Tokenization, AI and real-world adventures: The next wave of crypto engagement

An airdrop with IRL claiming lets players unlock NFTs and rewards while exploring cities, blending real-world adventure with blockchain technology for an interactive gaming experience
Ayse Karaman
Posted by Ayse Karaman January 24, 2025 4 Mins Read
An airdrop with IRL claiming lets players unlock NFTs and rewards while exploring cities, blending real-world adventure with blockchain technology for an interactive gaming experience

Presented by Belong

Belong’s new initiative, Chain Atlas, combines geo-based exploration, tokenization and AI to create an engaging crypto experience.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) emerged as a fundamental change in how we perceive ownership and value in the art world. Leveraging blockchain technology, NFTs enabled enthusiasts to be the sole owners of digital art while also allowing traditional art to be carried onchain.

As the blockchain space matured, NFTs gained new functions and extended their applications to gaming, event access and community engagement. For example, token gating, which limits access to events, content or services based on token ownership, has gained traction. This model has been adopted for exclusive events and digital assets, emphasizing the versatility of NFTs as tools for engagement and monetization.

Collecting NFTs in cities worldwide

Belong is a platform for tokenization and AI-powered events, properties, and engagement campaigns. It exemplifies how Web3 technologies can reshape engagement and community building. The platform enables users to manage NFT-based event access, loyalty programs and rewards directly from their mobile devices and participate in gamified experiences.

Cointelegraph Accelerator participant Belong provides a seamless way for communities to use NFTs for social engagement and exclusivity, fostering a deeper connection between projects and users.

Chain Atlas, a recently launched initiative by Belong, is a crypto game that transforms real-world cities into interactive game boards. At its core, Chain Atlas simplifies crypto engagement with a gamified experience. Unlike traditional airdrops requiring complex tasks, players can mint geo-based NFTs by simply stepping outside and visiting iconic city landmarks.

Describing the initiative, Jay Jidelov, CEO of Belong, said:

“Belong’s Chain Atlas redefines onchain engagement by merging blockchain with real-world exploration. This geo-based crypto game lets users mint gas-free NFTs, earn Proof-of-Location tokens and complete AI-guided missions while connecting crypto and non-crypto communities. Backed by SKALE and XDAO, the first season of Chain Atlas transforms cities into game boards, blending gamification with blockchain innovation to drive global adoption and collaboration in Web3.”

Supported by SKALE, XDAO and Analog, the multichain game enables players to choose a blockchain, which will be their clan. By visiting hotspots, players can unlock Proof-of-Location tokens and contribute to their clan’s dominance on global leaderboards.

With hidden NFTs, seasonal stablecoin prize draws and clan-based missions, Chain Atlas gamifies exploration, allowing participants to claim territories and climb the leaderboards. The value of the total prize pool in the activation exceeds $1 million.

Chain Atlas offers a unique use case for blockchains, helping networks build community cohesion and raise brand awareness. Participants also have the opportunity to interact with blockchain-specific missions that reflect the branding and ethos of each supported chain.

The game’s first season kicked off in cities all around the world, including Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, Abuja, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bekasi, Bandung, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Karachi, Lahore and Dhaka.

The game is also available in Bangkok, Manila, Lagos, Abuja, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Casablanca, Marrakech, Kyiv, Lviv, Caracas, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Istanbul, and Ankara, with over 150 cities coming soon. The expansion to new cities will further amplify the scale of Chain Atlas, allowing participants worldwide to engage with blockchain in their local environments. Each new location represents an opportunity to onboard users and foster global crypto adoption.

Emphasizing the importance of Chain Atlas for the crypto community, Yegor Lapshov, chief growth officer of Belong, said:

“In the 2025 crypto landscape, global reach is paramount for any project aiming for success. Chain Atlas’s core vision revolves around engaging vast user bases across emerging markets with crypto-savvy populations. This groundbreaking initiative will mark crypto’s first-ever offline claiming airdrop. Through innovative mechanics and a $1 million reward pool, we’re set to redefine token launch standards. Notably, LONG is scheduled for release in Q1 2025. Chain Atlas represents the first triumphant milestone in Belong’s comprehensive upgrade.”

Enhanced gameplay with AI

Chain Atlas introduces a new dimension of engagement through AI-powered agents. These intelligent guides serve as strategic advisers, offering real-time updates, territorial insights and mission guidance. This AI-driven approach enhances the gaming experience by making it more interactive and personalized for each player.

For AI agents’ efficiency, Belong leverages Analog’s infrastructure to unify data across major networks including Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, Arbitrum and Astar. The platform’s AI agents use Analog Watch’s API to track and analyze territory control across chains in real time, providing players with instant insights and strategic recommendations about their collections and clan dominance.

Analog API is crucial for our AI-powered territory tracking. It allows AI to process crosschain data efficiently, delivering real-time insights while ensuring players receive instant updates about their collections regardless of which chain they’re using. Interested users can read more about this integration in the company’s detailed case study “How Chain Atlas AI uses Analog to power multi-chain territory control” on the Belong blog.

AI also handles a raffle process on Chain Atlas. By claiming an NFT pass within a 1 km radius of designated attractions, users unlock access to the AI-guided raffle and the chance to win $100.

Belong’s Chain Atlas initiative is part of the company’s broader mission to unlock blockchain use cases and drive adoption in emerging markets. By bridging the physical and virtual worlds with NFTs, Chain Atlas positions blockchain as a tool for exploration, collaboration and cultural connection, pushing the boundaries of traditional DeFi and laying the foundation for a more inclusive Web3 landscape.

Find out more about Belong

Disclaimer. Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or product on this page. While we aim at providing you with all important information that we could obtain in this sponsored article, readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company and carry full responsibility for their decisions, nor can this article be considered as investment advice.

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