Virtually Human Studios, the creator of the popular digital horse racing game Zed Run, is gearing up to launch a new and improved version called Zed Champions on Base, the Ethereum layer-2 network developed by Coinbase. The public launch of Zed Champions is scheduled for Monday evening at 8pm ET, offering users a reimagined experience with exciting new features.
In Zed Champions, players will have the opportunity to race and breed digital horses, but with a unique twist. Unlike its predecessor, Zed Champions will feature automatic racing, where horses will dynamically match with others of similar skill levels, eliminating the need for manual race entry. This strategic shift aims to enhance the gameplay experience and provide a level playing field for all participants.
CEO of Virtually Human Studios, Nir Efrat, expressed excitement about the launch of Zed Champions, stating that the new platform represents the next evolution of their game. With a focus on skill and strategy, Zed Champions aims to cater to both casual fans and seasoned players, offering compelling reasons for continued engagement.
One of the key highlights of Zed Champions is its integration of the Ethereum-based ZED token into the gameplay. Players will use ZED tokens to enter races, breed horses, and purchase augments or power-ups. Each of the 4,320 horses in the game will hold an internal balance of ZED tokens based on breeding price and race performance, with a portion of tokens at stake in each race. This dynamic system allows players to make strategic decisions based on their horses’ token balances, potentially leading to lucrative rewards.
The original Zed Run game enjoyed success as an industry leader and onboarding tool for the NFT boom of 2021, securing partnerships with major brands like Budweiser and Stella Artois. However, as NFT interest waned, so did interest in Zed Run, leading to its shutdown in February. Despite this, Zed Run players with earned badges were rewarded with race and breeding horses for Zed Champions, signaling a fresh start for the revamped game.
Efrat emphasized that Zed Champions offers a clean slate for all players, with legacy players having the opportunity to earn rewards based on past engagement and ownership. The move to Base and the incorporation of valuable learnings from past experiences aim to establish a sustainable model for the game’s longevity and success.
As Zed Champions prepares to make its debut, players and enthusiasts can look forward to a new era of digital horse racing, marked by innovation and player-centric gameplay. The launch of Zed Champions on Base represents a significant milestone for Virtually Human Studios, setting the stage for an exciting and engaging gaming experience for all.