- Arbitrum is set to unlock $250 million worth of funds to boost gaming on its Ethereum layer-2 network over the next three years.
- The funds will come from a proposal called the Gaming Catalyst Program (GCP) that has received strong support from Arbitrum token holders in an ongoing vote.
- The GCP aims to attract game developers to Arbitrum and build out infrastructure to better support on-chain gaming on the network.
Arbitrum, an Ethereum layer-2 scaling network, enables faster and cheaper transactions compared to the Ethereum mainnet. It has attracted several prominent gaming projects, but its backers want to encourage even more growth in gaming.
The Gaming Catalyst Program
The Gaming Catalyst Program (GCP) aims to empower gaming on Arbitrum by allocating 225 million ARB tokens, worth over $250 million, over three years. This includes $200 million specifically for gaming projects and $25 million for administering the program.
The tokens will focus on two initiatives – builder onboarding/growth and infrastructure bounties. The first will receive $160 million to attract and support developers. The second gets $40 million for technical infrastructure to serve gaming.
Recipients will face checks to ensure alignment with the DAO’s goals and values. A council of gaming experts will oversee the program.
Voting and Expected Impact
The DAO vote has seen strong support so far. If passed, the GCP aims to fund 100-200 games, launch 50+ Arbitrum chains, and attract more projects over three years. However, most funded games likely won’t launch until 2025.
Conclusion
The GCP seeks to catalyze gaming growth on Arbitrum. Its goal is to mature into a comprehensive long-term gaming program for the ecosystem.
