Anichess, a blockchain-integrated chess platform developed by Animoca Brands in partnership with Chess.com and the Play Magnus Group, is preparing to launch its first NFT collection.
The drop, titled Genesis Ethernals, is set to begin on July 3 and will be limited to 960 items. Eligibility is restricted to early participants, active players, and contributors, with a separate raffle process available for a small number of additional users.
The NFTs will be distributed free of charge, although users must pay standard Ethereum network fees to claim them.
Key Insights
- Anichess is set to launch its Genesis Ethernals NFT collection on July 3
- A total of 960 NFTs will be available in this release, with no additional mints planned
- Only pre-approved wallets will be eligible to mint, with one NFT allowed per wallet
- Users who are not on the allowlist can enter a raffle hosted on Premint
- NFT holders will receive access to token rewards, staking opportunities, and more
What is Anichess?
Anichess is a digital chess game that introduces fantasy elements and blockchain integration.
Developed by Animoca Brands in partnership with Chess.com and Play Magnus Group, the platform retains traditional chess rules whilst adding new mechanics such as spells, mana, and resource-based decision-making.
Since launching its public alpha in October 2024, Anichess has seen over one million player accounts and more than 300,000 participants in PvP matches.
The game includes several play modes—Quick Match, Ranked Match, Bot Match, and Friend Match—and features an on-chain point system known as M8, introduced in April 2025, which rewards player activity.
What is the Genesis Ethernals NFT?
Genesis Ethernals is the first NFT collection to be issued by Anichess.
It consists of 960 tokens, each associated with one of six fictional in-game tribes. The collection is intended to recognise early community involvement and forms part of the broader ecosystem being developed around the platform’s upcoming $C utility token.
The NFTs are non-transferable during the mint period and can be claimed by verified wallets through the official Anichess website. A limited number of spots are available through a separate raffle hosted on Premint.
What are the benefits to holding a Genesis Ethernals NFT?
Holders of a Genesis Ethernals NFT will be given access to specific features and rewards within the Anichess ecosystem. These include:
- Eligibility for a future airdrop of the $C token
- Access to a private staking pool
- Unlockable in-game enhancements not available to non-holders
- Long-term participation benefits tied to game development and governance
The NFTs are designed to offer functional value rather than solely serve as collectibles.
How to participate in the mint?
The minting window opens on July 3 and will last for 24 hours.
Only wallets that meet Anichess’s eligibility criteria will be able to mint, with each wallet limited to one NFT. A wallet verification tool will be available on the official website ahead of the mint.
For users who are not already eligible, a Premint-hosted raffle will provide an opportunity to gain access, though these spots are limited.
The collection is capped at 960 NFTs, with no additional mints planned.
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