SNEAK PEEK
- Maison Margiela has launched a unique blockchain-based game, Numbers.
- The game is inspired by Margiela’s iconic 0-23 numbering system for its collections.
- By using ERC-1155 tokens on the Polygon network, the game ensures fairness and inclusivity.
Maison Margiela, the renowned Parisian fashion house, has ventured into the Web3 space, launching a captivating blockchain-based game termed “Numbers.” Drawing inspiration from its iconic 0-23 numbering system, which represents its 23 distinct collections, this Web3 experience is reminiscent of “blockchain bingo.”
Players will compete over the next few weeks to mint all 24 token-linked digits. The reward? A coveted spot in Maison Margiela’s evolving Web3 community. Significantly, as the numbers increase, their rarity does too. For instance, while a whopping 15,000 zeros are available, there are only 742 of the number 23s. A circle highlights the number currently up for grabs, while those fully minted appear in black. The game reaches its climax when the first 100 players have minted all 24 numbers or at Maison Margiela’s discretion.
Besides the game’s intriguing concept, its fairness makes it stand out. These ERC-1155 tokens, minted on the Polygon network, are unique in that they’re soul-bound. Consequently, they are non-transferable, and each wallet can only mint one of each number. Additionally, minting comes at no gas fee to ensure a level playing field, and every user receives the same gas allocation for each transaction. Hence, while early birds might have a slight advantage, the game fundamentally rewards perseverance and strategic insight.
Moreover, Margiela’s foray into gamified minting is timely and astute. While the NFT market has seen a recent dip, the gaming industry continues its robust growth. According to IPSOS, gaming, currently valued at $385 billion, is projected to soar to over $522 billion by 2027.
The symbolism isn’t lost on those familiar with Maison Margiela’s heritage. Every physical item from the fashion house comes with a tag numbered 0-23. The circled number corresponds to the collection to which the piece belongs. Furthermore, Martin Margiela’s preference for collective statements over personal appearances in the brand’s early days resonates with the decentralized ethos of Web3.
This isn’t the brand’s first brush with technology, either. Earlier this year, they incorporated on-chain certificates of authenticity, accessible via NFC chips, in their signature Tabi footwear. In conclusion, Maison Margiela’s innovative blend of fashion and technology signifies a promising fusion of the past and the future, bridging the gap between traditional luxury and the digital frontier.
