GameFi startup releases jam-packed utility NFTs ranging from game passes to earning opportunities

Cryptocurrency gaming has already changed the public perception of the industry, from one that was built on the foundations of fun to an opportunity for earning. Unfortunately, much of the potential is still limited due to the high barriers for new players. Among these are the perceived knowledge gap required to participate in the cryptocurrency industry, associated wallets and navigating unknown platforms. On the other side, players looking at testing a new gameplay model have found themselves discouraged by the initial costs to begin.

The result is that a decentralized world designed for the population at large is being skewed to a select group of those with a certain level of education and average income. Recent reports suggest that a significant gender problem also exists, as most cryptocurrency investors are male. Therefore, for mainstream adoption to ensue, something must be done to level the playing field for the rest of the world.

Similar to how Robinhood simplified the process of investing for retail traders, the team behind Ethlas has arisen with the mission to bridge the subsequent billion users into the crypto metaverse. Creating a one-stop casual games platform, Ethlas gives the world their first taste of free-to-play and play-to-earn gaming.

Ethlas is backed by several known parties, including Yield Guild Games (SEA), Infinity Ventures Crypto, Sequoia Capital India and executives from CoinMarketCap and Coinbase. The project has since released its genesis series of Komo NFTs, launching March 2, complete with extensive in-game utility ranging from generative art to increased earnings, to exclusive access to casual and battle-based gaming. The project itself is built on Polygon (MATIC) and now has over 130,000 crypto wallet users globally, amounting to 3 million gameplays since the end of January.

NFTs sent to roam

As the story goes, the Komo Gods sent 8337 one-of-a-kind NFTs to the world of Ethlas, with the mission to find games and locate precious gems. Each Komo NFT is modeled after the Komodo Dragon common in Indonesia and designed to benefit gamers and cryptocurrency users. NFTs may also be equipped with elemental NFTs to further unlock skills, maps and exclusive missions as new game releases become available.

"Komo NFTs acts as game passes for two exclusive Ethlas games. Komo Cup is a high-stakes casual game, which allows winners to win a prize pot of up to $10,000 by coming tops in the daily tournament. Released shortly after is Komo Klash, a turn-based battle strategy game which allows players to form their sets of 3 Komos and compete in different game modes to win the prize pot," the team shares.

These NFTs come to life through the process of minting. In practice, users must meet the mint price of 30,000 XGEMs, approximately $350 at press time, which can be earned directly through QuikSwap (QUICK) by exchanging MATIC. With funds on hand, parties must visit the official Ethlas website on the mint day. Players can participate in the public sale starting on March 2.

Early adopters are given an added advantage by joining the 2,000 spot whitelist. By securing a spot, players can mint their Komo NFTs early at a discounted price.

Knocking down barriers

The Ethlas community now contains over 36,000 discord members, a growing community that is said to propel the project's efforts towards becoming a game hosting platform. Over the next 12 months, players can expect deeper gameplay, including hosting tournaments and opportunities to participate in prize pot battles hosted by influencers.

In line with the project's official roadmap, players can also expect an increase in game selection by integrating traditional games with Ethlas' existing crypto rewards platform.