Gigaverse

Gigaverse is a browser-based, crypto-native role-playing game and self-described "crypto-powered social MMO" developed by GLHF, a crypto-native game studio. Gameplay combines pixel-art dungeon runs, item crafting, loot and trading, with monthly updates that change the in-game meta. Access is gated by an entry or "install" fee of roughly $20 in ETH, which the studio describes as both an onboarding filter and an economic anchor. The game runs with assets on Ethereum and holds the top position by activity on Abstract, where its Gigaverse ROM collection resides.

The game is structured modularly: individual game modes function as connected loops in which items obtained in one mode affect outcomes in another, with the design intent of encouraging specialization, trading and coordination among players rather than solo completion. A distinguishing element is Gigus, an AI-driven antagonist built on GLHF's VILL[AI]N protocol, which handles core game mechanics, orchestrates social interactions and introduces gameplay events; it was developed with a decentralized group of AI researchers and technologists. Planned development includes PvE and PvP modes and a large open-world update with character movement and traversal mechanics.

GLHF also operates NFT collections tied to the game: GLHFers, a deflationary collection on Ethereum mainnet, and Gigaverse ROMs on Abstract, which together have exceeded $10 million in trading volume. Additional player-facing systems include Giga Juice power-ups, Gigaverse Eggs that hatch into Steed mounts, and one-of-one character auctions such as Jucius Maximus.

Founding story

The project began as a hobby in a Discord channel among friends who were still employed full time and wanted to build a game they would play themselves, with no roadmap and no expectations. GLHF was founded by Dith and Garnish: Garnish serves as technical lead with a decade of experience building games with millions of monthly players, while Dith brings strategic and operational experience including a leadership role at Stripe. After rapid organic traction following launch, the founders left their jobs.

Business model

GLHF monetizes Gigaverse directly through a paid entry/install fee of approximately $20 per player, plus in-game purchases such as Giga Juice power-up items and crafting potions, NFT mints (Gigaverse Eggs at 0.0069 ETH, Gigaverse ROMs) and one-of-one character auctions. A player-run peer-to-peer marketplace supports item trading within the game.

Player entry fees, in-game item and power-up sales, and NFT mints and auctions; associated NFT collections (GLHFers on Ethereum, Gigaverse ROMs on Abstract) generate secondary trading volume.

Traction

Within roughly the first six months the game recorded over 75,000 paying players and more than $4.5 million in revenue, later reported at over $5 million annualized. Its peer-to-peer marketplace has processed more than $9 million in trades across about 450,000 transactions and six million items sold. The GLHFers and Gigaverse ROM collections have together exceeded $10 million in trading volume; the ROM collection sold out in 10 minutes and generated over $1 million. Rare character auctions have sold individual items for over 10 ETH.

Latest developments

Following the September 2025 raise, GLHF launched Gigaverse Eggs on OpenSea at 0.0069 ETH (each containing a Steed mount), a seven-day Giga Juice power-up event beginning September 3, 2025, and a 24-hour auction for Jucius Maximus, the first 1/1 character in the GLHFers collection, beginning September 4, 2025. Proceeds are earmarked for new game features and modes, including PvE and PvP, and a major open-world update covering character movement, traversal and large-scale exploration. The studio states it intends to remain a small team.