GMO Internet Launches “CryptoChips byGMO” That Enables Distribution of Bitcoin as Remuneration Within the Game Application in August 2018

Tokyo, Japan – May 31, 2018 – GMO Internet (https://www.gmo.jp/en/ ) has developed “CryptoChips byGMO” that enables distribution of cryptocurrency^*1 as remuneration within the game application, and will offer it through a group company starting in August 2018. CryptoChips can be mounted on the game application and allows players to receive cryptocurrency as remuneration within the game – like a “secret pocket money” - depending on the players’ rankings or when players have achieved missions or acquired items. As the first initiative, CryptoChips will be mounted on the real-time territorial battle game “Whimsical War,” and we will launch the distribution of Bitcoin in accordance with player rankings in the game in August 2018.

*1 CryptoChips byGMO will initially support Bitcoin.

Background of launching CryptoChips

GMO Internet Group launched cryptocurrency trading and cryptocurrency FX in May 2017 and cryptocurrency mining business in December 2017, with cryptocurrency business as one of the core-businesses. GMO Internet Group plans to launch GMO miner B2, the world’s first mining machine equipped with mining chips using a cutting-edge 7 nm process technology, on Wednesday, June 6. GMO Internet Group’s partners have been able to receive part of their salaries in Bitcoin since February 2018, and we are currently expanding our cryptocurrency business.

As part of these efforts, GMO Internet developed “CryptoChips” that would enable distribution of cryptocurrency as remuneration within the game application so that our customers would find the cryptocurrency more familiar. We will offer it through a group company starting in August 2018. CryptoChips will initially support Bitcoin.

CryptoChips

CryptoChips can be mounted on the game application and allows players to receive cryptocurrency as remuneration within the game depending on the players’ rankings or when players have achieved missions or acquired items. The players must have their own wallets (cryptocurrency accounts) to receive the remuneration (cryptocurrencies)^*2.

■As the first initiative, CryptoChips will be mounted on “Whimsical War”

As the first initiative, CryptoChips will be mounted on GMO Internet Group’s real-time battle game “Whimsical War” and we will distribute Bitcoin in accordance with player rankings in the game starting in August 2018. CryptoChips will be mounted on GMO Internet Group’s other game applications as well. We will also get the competitors' game titles on board in the future.

*2 As for the management and distribution of cryptocurrency, we employ a multi-signature - a service that distributes and saves multiple private keys to access cryptocurrency - developed by the GMO System Consulting, Inc. We keep one of the private keys managing multi-signature address, and verify the user’s or key person’s signature to realize a proper transfer of cryptocurrencies.

Whimsical War

“Attack the opponent or defend your territory.” The moment decision is a key in the battle result of Whimsical War, a three-minute, real-time, territorial battle game. Place your characters on the battlefield, and they will move on their own. When and where you deploy your characters are the keys to winning in this game. Battle with players around the world! Form a tag team with your guild member and enjoy a 2 on 2 Guild Tag Battle. Chat and exchange game info or donate your characters, and get stronger together!

■Download page

App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id1289514241
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ggee.gp.whimsicalwar

■Official site

https://whimsicalwar.com/en/

Title	Whimsical War
Category	Territorial battles (RTS)
Price	Free to play (in-app purchases)
Distribution	App Store / Google Play
Operating environments	- Android 4.1 or later (at least 2GB of RAM) - iOS 8.0 or later, iPhone 5s or later, iPod touch 6th generation or later, iPad 5th generation or later, iPad mini2 or later, iPad Air - Note: Some device may not be supported.
Provider	(c) GMO GP, Inc.
Copyright	(c) 2017-2018 GMO Internet, Inc.

GMO Internet Group

GMO Internet Group is an Internet services industry leader, developing and operating Japan’s most widely used domain, hosting & cloud, ecommerce, security, and payment solutions. The Group also includes the world’s largest online FX trading platform, as well as online advertising, Internet media, and cryptocurrency related services. GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE: 9449) is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit https://www.gmo.jp/en/