Gunzilla Games and Delphi Ventures Partner to Launch the GUNZ Mainnet and Token, a New Era for Blockchain Gaming

Gunzilla Games, the studio behind the critically acclaimed crypto-infused battle royale shooter Off the Grid, has announced a strategic partnership with investment powerhouse Delphi Ventures.

Gunzilla Games, the studio behind the crypto-infused battle royale shooter Off the Grid, has announced a strategic partnership with investment powerhouse Delphi Ventures. Together, they’re laying the groundwork for the launch of the GUN token and the GUNZ mainnet, both overseen by the newly formed not-for-profit GUNZ Foundation.

Off the Grid has already captivated gamers with its innovative mechanics. Released in public early access in October, the game combines reality TV-inspired storytelling with adrenaline-pumping battle royale action. Players, equipped with robotic limbs that grant unique powers, compete in extraction-based skirmishes that have driven viral buzz across social media.

Despite its initial focus on gameplay, the game has been subtly integrating blockchain elements behind the scenes. Each player is automatically issued a wallet on the GUNZ testnet, with all in-game assets represented as NFTs. These assets will be fully migrated to the Avalanche-based GUNZ mainnet upon its launch, unlocking unprecedented ownership and control for players.

The upcoming launch of the GUNZ mainnet and GUN token will amplify the game blockchain elements, offering players greater control over their digital assets. Unlike traditional gaming platforms like Valve Steam marketplace, Off the Grid will allow users to freely trade rare in-game items—including weapons and extracted resources—across third-party platforms like OpenSea.

“Launching the GUNZ mainnet and token is a pivotal step, said Delphi Ventures Founding Partner Piers Kicks. “This will enable players to invest in the ecosystem and potentially profit by selling valuable in-game items like extracted hexes. Gunzilla Games is taking a bold approach by allowing users to trade these items on third-party platforms.”

However, Gunzilla Games also acknowledges the risks of creating a player-driven economy, which could lead to toxic trading behaviors. The GUNZ Foundation, guided by Delphi Ventures, is tasked with ensuring a balanced ecosystem that prioritizes a positive player experience.

The GUNZ mainnet isn’t just for Off the Grid; it’s designed as a dedicated layer-1 network for gaming, providing other developers a platform to build blockchain-based games. Delphi Ventures, the main validator on the GUNZ testnet, will help advise future studios on token economics, market strategy, and integrating blockchain into gameplay.

Delphi experience in crypto gaming is extensive, with investments in major projects like Axie Infinity and Nyan Heroes. “Crypto gaming has a golden opportunity over the next 12-18 months, Kicks said, highlighting the synergy between crypto and gaming trends in the U.S.

Gunzilla Games is targeting Q1 2025 for the GUN token and GUNZ mainnet launch, a move that's set to generate significant buzz in the gaming and crypto communities. As Off the Grid continues to gain momentum, it stands as a flagship title for demonstrating how crypto-based economies can engage mainstream gamers.

“This is the biggest opportunity yet to bridge the gap between gamers and blockchain, Kicks said. Off the Grid is poised to lead the charge, bringing a new level of ownership and engagement to the gaming world.