As the new year begings, we reflect on an incredible 2024 — a year of transformation, expansion, and innovation for zkRace. From strategic rebrand, an expansion of product scope and a transition to the upgraded $ZERC token, to exciting new features, and impactful partnerships, zkRace has cemented its position as a leader in Web3 gaming. Let’s take a closer look at the milestones that defined this year.
✨ Evolution to zkRace
2024 marks a bold transformation as we officially became zkRace and evolved from being the leading NFT horse racing game into a comprehensive Web3 infrastructure, redefining what it means to lead in the GameFi space.
zkRace has evolved beyond its origins as a horse racing game into a comprehensive ecosystem catering to both active players and passive participants. Powered by groundbreaking zk-rollup Validium technology, zkRace delivers unparalleled scalability, transparency, and efficiency. This innovative infrastructure combines blockchain-verified gameplay with a fully player-driven experience, breaking free from single-chain constraints to offer a truly multi-chain platform.
zkRace not only enhances accessibility for all players, but also empowers other developers to overcome blockchain limitations and shape the future of Web3 gaming.
🪙 $ZERC Introduction
At the heart of this rebrand is $ZERC, our powerhouse token that replaced $DERC in a 1:1 swap. This transition preserved the token’s total supply while introducing enhanced utilities and advanced security measures.
$ZERC now fuels every aspect of zkRace, from in-game transactions to marketplace trades, and will serve as the gas fee for external GameFi projects that adopt our zk-rollup infrastructure. This expanded utility cements $ZERC’s role as the backbone of zkRace and a vital component of the broader Web3 gaming ecosystem.
Accessibility was a cornerstone of the $ZERC rollout. zkRace token was also fully audited by Hacken and got listed on major exchanges like KuCoin, Crypto.com, Gate.io, MEXC, Uniswap, PancakeSwap, QuickSwap, Bitget, BitMart and Aerodrome. A fiat-to-$ZERC onramp further expanded token’s reach, enabling non-crypto users to participate seamlessly.
With a capped supply of only 120 million $ZERC tokens and ever-growing utility among which is powering zkRace’s ecosystem, driving its marketplace, enabling scalable blockchain interactions, unlocking early access to W3Forge projects and much more, $ZERC is set for for an exciting future.
🎉 Expanding Horizons
In 2024, zkRace reached another significant milestone by joining the Base network, marking a transformative step for our platform and $ZERC token.
The integration of zkRace with the Base network has expanded its reach and connected it with a larger blockchain audience, enhancing the gaming experience for all. This move has attracted gamers, Web3 enthusiasts, and traders, strengthening zkRace’s position in the GameFi space and bringing more attention to the $ZERC token within the Base community.
Collaboration is key to zkRace’s growth, with partnerships formed across Base’s vibrant communities and projects. By onboarding new players and engaging existing ones, zkRace has built a stronger, more active ecosystem, ensuring its long-term success and fostering a thriving community of participants.
The addition of Base into zkRace’s platform, enabled by zkRace’s advanced cross-chain solution, enhances accessibility and scalability. This solution supports multiple EVM-compatible chains, giving players greater flexibility and expanding the ecosystem. With plans for new features, integrations, and rewards, zkRace is poised to continue evolving and delivering exciting opportunities to its growing player base.
💪 New Releases and Community-Centric Growth
This year has seen groundbreaking updates and community-driven improvements to the forefront of the platform. Players’ voices shaped many of these changes, including the introduction of bulk spins, bulk chest openings, and the playful addition of Worst Time Races, all designed to enhance the gaming experience. Leaderboards were upgraded with a Slowest Racer category, while Leaderboard Challenges now reward the fastest racers monthly across all tracks and distances. Tournaments became more dynamic with features like Mixed-Length Stages and Combined Stage Average Times, alongside auto-generated tournaments that keep the competition going and reward players.
Horse NFT staking emerged as a game-changer in 2024. Players can now stake their NFT horses permanently or non-permanently to earn Sugar Cubes, maximizing the value of underperforming horses and providing consistent rewards. Sugar Cubes gained expanded utility, enabling players to reduce horse breeding cooldowns and unlock extra spin-the-wheel spins. Meanwhile, zkRace enhanced Equipment Races with extra Sugar Cube rewards and unveiled an in-game marketplace, where all transactions are powered by $ZERC, creating a seamless, gas-free trading experience.
The release of the Free Trial Mode was a pivotal step in onboarding new players. This mode allows newcomers to explore zkRace’s features, earn rewards through guided tutorials, and confidently transition into full gameplay. Paired with quests and enticing rewards, it accelerates player-base growth and expands zkRace’s reach beyond seasoned Web3 gamers. Complementing this was the launch of Race Intro, a feature showcasing NFT horses and jockeys before races, perfect for enhancing streaming and viewer engagement.
By embracing player feedback and introducing innovative features, zkRace has set the stage for an even brighter future. With 2025 on the horizon, zkRace promises even more thrilling releases, enhanced gameplay, and community-centered developments, ensuring the race continues stronger than ever. 🏇
🚀 Epic Growth
2024 has been marked by impactful partnerships and integrations that introduced zkRace to diverse communities and significantly expanded its reach. Collaborations with leading projects and tools have enhanced community engagement, improved accessibility, and showcased zkRace to new audiences across the Web3 space. By leveraging these connections, zkRace has solidified its position as a key player in blockchain gaming, offering a seamless and engaging experience.
We also celebrated our third anniversary with incredible achievements: over 600,000 races run, 70,000 users, 5,000+ Gen1 NFT horses bred, and 8,000,000 $ZERC won. Double and Triple Winnings events added excitement to the tracks, while our latest and largest tournament yet attracted over 350 participants. Adding to these milestones, zkRace was nominated and proudly secured 3rd place in the Blockchain Game Awards 2024, hosted by PlayToEarn, in the Best Racing & Sports Game category. These milestones underscore zkRace’s commitment to creating a rewarding and engaging ecosystem for all players.
🎆 What’s Next in 2025?
As we look ahead, 2025 promises to be even bigger. Expect more groundbreaking releases, new gameplay features, and expanded $ZERC utilities. Our team is working tirelessly to deliver a year filled with innovation, competition, and unforgettable experiences.
Thank you for making 2024 an incredible year. Here’s to more milestones, thrilling races, and a thriving community in 2025. Let’s race into the future together!
About zkRace
zkRace is both the front-running NFT horse racing game and the world’s 1st cutting-edge zk-rollup infrastructure tailored for GameFi and powered by $ZERC token.
zkRace is more than just a game; it’s a paradigm shift in the Web3 gaming space at large. As we embrace our newfound identity and broader mission, we invite you to join us on this groundbreaking journey.
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