TLDR:
- Dookey Dash: Unclogged launches as free-to-play game on multiple platforms
- $1 million+ prize pool for top players in end-of-season tournament
- New “creator mode” allows players to create and trade in-game assets as NFTs
- Game features weekly leaderboards and Golden Plunger NFT rewards
- Originally NFT-gated, now open to all players to expand reach
Yuga Labs, the creator of Bored Ape Yacht Club, has launched “Dookey Dash: Unclogged,” a free-to-play version of their popular NFT-gated game from 2023.
The game, developed in partnership with Faraway, is now available on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC in selected regions.
Dookey Dash: Unclogged has been un-puckered and is ready for entry.
Download the game now on the:
App Store: https://t.co/Csgr8ofqcu
Google Play Store: https://t.co/1JGme4666J
PC: https://t.co/D603JieNf4 pic.twitter.com/efJoHSWe8V
— Bored Ape Yacht Club š (@BoredApeYC) September 19, 2024
Dookey Dash: Unclogged is an endless runner-style game set in a sewer environment. Players control a character on a makeshift underwater scooter, navigating through obstacles and collecting points.
The game’s core gameplay remains similar to its predecessor, but it now includes new features and is accessible to a broader audience.
One of the most significant changes is the game’s shift from being NFT-gated to free-to-play. This move allows Yuga Labs to expand its reach beyond the Web3 community. Spencer Tucker, Chief Product Officer at Faraway, explained,
“The first release had an amazing response, so it made sense to expand beyond web3. Dookey Dash: Unclogged is a casual, intuitive game that anyone can enjoy.”
The game introduces a “creator mode” feature, which allows players to upload 3D models or 2D art to create on-chain avatars, vehicles, and stickers.
These assets can be traded on the Faraway Shop, an NFT marketplace, and used in other gaming experiences.
This integration of Faraway’s Creator Suite aims to provide monetization opportunities for creators and interoperable owned content for players.
A key attraction of Dookey Dash: Unclogged is its competitive element and substantial prize pool. The game features weekly leaderboards where players can earn various rewards, including “Golden Plungers.”
These tradable NFTs serve as tickets to the end-of-season tournament, where a prize pool of over $1 million is up for grabs. Players can earn Golden Plungers by ranking in the top 250 on the season leaderboard or through “The Wheel of Dookey” feature.
The game’s first season has officially kicked off, with tournaments expected to take place quarterly. Each season lasts three months, giving players ample time to compete and earn rewards.
The exact details of the prize distribution and tournament structure are yet to be revealed, with Yuga Labs promising more information soon.
Yuga Labs CEO Greg Solano emphasized the game’s broad appeal:
“Whether you’re a pro gunning for the ultimate prize, a casual gamer looking to enjoy the campaign, or a content creator looking to build your brand and monetize your work, Dookey Dash has something for everyone.”
The release of Dookey Dash: Unclogged follows the success of its predecessor. The original NFT-gated version, released in January 2023, saw notable Fortnite player Kyle “Mongraal” Jackson win the top prize – a one-of-a-kind NFT golden key, which he later sold for 3,333 Ethereum (approximately $1.63 million at the time).
The game’s development and release weren’t without challenges. Yuga Labs initially planned to launch the free-to-play version in spring 2024 but faced delays. These setbacks were attributed to efforts to make the game more “casual-friendly” and explore potential marketing opportunities.
As Dookey Dash: Unclogged enters its first season, it represents Yuga Labs’ strategy to bridge the gap between Web3 and mainstream gaming.
By removing entry barriers and offering substantial rewards, the company aims to introduce its ecosystem to a wider audience while maintaining elements that appeal to crypto enthusiasts.