KuCoin, a leading crypto exchange, launched its NFT launchpad, KuCoin IGO, on April 8. The platform is designed to host IGOs (Initial Game Offerings) for blockchain and NFT gaming projects.

KuCoin IGO aims to accelerate growth in the metaverse, Web3 and blockchain gaming sectors, reflecting KuCoin’s view that gamification and NFTs will play a central role in the virtual worlds of the future.

When announcing the IGO launch, KuCoin CEO Johnny Lyu said:

“The metaverse is one of the most exciting topics today and a new way of life in the near future. With major companies like Meta, Amazon and Tencent, as well as wealthy investors such as Elon Musk, investing heavily in the metaverse—money, talent and technology—this appears to be a historic trend that will deliver truly unique experiences. GameFi and NFTs will be the most typical gateways into the metaverse, which is one of the main reasons KuCoin launched the IGO platform. We hope to empower the development of Web 3.0 through KuCoin IGO, to discover stronger GameFi and NFT projects and to support the growth of the entire industry.”

In-game NFTs on KuCoin

KuCoin IGO will allow KuCoin users to access in-game NFTs and enjoy a smooth, centralized experience where they can purchase, invest in and withdraw NFTs without switching platforms.

Buyers will be able to continue trading and managing their NFTs directly on the exchange.

For creators and game developers, KuCoin IGO offers multiple launch options. Projects can choose fixed-price sales, auctions or mystery box formats to distribute their NFTs.

Pikaster is the first project on KuCoin IGO

Three days after the NFT launchpad went live, Pikaster, a play-to-earn card battle game, became the first NFT project to launch on the platform.

Pikaster is currently running a sale called “Pikaster Original Eggs Round 2” following completion of the “Pikaster Original Eggs Pre-sale Round 1.” The project will also hold an auction for Evolved Pikaster ahead of the platform’s official closing date on April 17.

Pikaster CMO Luffy commented:

“KuCoin has always been a company with great ambition and is attentive to potential shifts in the future. KuCoin also places strong emphasis on community value and user value, which aligns perfectly with our own philosophy. That made partnering with KuCoin and launching our IGO as the first project the right decision. Pikaster aims to bring new changes to the industry, both in terms of gameplay and revenue generation. That is why we call ourselves ‘Truly-Play & Truly-Earn.’”