Introduction

Blockchain infrastructure plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of Web3 games, influencing factors such as performance, scalability, and user accessibility. Anichess, a Web3 chess game developed by Animoca Brands, operates on the Polygon zkEVM blockchain, a choice that reflects the game's focus on scalability and accessibility. [1a] This report will cover:

• The alignment of Polygon zkEVM with Anichess's gaming requirements and player needs.
• An evaluation of Polygon zkEVM's performance, security, and interoperability.
• An assessment of the blockchain's environmental impact and future scalability potential.

Polygon zkEVM's Suitability for Anichess

Polygon zkEVM was chosen as the blockchain for Anichess due to its scalability and low gas fees, which are essential for a game targeting a global player base. [1a] This aligns with Anichess's goal of making the game accessible to both casual and seasoned gamers, ensuring that players can interact with in-game assets like Orbs of Power without prohibitive costs.

• Polygon zkEVM supports high transaction throughput, which is crucial for Anichess's real-time PvP mode and NFT transactions.
• The low gas fees on Polygon ensure that players can mint and trade Orbs of Power NFTs without significant financial barriers, fostering greater participation. [2a]

Performance and Reliability

Polygon zkEVM offers fast transaction speeds, which are essential for Anichess's gameplay, particularly in real-time player-versus-player (PVP) matches. The blockchain's reliability ensures smooth interactions with in-game assets, enhancing the overall user experience.

• The efficient processing of transactions on Polygon zkEVM reduces latency, a critical factor for competitive gaming.
• Polygon's decentralized architecture ensures that the game remains operational even during periods of high network activity.

Security and Decentralization

Polygon zkEVM is considered secure, leveraging Ethereum's underlying security while offering enhanced scalability. However, it is less decentralized than Ethereum, which may raise concerns for some players, although this trade-off is necessary for the game's scalability needs.

• The use of Polygon zkEVM ensures that Anichess can handle a high volume of transactions without compromising security.
• The blockchain's architecture allows for secure storage and transfer of in-game assets like Orbs of Power.

Interoperability

Polygon zkEVM is compatible with Ethereum, allowing Anichess to leverage Ethereum's ecosystem, including wallets like MetaMask and interoperability with other Web3 projects. [3a] This interoperability enhances the game's appeal by enabling cross-chain asset transfers and broader integration.

• The integration with Ethereum-based tools ensures that players can seamlessly connect their wallets and interact with in-game assets.
• Anichess can potentially integrate with other Web3 projects, expanding its ecosystem and player engagement.

Environmental Impact

Polygon zkEVM's proof-of-stake mechanism is more energy-efficient compared to proof-of-work blockchains, reducing its environmental footprint. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability in the gaming industry, addressing player concerns about the environmental impact of blockchain gaming.

• The energy-efficient nature of Polygon zkEVM allows Anichess to appeal to environmentally conscious players.
• The blockchain's sustainable model ensures that the game's growth does not come at the expense of increased energy consumption.

Conclusion

Polygon zkEVM aligns well with Anichess's requirements, offering a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly blockchain infrastructure. Its low gas fees, fast transaction speeds, and interoperability with Ethereum make it an ideal choice for a Web3 chess game targeting a global audience.

• The blockchain's scalability and performance support Anichess's real-time PvP mode and NFT transactions, ensuring a smooth user experience.
• Polygon zkEVM's environmental sustainability aligns with the growing emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint of blockchain gaming.
• Future research could focus on detailed on-chain data metrics and potential plans for multi-chain integration or blockchain migration.

References

[1] Binance News. Anichess: Animoca Brands' Web3-Infused Chess Game. Binance Square. 1 Feb 2024. Available from: https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/2024-02-02-anichess-animoca-brands-web3-infused-chess-game-3594048574529

[2] Anichess. The Missing Orbs. Medium. 13 Mar 2024. Available from: https://medium.com/@Anichess/the-missing-orbs-40e285d8d3b3

[3] Kate Irwin. 'Anichess' NFT Game Launches With Backing From World Chess Champ Magnus Carlsen. Decrypt. 16 Jan 2024. Available from: https://decrypt.co/212959/anichess-nft-game-launches-backing-chess-champ-magnus-carlsen