Brian Chan is the Head of Anichess (a subsidiary of Animoca Brands), a decentralized chess variant that adds a unique spell layer to the classic game.

Anichess has accumulated 1M registered players to date. They recently launched the Alpha version of the game and announced a partnership with Yield Guild Games to distribute the game in Southeast Asia, which represents one of Anichess' top three regions in terms of registered players. 

The public release of the game is set for the first quarter of 2025.

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I'm building an online chess game that offers a unique twist. Firstly, it features a captivating spell layer that introduces magical elements to the timeless game. And secondly, the game is powered by blockchain technology, allowing players to truly own their in-game assets and achievements. 

It’s a modern chess experience, combining digital ownership with an immersive gameplay environment.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I'm a huge fan of anime, and this has heavily influenced the visual style and gameplay of Anichess.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Transitioning from traditional finance and consulting to build a game like Anichess has been a transformative experience. 

We're not just building another game — we're reimagining and evolving a timeless classic. When grandmasters endorse our vision, it confirms that we are going in the right direction — successfully uniting tradition with innovation in the world of chess.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

Blockchain gaming continues to be an interesting space to watch, representing one of the most compelling cases for the mass adoption of Web3. 

In 2024, we are already witnessing blockchain-enabled games go mainstream. I firmly believe we will eventually reach a point where we no longer differentiate between Web2 and Web3 games.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

It’s essential to focus on building games that are genuinely fun to play first, then integrate blockchain where it truly adds value to players. 

Projects that succeed long-term are those that enhance gameplay through blockchain, not those that lead with it. 

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

The exciting fusion of Web3 elements with traditional gaming. The innovative blend of these two realms never fails to captivate me.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

Big Bang Theory. It’s no surprise that the series celebrates innovation and curiosity — a significant inspiration for my venture into the Web3 space.

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Cookies and cream!