AtariX Teams Up with Coinbase for NFT Retro Games
In A Nutshell
AtariX, the Web3 arm of the iconic video game company Atari, has announced a partnership with Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution, to bring classic video games onto the blockchain. This initiative kicks off with the beloved 1979 arcade hit, Asteroids, allowing players to engage with the game in a novel way. By minting a non-fungible token (NFT) that serves as an access pass, participants can enjoy the game while also competing for high scores and prizes on a global leaderboard.
The Revival of Retro Gaming on Blockchain
The partnership between AtariX and Base is a significant step in merging the nostalgia of retro gaming with modern blockchain technology. Asteroids, the first game to be featured, allows players to control a spaceship tasked with destroying asteroids and avoiding collisions. The introduction of an on-chain arcade through Base enables players to mint NFTs, granting them access to play Asteroids and record their scores directly on the blockchain. This not only revitalizes a classic game for older fans but also introduces it to a new audience in an innovative way.
Onchain Arcade with NFT Access
To participate, users connect their digital wallet and mint an NFT access pass at a cost of 0.0015 Ether (approximately $5). Each wallet can mint up to 1,000 NFT passes, although owning multiple passes does not influence game scores. This mechanism offers a unique blend of gaming and blockchain, where players can compete in a familiar setting while engaging with the latest in digital asset technology.
Blockchain Gaming: Not Just A Nostalgic Trip
The move to bring classic games onto the blockchain is not confined to Atari and Base. This trend has been gaining momentum, as evidenced by recent developments such as the inscription of a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) emulator on the Bitcoin network and a first-person shooter game on the Dogecoin blockchain. These cases highlight a growing effort to preserve classic games through blockchain technology, emphasizing its potential to serve as a digital archive for endangered games.
Our Take
Atari’s initiative to bring its classic games onto the blockchain through its partnership with Base is more than a nostalgic revival; it represents a significant intersection of vintage entertainment and cutting-edge technology. This move not only offers a unique way for fans to engage with their favorite games from the past but also signals the broader potential of blockchain technology to redefine how we think about digital ownership and gaming. As this trend continues to evolve, it’s conceivable that more classic and contemporary games will find new life on the blockchain, potentially transforming the gaming industry and how players interact with their beloved titles.
By blending nostalgia with innovation, Atari and Base are charting a new course for the future of gaming, where the past and present coalesce to create something truly groundbreaking for the industry.
