Anichess $CHECK Token Launch Set for Q4 After Three Years

A Major Milestone for Anichess

After more than three years of testing, building, and community feedback, Anichess is finally preparing for the launch of its long-awaited ecosystem token. The team has officially announced that the $CHECK token generation event (TGE) will take place in Q4 2025. The news dropped in a short but impactful post on X that simply read: “$CHECK Mate. Launching Q4.”

Previously known as $C, the $CHECK token has always been central to Anichess’s vision. Now, the token is set to become the foundation for play, governance, and creation across the growing Checkmate ecosystem.

Community at the Heart of Tokenomics

One of the standout details from the announcement is that over 55% of the total $CHECK supply is reserved for the community. Here’s how the allocation breaks down:

• 36.4% – Player rewards

• 19% – Ecosystem and Treasury

• 10% – Reserved for holders of the Ethernals NFT collection

Instead of releasing huge amounts at once, $CHECK will follow a performance-based earning model, meaning tokens are unlocked gradually through gameplay and meaningful contributions. This approach rewards long-term engagement rather than quick speculation—an important move for sustainable blockchain gaming economies.

VibeCheck and the Rise of Player-Created Games

In late July, the team revealed VibeCheck, a community-driven system that expands the use of $CHECK well beyond Anichess itself.

Here’s how it works:

• Players pitch new game ideas during Vibe Sprints.

• The community votes on their favorites by staking $CHECK.

• Winning projects get resources, exposure, and direct support.

Every action—from submitting entries to voting and even playing—ties back to the $CHECK token. This setup flips the usual top-down publishing model by putting power directly into the hands of the community. Builders, voters, and players all earn rewards, turning $CHECK into a utility token that powers an entire ecosystem rather than a single title.

For anyone following blockchain games, this is a fascinating example of how tokens can enable decentralized game publishing.

Ethernals NFT Holders Secure Exclusive Rewards

Long-time supporters of Anichess are being recognized through the Genesis Ethernals NFT collection, launched back in July 2023. A total of 960 NFTs were minted for free (excluding gas fees), and each one is tied to one of six unique tribes from the Anichess universe.

Holders of these NFTs will receive 10% of the total $CHECK supply through exclusive airdrops, with rewards scaled according to the rarity of their NFT. Beyond tokens, Ethernals also unlock staking opportunities and in-game boosts, cementing them as valuable long-term assets for dedicated players.

Backed by Chess.com and Animoca Brands

Anichess isn’t just another indie web3 experiment—it’s backed by industry heavyweights Animoca Brands and Chess.com, the largest online chess platform in the world with over 200 million users.

The project has raised $3.3 million in funding and gained support from none other than Magnus Carlsen, the world chess champion. Carlsen has praised Anichess as “the most exciting variant of chess” he has ever played, thanks to its magical mechanics like teleportation, stuns, and piece swaps layered on top of classic chess rules.

Reaching the Next Generation of Players

While traditional chess attracts millions worldwide, Anichess is using web3 and social media to engage a younger, digital-first audience.

• Over 100 million people have been reached across TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram.

• Esports-style events like the Bybit Blitz Cup have showcased the game to competitive audiences.

• High-profile matches, including a March 2025 exhibition game with Magnus Carlsen, have boosted visibility further.

By blending chess mastery with blockchain-powered mechanics, Anichess is carving out a unique space that appeals both to chess veterans and new players exploring blockchain games.

Genius Score and Reputation in the Checkmate Ecosystem

Another innovative feature is Genius Score, a player reputation system that tracks in-game achievements, onchain activity, and even community involvement across social platforms.

This score isn’t just a vanity metric—it will impact future games in the Checkmate ecosystem, creating a transparent record of a player’s contributions. For competitive players, builders, and social leaders, Genius Score adds yet another dimension of long-term value.

Sandbox Mode Opens the Door to UGC

Anichess isn’t stopping at its core game loop. The upcoming Sandbox Mode will allow players to experiment with:

• Custom rule sets

• New spells and mechanics

• Community-designed formats

Access will be gated through $CHECK, which functions both as an entry pass and a reward system. By lowering barriers to creativity, Anichess is setting the stage for a thriving user-generated content (UGC) ecosystem.

Building Toward the Q4 Token Launch

With Season 4 showing impressive engagement—over 5 million minutes played—Anichess is entering the TGE with momentum on its side. New campaigns like Kaito Yap to Earn are already stoking interest ahead of launch.

While the exact date hasn’t been revealed, the $CHECK TGE is confirmed for Q4 2025, ensuring that players, builders, and creators will soon have full access to the ecosystem’s currency.

From governance to game publishing, $CHECK is more than just a game token—it’s the backbone of a multi-title, community-powered network. With Chess.com and Animoca Brands backing its growth, Anichess is poised to become one of the most influential blockchain games of the coming years.