Arbitrum has made headlines by granting its largest developer grant to South Korea’s Lotte Group. This partnership aims to transform metaverse gaming using blockchain technology.
The focus is on Caliverse, Lotte’s AI-driven metaverse platform, which will incorporate Arbitrum’s Layer-2 blockchain solutions. This integration promises smoother crypto payments and enhanced virtual experiences.
The announcement took place at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Although the grant’s value is not disclosed, it was given in Arbitrum’s native token, ARB, a strategy to promote ecosystem growth. John Park, Head of Korea at Arbitrum Foundation, noted that Lotte is the largest grant recipient so far. This collaboration builds on Lotte’s previous metaverse initiatives that started in 2022.
With Arbitrum’s integration, Caliverse users can look forward to easier transactions and immersive experiences. The platform features an AI-powered 3D environment where users can explore virtual worlds, shop, and engage with brands like 7-Eleven and Tomorrowland. Arbitrum’s blockchain ensures quick transactions with 250ms block times, enhancing the in-game experience.
Steven Goldfeder, CEO of Offchain Labs, emphasized that Arbitrum will power Caliverse, ensuring that in-game actions are directly linked on-chain. This setup improves reliability and user experience. Lotte’s partnership indicates a renewed interest in the metaverse, a sector that has seen ups and downs.
This collaboration is not Arbitrum’s first venture into the metaverse. In January 2024, they supported AOFverse, another platform focused on on-chain experiences. Arbitrum’s presence in gaming has grown significantly, with a 72% increase in 2024. It now supports 119 gaming titles.
Overall, the Arbitrum-Lotte partnership marks a significant step in blockchain adoption for metaverse platforms, promising innovation and engaging digital experiences that blend technology with entertainment.
