A Revolutionary Launch: Introducing Zed Champions
Virtually Human Studio (VHS) has unveiled its latest venture, Zed Champions, as a follow-up to the popular Zed Run game. This new release signifies a new beginning for VHS in the realm of web3 gaming, aiming to regain its prominence after the decline of its predecessor.
The Evolution: Zed Champions Takes the Stage
After a successful six-year run, Zed Run came to a close on February 28th, 2025, concluding an era that saw the breeding of over 420,000 virtual horses and transactions totaling $400 million. Zed Champions is VHS’s bold attempt at offering a fresh gaming experience focused on skill, strategy, and digital ownership.
VHS CEO Nir Efrat expressed, “Zed Champions reflects our dedication to innovation, accessibility, and sustainability in web3 gaming. We have reimagined digital horse racing to provide a skill-based experience that rewards strategic thinking and is inclusive of all players, whether they are seasoned web3 experts or newcomers.”
What’s Different in Zed Champions?
- Automated 24/7 Racing: Races are now scheduled automatically, ensuring continuous competition.
- Dynamic Auction Breeding: A new breeding system allows users to bid on studs using the $ZED token.
- Augment System: Horses can be enhanced with three types of augments to improve performance.
- Leaderboard Tracking: Race results determine points, influencing rankings and matchmaking.
- $ZED Token Integration: The in-game economy operates on $ZED for breeding, races, and marketplace transactions.
These changes aim to create a more immersive and sustainable gaming environment for players.
The Shift: Zed Run NFTs and Zed Champions
A controversial aspect of the transition is that Zed Run NFTs will not carry over to Zed Champions. This decision has stirred discontent among long-time players who heavily invested in the digital horses of the previous game.
To assist with the switch, VHS is offering a month-long opportunity for Zed Run players to claim, purchase, or trade reward badges. These badges will be transferable to Zed Champions, enabling holders to acquire new horses.
The Legacy of Virtually Human Studio: From Triumph to Reconstruction
Established in 2019 by Chris Laurent, Rob Salha, Geoff Wellman, and Chris Ebeling, VHS once led the NFT gaming sector. Zed Run, launched in 2019, offered gas-free transactions and genuine digital ownership through the Polygon network.
However, market shifts and economic challenges took their toll on the project. As horse values declined and community interest waned, VHS faced difficulties in maintaining its momentum. Despite attempts to revive Zed Run, the company struggled, leading to a shift in focus towards competitive gaming with Zed Champions.
What Lies Ahead?
As the beta testing phase approaches, VHS aims to gather player input and enhance the game before its official launch. Additionally, the introduction of Zed Picks, a mobile app for casual players to spectate races and win prizes, demonstrates VHS’s commitment to inclusivity.
Moreover, VHS’s transition to the Base blockchain from Polygon, supported by Coinbase, is expected to provide a more robust foundation for the game. By April 2025, Zed Champions will unveil its full racing ecosystem, offering a revamped structure and fairer gameplay.
Ultimately, the success of Zed Champions hinges on player acceptance and engagement with this revitalized edition of digital horse racing.
