse is looking to bring Web3 gaming to everyday mobile gamers. We are extremely thankful to have been given this opportunity to explore their project even further. Are you curious how Etherlink will play a role in the future of the Sugarverse? Let’s hear it straight from co-founder and CEO of Sugarverse Nikolay Mitev.

“Our goal is to attract one million players within the first 24 months and publish all five games in the Sugarverse Saga over the next four years. We aim to become a cornerstone of Web3 gaming, providing a model for other projects to integrate our innovative game economy.” —  Nikolay Mitev

Etherlink Integration

Q: How is the integration of Tezos into SugarMatch progressing so far?

We’re making significant strides in integrating Etherlink into SugarMatch, with the launch of the Sugarverse token on the horizon. Our first game, Sugar Match, is now in beta and ready for broader testing. We’ve successfully integrated Tezos wallets like Temple and Kukai, and we’re currently extending support to include MetaMask and WalletConnect. This will enhance accessibility and provide a seamless experience for our players.

Q: What milestones have you achieved in this integration process?

We’ve accomplished critical milestones, including the integration of the Etherlink infrastructure necessary for the game. This positions us well to offer a smooth and secure blockchain experience in-game.

Objectives and Goals

Q: What are the main objectives of integrating Etherlink into Sugar Match?

Our main objective is to become a leading game within the Etherlink community and transition a significant portion of our existing 60 million Web2 player base into the Web3 space. This integration is about leveraging blockchain technology to enhance the gaming experience and bring a new level of engagement and reward to our players.

Q: How do you envision this integration enhancing the gameplay experience for users?

We aim for a seamless user experience where players can enjoy our games with or without a connected wallet. We plan to introduce a free-to-play mode alongside a PvP mode that offers a buy-in option. This structure allows new players to get hooked on the game loop and provides an easy onboarding process for those new to blockchain, guiding them through setting up a wallet when they’re ready.

Sugar Match, a match-3 puzzle game set in the Sugarverse. Implementation Details

Q: Can you provide some technical insights into how Etherlink is being integrated into SugarMatch?

While we’re still in closed beta and data is limited, we are focusing on ensuring a smooth integration of Etherlink with minimal friction for users. This includes overcoming challenges like optimizing wallet integration, particularly for mobile users. We’re leveraging Etherlink’s capabilities to enhance the user experience by utilizing its EVM features.

Q: What challenges have you encountered during the implementation, and how have you addressed them?

One major challenge was the integration of Tezos wallets with our game, particularly ensuring mobile compatibility. Not all wallets are equally user-friendly on mobile devices. We’ve worked closely with the Etherlink team to streamline this process, ensuring that players have a smooth and intuitive experience.

Benefits to Players

Q: What benefits can players expect from the Etherlink integration in terms of gameplay and rewards?

Players can expect efficient transactions with minimal delays, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. The integration will also support a robust in-game economy, offering sustainable rewards even with a player base of 1000 DAU.

Q: How will integrating Etherlink impact the in-game economy and player interactions?

The integration supports a unique and sustainable game economy, minimizing transaction costs and allowing players to focus on enjoying the game. With features like community-driven treasury management, players will have a say in how rewards and funds are distributed, fostering a more engaged and invested player community.

Accomplishments and Goals

Q: Can you share any key accomplishments or success stories related to the Etherlink integration so far?

Our community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with active engagement and anticipation for the game’s official launch. We’ve also successfully onboarded several partners and collaborators, setting the stage for a robust launch. Our Ambassadors program surpassed 1000 people.

The Sugar Bears will be a collection of 10,000 unique avatars. Future Vision

Q: What future developments or features do you plan to introduce in SugarMatch with the help of Etherlink?

We’re planning to introduce a Guild mode, where players can create and manage their guilds using smart contracts for lending NFTs and giving rights to other guild members winning rewards. This feature will add a new layer of strategy and community interaction, enhancing the overall game experience.

Q: How do you see the role of blockchain technology evolving within the Sugarverse ecosystem?

Blockchain technology is set to play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, allowing us to eliminate in-app ads and create a more immersive and rewarding experience for players. By leveraging Web3’s capabilities, we can offer transparent, community-driven features that traditional games can’t match.

Long-term Impact

Q: In what ways do you anticipate Etherlink will shape the future of SugarMatch and the Sugarverse as a whole?

We plan to build a long-term partnership with Etherlink, integrating these technologies across all five games in the Sugarverse Saga. This collaboration will help us attract a broader audience and set a new standard in Web3 gaming.

Q: How do you plan to keep players engaged and excited about the ongoing Etherlink integration?

We have a comprehensive marketing campaign planned, with numerous community engagement opportunities and substantial rewards. This includes unique in-game events, special token sales, and more to keep our community engaged and excited.

Between guilds and PVP mode, you'll have no shortage of fun with friends. Implementation and Future Plans

Q: What strategies are you using to ensure a smooth and effective integration of Etherlink into SugarMatch?

We maintain constant communication with the Etherlink team and our partners, ensuring alignment and smooth integration.

Q: Are there any specific partnerships or collaborations that are helping in this process?

Yes, we’ve established partnerships with various game guilds, player communities, and web3 game stores and marketplaces. These collaborations are crucial for increasing our visibility and ensuring a successful game launch and to broaden our reach and support.

Player Experience

Q: How will the Etherlink integration improve the overall player experience in SugarMatch?

The integration will ensure that our game’s revenue streams are channeled into a community treasury, which players can influence through staking and voting mechanisms. This model promotes a player-first approach, providing both financial incentives and a greater stake in the game’s development.

Q: What new opportunities will players have because of this integration?

Players will enjoy a transparent, circular and rewarding game economy, with opportunities to earn significant rewards, such as the $100k in CNDY tokens prize for a single 10 minute match. This system ensures that rewards are fair, sustainable, and exciting.

Looking Ahead

Q: What are your long-term goals for integrating Etherlink within the Sugarverse?

Our goal is to attract one million players within the first 24 months and publish all five games in the Sugarverse Saga over the next four years. We aim to become a cornerstone of Web3 gaming, providing a model for other projects to integrate our innovative game economy.

Q: How do you plan to leverage the capabilities of Etherlink to innovate and expand the game further?

We plan to leverage Etherlink to bring a diverse ecosystem of users into the Web3 space, enhancing not only our games but also the broader blockchain and wallet ecosystem. This will include developing APIs for other projects to integrate our game economy, fostering a larger and more integrated Web3 community.

Additional Information

Q: What else would you add that I might have missed?

We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of our token, which presents a fantastic opportunity for supporters of the supporters of the Etherlink and Tezos ecosystem to participate in our growth. There will be an opportunity to join Sugarverse success as an early investor through multiple launchpads that are going to be shared in the coming weeks. With exciting partnerships and innovative gameplay features in the pipeline, we’re poised to take Web3 gaming to the next level.

With a bright future ahead of themselves, the team behind the Sugarverse Saga has set their sights high. If you’re looking for upcoming projects on Etherlink via Tezos, this is one to watch. For more information and to check out the project further, make sure to visit their Linktree.

Exploring Sugarverse On Etherlink: A Conversation with Sugarverse CEO and Co-founder Nikolay Mitev was originally published in Tezos Commons on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.