The TON Foundation welcomed Animoca Brands Corporation Ltd. as it became the largest validator of the TON blockchain. As its top validator, the Hong Kong-headquartered game software and venture capital company will also provide funding, research, and analytics services for TON mini apps.

Animoca Brands is investing in TON blockchain protocol as it sets its sights on GameFi development on The Open Network's blockchain platform. It plans to bring blockchain-based games to Telegram's 800 million users worldwide.

Highlights of Animoca and TON's Partnership

According to CoinTelegraph, Animoca Brands conducted large-scale market research on TON's ecosystem with a focus on the network's ability to push GameFi and cryptocurrency adoption. As part of its strategy, it will support the blockchain network's gaming infrastructure project called TON Play.

This blockchain-based framework allows gaming applications to be created on TON and then released on the Telegram messaging app. It may also authorize the introduction of existing web-based games on the app.

As a result, through TON Play's authorization, developers will be able to reach millions of Telegram users as they deliver games on the platform. Users may also browse mobile game titles via PlayDeck, a toolkit that allows game developers to leverage the capabilities of Telegram.

Animoca's Validator Position Experience

This is the second time Animoca Brands became a validator of proof-of-stake blockchain protocol this month. The first time it happened was on Nov. 14, when it joined the Chilliz Chain blockchain. The fan token blockchain is serving as the chief support of Socios.com.

At any rate, the value of Animoca Brands' investment in the TON network was not revealed. However, it was reported that the investment was made directly into Toncoin.

"Animoca Brands' investment in The Open Network is a pivotal step towards the next era of blockchain-based gaming," TON Foundation's director of growth, Justin Hyun, said in a press release. "Together, we will infuse Web3 seamlessly into the daily experiences of Telegram users, particularly in gaming, for a global audience to enjoy."

Animoca Brand's co-founder and executive chairman, Yat Siu, further commented, "This strategic investment in TON is a key part of our broader commitment to help onboard the next million Web3 users by facilitating a seamless transition from Web2 to Web3. Taking part in the network's validation underlines our faith in the successful realization of the vision behind the TON project as it looks to bring Web3 into the mainstream."

Photo by: Animoca Brands Press Release