Animoca Brands Corporation Ltd has made a key strategic move with the first phase launch of ‘Anichess’, a spellbinding, free-to-play chess strategy video game developed in partnership with Chess.com and five-time World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen.
Anichess, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, offers players a fresh take on the classic game of chess and is available completely free of charge at www.anichess.com.
First phase launch
The first phase is a free single-player chess puzzle game featuring player-versus-environment gameplay with a second phase later this quarter to add the player-versus-player option.
Anichess combines the core rules of chess with a rich, captivating story and new gameplay elements including magic spell mechanics for a range of offensive, defensive and counter tactics.
Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen said: “I am excited that Anichess is bringing innovation to chess with spells and strategy gaming elements that provide a refreshing chess experience.”
Spell mechanism
The video game preserves the core ethos of chess, demanding of its players the same understanding of strategic planning, probability and psychology required in the classic game, while also introducing an innovative spell mechanism that adds an entirely new strategic layer.
Players of all skill levels, including beginners, can enjoy this new evolution of chess enriched by new strategic depth, tactical magic, and expansive lore.
In its first launch phase, Anichess immerses players in a solo adventure in which they must use unique magical spells (eg transforming any non-royal piece into a knight) to solve daily chess puzzles.
By completing these daily challenges, players can collect Orbs of Power game assets that provide in-game utility, such as unlocking new challenge puzzles that offer greater rewards.
The goal of the game is to deliver an experience that makes chess more engaging and accessible to all.
To widen chess horizon
By working closely with partner chess Grandmasters and game designers, Anichess seeks not only to cater to a large global community of chess enthusiasts but also to widen the chess horizon and tap into new audiences, including those who enjoy strategy games but do not play chess regularly.
In addition to Carlsen, Anichess has assembled an elite roster, including Anish Giri, the Dutch Grandmaster and world number 7; David Howell, the English Grandmaster, commentator and world number 56; David Antón Guijarro, the Spanish Grandmaster and world number 58; Sopiko Guramishvili, the Georgian-Dutch International Master, Woman Grandmaster, acclaimed author; and others.
“New dimension of chess”
Animoca Brands co-founder and executive chairman Yat Siu said: “Anichess revolutionizes the classic royal game by fusing traditional strategy and gameplay with the innovative elements of spellcasting, a fantasy storyline and Web3 functionality.
“We are thrilled to partner with Chess.com and to have Magnus Carlsen and other impressive chess talent with us as we pioneer this new dimension of chess.”
Anichess, which boasts a strong focus on powerful visuals and skill-based gameplay to deliver a captivating, esport-like experience for fans of chess and novices alike, can be played completely free of charge now at www.anichess.com.