In Brief:
- GRAMPUS transitions independently from Iskra, shifting its operations to Base network.
- The studio will discontinue two titles and focus on Rolling Burger and two new AI-driven games.
- This move comes amid a market where Web3 game shutdowns are increasing.
GRAMPUS moves to independence
GRAMPUS has announced a strategic shift, leaving its partnership with Iskra and migrating to the Base network. The South Korean casual game studio, known for its widely popular Cooking Adventure, made this move after Iskra began scaling back its operations, including shutting down its SDK and core infrastructure.
This change means GRAMPUS will discontinue two titles, Norma in Metaland and Juicy Adventure, which relied heavily on Iskra’s systems. Instead, the studio is pivoting to enhance the Rolling Burger experience and will launch two new titles, Uncharted Tycoons and My Secret Love, emphasizing AI integration and agentic game loops.
Iskra’s scaling back
Iskra has played a crucial role in GRAMPUS’s previous onchain endeavors since its inception in 2021, backed by a $34 million investment round led by Krust Universe. The platform was designed as a full-stack Web3 gaming publisher with integrated wallet, DEX, and NFT systems. However, Iskra’s recent decision to scale back publishing leaves GRAMPUS without the foundational support it relied on.
Norma in Metaland and Juicy Adventure were tightly integrated with Iskra’s ecosystem, utilizing its Quest Wall and community systems, making an independent relaunch impossible for those titles.
Retired titles
Norma in Metaland, launched in July 2023, saw a strong start with over 10,000 daily active users within a month. The title featured a CANDY utility token and integrated a unique NFT project. Juicy Adventure, launched in October 2024, offered a different experience as a 5v5 shooter using the JELLY token and featured customizable Shooter NFTs. With both titles now discontinued, GRAMPUS marks the end of this chapter.
Focus on Rolling Burger and new tokens
Rolling Burger, however, remains a priority. This burger-themed project will leverage a new tradable Ingredient Tokens system, allowing NFT holders to convert their assets into liquid tokens, enhancing its in-game economy. The CHEF token, recently launched via Clanker, positions GRAMPUS within a vibrant trading community.
New titles and AI innovations
The studio is also preparing to introduce Uncharted Tycoons and My Secret Love, both centered around AI-driven mechanics. This approach suggests a departure from traditional play-to-earn models and signals a new direction for GRAMPUS, aligning with its broader strategy of integrating blockchain with AI technology.
About GRAMPUS
Founded in 2014 in Seoul, GRAMPUS gained traction with Cooking Adventure, which amassed over 33 million users. The studio’s Web3 arm, established in 2021, has been pivotal for its transition to onchain gaming.
Why Base?
Base offers a lower-fee environment and existing infrastructure that aligns with GRAMPUS’s operational needs. This choice reflects a strategic pivot toward self-sustainability as the studio navigates its independent future without Iskra’s oversight.
Context of transition
GRAMPUS’s move occurs during a difficult period for Web3 gaming, where several projects have faced shutdowns. However, the studio is determined to pivot rather than close down, streamlining its focus to more viable offerings.
Looking ahead
Players from the discontinued games will need to wind down their positions as attention shifts toward enhancing Rolling Burger and launching the new titles. While specific timelines for these launches have not been announced, the focus on AI and innovative game loops is now an established cornerstone for GRAMPUS’s future.
