Zentry: Evolving Play-to-Earn into Universal Gaming Rewards

GuildFi, a name familiar within the play-to-earn ecosystem, is undergoing a significant transformation. It has announced its rebranding to Zentry, with ambitious plans to develop a “superlayer” that integrates rewards across a diverse range of gaming and social platforms, transcending the boundaries of both Web3 and Web2 environments.

Originally established during the peak of Axie Infinity’s popularity, GuildFi facilitated a scholarship program where players could borrow in-game NFTs in exchange for a portion of their earnings. This initiative was part of a broader vision to create a unified gamer identity that could traverse various gaming platforms, accruing rewards and recognition for player engagement across multiple ecosystems.

Under the new banner of Zentry, the company is set to introduce an even more comprehensive system termed as a “game of games.” This concept, as described by founder and CEO Jarindr Thitadilaka, aims to encompass not only cryptocurrency and NFT-based games but also traditional Web2 games, thereby creating a seamless interaction across digital and real-world platforms.

Zentry’s ambition extends beyond mere gaming; it plans to incorporate social media interactions and real-life activities into its reward schema. The upcoming Radiant app, positioned as the central interface for Zentry, will enable users to earn rewards for diverse activities ranging from digital engagements to physical pursuits like achieving fitness goals or maintaining social habits.

“Our Play Economy is not just an extension of play-to-earn; it’s an expansion into all facets of life, providing tangible benefits that reach beyond the digital realm,” Thitadilaka emphasized in a discussion with Decrypt. This holistic approach is designed to empower users, transforming everyday activities into rewarding experiences that benefit both their digital and real-world personas.

In tandem with the rebranding, Zentry is introducing a new cryptocurrency, ZENT, which will replace the existing GuildFi (GF) token. This change will be facilitated through a swap mechanism where GF holders can exchange their tokens for ZENT at a predetermined rate.

The financial backing for such an expansive venture is solid, with GuildFi having raised over $140 million in 2021 from heavyweights like Binance Labs, Coinbase Ventures, and Animoca Brands. Despite market fluctuations, the company asserts that its assets remain robust, valued at over $100 million as of early 2024.

Zentry’s strategy mirrors broader industry trends where entities like Yield Guild Games are transitioning from operational roles within games to becoming foundational frameworks that support multiple gaming communities. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the need to integrate and harmonize the disparate elements of gaming, social, and entertainment into a cohesive ecosystem.

Zentry’s platform aims to create an immersive MMORPG experience, enriched with narrative depth and community governance, though not structured as a traditional DAO. This approach allows for a blend of structured oversight with community participation, setting the stage for a dynamic but controlled evolution of the gaming landscape.

Zentry is positioning itself not just at the forefront of the gaming industry’s evolution but as a pivotal force shaping its future. By bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, it aims to harness underutilized resources and cultivate a gaming environment that is inclusive, engaging, and rewarding for a global audience.