Ripple (XRP) is accelerating the expansion of its ecosystem by announcing a collaboration with the blockchain gaming network B3 to launch Xcade—a third-layer gaming chain operating on the XRP Ledger. This project aims to provide a more convenient access for blockchain gaming with the technological advantages of low fees and high speed, and to promote the utility of XRP tokens beyond financial transactions.
Xcade is positioned as a mobile-friendly arcade gaming platform and has launched five hyper-casual games, including Phnix Runner, Ripple Collector, Ripple Racer, and Taxi Driver. Players can earn XRP tokens by participating in tournaments and leaderboard activities, which can be used to improve rankings and encourage continuous interaction. The Xcade testnet is now open, and a full version is planned to be released later this year, with weekly updates to expand the game library and gameplay.
The platform is built with the technology and experience of B3. Previously developed on Ethereum, B3 has integrated over 100 games and more than 8.5 million wallet accounts, laying the foundation for the Web3 gaming ecosystem. Combining the low fees and high throughput of the XRP Ledger, Xcade aims to provide developers with an easier deployment environment and create a seamless on-chain gaming experience for players.
A major technical highlight of the project is the planned launch of an EVM-compatible sidechain in June 2025. This feature will offer developers greater flexibility, allowing them to implement complex game logic and interactive features directly on the chain, further expanding the playability of blockchain games.
B3 co-founder Viktoriya Hying emphasizes that Xcade's goal is not only to meet the needs of crypto users but also to attract traditional players through an intuitive and smooth experience: "The universal appeal of games can make the XRP Ledger a hub for on-chain activities beyond transactions and token holding."
Regarding market reactions, although the price of XRP only increased slightly by 1% after the announcement, analysts generally believe that this strategic move has long-term potential. By introducing gaming scenarios, XRP can not only enhance token utilization but also attract new user groups, strengthening its position as a multifunctional blockchain platform.
As Xcade progresses, Ripple is attempting to turn "blockchain + gaming" into a new growth engine for its ecosystem, allowing the XRP Ledger to extend beyond the financial domain to a broader range of decentralized applications.
