Ancient8: The Gaming-Focused Ethereum Layer 2 Network

Ancient8 hopes to step in and help make blockchain technology more suitable for the modern gaming era. Explore this guide to learn how Ancient8 provides the fast transactions and network security that web3 game developers need.

Ancient8 is a Layer 2 blockchain network that aims to enhance the development and operation of web3 games. Built on Ethereum, Ancient8 utilizes Optimism (OP) and Celestia (TIA) technology to achieve faster transactions and lower costs for game development on the Ethereum virtual machine (EVM).

Ancient8 boasts a community-driven approach, offering support and resources to developers throughout their journey. The project was founded in 2021 by a team of web3 enthusiasts, including Howard Xu, Nathan L, Thuat Nguyen, Jenny Nguyen and William Phan. Their collective passion for gaming, investing and web3 technologies led to the creation of Ancient8.

The project has garnered significant attention and funding from Makers Fund, Pantera Capital and other investors, to the tune of over $10 million. This funding is crucial for Ancient8's development, team expansion and ecosystem growth.

Ancient8's Objectives

The overall aim of Ancient8 is to shape the future of web3 gaming, envisioning vibrant metaverses where creativity and innovation are rewarded. To achieve this grand goal, Ancient8 tackles several specific objectives:

Prioritizing modularity to seamlessly integrate a diverse range of games into the ecosystem

Empowering users by placing control of the system in their hands

Reducing gas fees and expediting transaction speeds to minimize obstacles in blockchain development

Maintaining EVM compatibility to ensure new products align with existing Ethereum projects

Cultivating an environment that not only supports game creators, but also rewards game players for their participation

Ancient8's Functioning

Ancient8 operates as a Layer 2 network that runs atop the primary Ethereum blockchain. Its system functions independently as a separate chain, yet it synchronizes with the Ethereum blockchain to store its underlying data.

This unique design allows Ancient8 to inherit the network security of Ethereum while simultaneously offering faster transactions and more advanced features than those available on Ethereum alone.

To further refine its blockchain, Ancient8 leverages technology from Celestia and OP Stack. These systems contribute to a modular design, splitting Ancient8 into five distinct portions.

The five layers — data availability, sequencing, derivation, execution and governance — are managed separately. This granular approach ensures that users only need to access the specific portions of the blockchain they're actually utilizing.

Developers within the Ancient8 ecosystem can then design programs that operate on the Ancient8 network. These decentralized apps (DApps) typically combine both smart contracts and software.

When individuals play games on Ancient8, they interact with the user-friendly interface, while the digital assets and data for the game are stored on the Ancient8 blockchain.

Features of Ancient8

Beyond its Layer 2 capabilities, Ancient8 offers a range of features to enhance the web3 gaming experience for its users.

Acceler8

This incubation grant program is designed to support game developers. In line with Ancient8's mission to build a comprehensive ecosystem of games on its blockchain, promising new projects are awarded funds. Developers who choose to build on Ancient8 can apply for various grants to offset their development costs.

Airdrop

The Ancient8 Airdrop serves to distribute tokens to community members within the ecosystem. Participation in forums and the creation of an account both contribute to airdrop eligibility. Once you're a member of the community, visit the airdrop page to view the number of tokens you're entitled to receive. The current round of airdrops will be live until Aug 17, 2024.

Staking

Holders of the A8 token also have the option to stake their tokens. By temporarily locking your tokens, you not only contribute to the network's stability, but you also earn rewards. A8 stakers are able to generate passive income from tokens while still retaining the ability to eventually sell their tokens.

Ancient8 Ecosystem

Ancient8's global game distribution platform already features a diverse lineup of exciting games. Users can enjoy SocialFi games, roguelike games and more. There's also a marketplace where users can buy and sell digital assets.

The ecosystem also includes blockchain bridges, crypto wallets and other helpful services for gamers. For developers working on Ancient8, the ecosystem offers premium security measures, NFT infrastructure and marketing tools.

Ancient8 Foundation

The Ancient8 Foundation is a collective of core partners who contribute to shaping the direction of the Ancient8 ecosystem. It’s spearheaded by web3 gaming thought leaders, but anyone with a sufficient holding of A8 tokens is welcome to join and make suggestions.

Ancient8 Governance

Ancient8 is set to be governed by a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). This management system empowers users to submit and vote on proposals.

Not only does this approach make Ancient8 more democratic, but it also opens up possibilities for greater creativity within the system. To obtain voting power in the DAO, users simply need to hold or stake A8 tokens.

Ancient8 Road Map

In the years since its founding, Ancient8 has successfully built and released a blockchain for developers to launch games on. Now, its