Metaverse meets Blockchain: Zep partners with Near Protocol to expand Metaverse gaming experience

South Korean Metaverse platform ‘Zep’ has joined forces with ‘Near Protocol', a Layer-1 blockchain platform. The collaboration aims to revolutionise the Metaverse gaming landscape and attract more users to Zep's platform.

Zep, a joint venture between online game developer Supercat and creator platform Zepeto, is set to leverage Near Protocol's capabilities to create a variety of online games within the Metaverse ecosystem. With 1.3 million monthly active users and 8.3 million total users joining in 2023, Zep is making waves in the Metaverse.

🌐🤝 We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with @NEARProtocol.
This collaboration opens new horizons in the Web3 space, enhancing user experiences and expanding possibilities in the metaverse.#ZEP #NEAR #Metaverse #Web3 #Blockchain pic.twitter.com/hxHfws41ab

— ZEP Global (@ZEP_global) November 13, 2023

Near Protocol's role in enhancing web3 features

Near Protocol's Layer-1 blockchain platform offers large-scale user-oriented services, a user-friendly interface, and web2-like stability.

These features have propelled Near-based Web3 apps to top rankings on DappRadar. The partnership aims to develop web3 features, enhance the immersive metaverse experience for users, and simplify the game development process.

What gaming director of NEAR Protocol said?

Mark Mi, Gaming Director of NEAR Protocol said, "Through collaboration with dApps in the content and gaming fields based on NEAR, we will assist ZEP's business expansion in the web3 domain."

She further added that this partnership marks a significant step in advancing the Metaverse gaming experience, bringing together the strengths of Zep's innovative platform and Near Protocol's cutting-edge blockchain solutions.

South Korea's support for Metaverse industry

South Korea has been actively supporting the Metaverse industry, evident in lawmakers' plans to invest over $177 million in Metaverse projects, creating job opportunities. Zep's expansion plans include reaching Japanese and Southeast Asian markets in the coming months.

In February 2022, the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning in Seoul earmarked KRW 223.7 billion (approximately Rs. 1,400 crore) for advancing a national Metaverse initiative.

Moving ahead to December 2022, Shinhan Bank, a major player among South Korea's top four lenders, unveiled 'Cinnamon,' a Metaverse platform offering a diverse range of services spanning financial and non-financial sectors.

With substantial backing from key players in the South Korean industry, government support, and a sizable online gaming community, Near Protocol stands to gain considerable advantages by expanding its platform in this thriving Metaverse-oriented environment.