What is zkRace (ZERC)?

Quick Facts

  • Token symbol: ZERC
  • Formerly known as: DeRace (DERC)
  • Core product: Web3 horse racing game with NFT horses
  • Technology: zk-rollup-based infrastructure for GameFi
  • Chains: Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, and Base
  • Token utility: In-game transactions, staking, and governance
  • Play model: Play-to-earn with NFT breeding and trading

Introduction

zkRace is a Web3 horse racing game built on top of a cutting-edge zk-rollup infrastructure purpose-built for GameFi. The project brings together two large markets — video gaming and horse racing — and merges them through blockchain and NFT technology.

Powered by the ZERC token, zkRace positions itself as more than a game. It aims to provide a reusable, scalable blockchain layer that other GameFi applications can also leverage.

History & Background

zkRace originated as DeRace, an NFT horse racing game that launched in 2021. The project later rebranded to zkRace and migrated to a new smart contract and token (ZERC), reflecting a strategic shift toward zero-knowledge proof technology and a broader GameFi infrastructure vision.

This evolution marked a significant upgrade in both the technical architecture and the scope of the platform's ambitions.

How zkRace Works

At its core, zkRace uses zero-knowledge proofs to enable fast, secure, and scalable on-chain transactions. This approach allows the platform to process game activity efficiently without burdening base-layer blockchains.

The platform runs across multiple chains — Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, and Base — using cross-chain smart contracts to ensure interoperability. Players interact with NFT horses, which are unique digital assets that can be traded, bred, and raced within the ecosystem.

Tokenomics

ZERC is the native utility token of the zkRace ecosystem. It powers all in-game transactions and is used for staking to earn rewards. Token holders can also participate in governance decisions, giving the community a voice in the platform's direction.

The token distribution model is designed to support long-term ecosystem growth, with allocations spanning gameplay incentives, platform development, and community rewards.

Circulating supply ? 143.62 million ZERC
Total supply ? 143.62 million ZERC
Max supply ? -- ZERC
Updated 2d ago

Ecosystem & Use Cases

  • Horse racing gameplay: Users race their NFT horses to earn ZERC rewards.
  • NFT breeding and trading: Players can breed new horses and trade them on open markets.
  • Staking: ZERC holders can stake tokens to earn passive rewards.
  • Governance: Token holders vote on key protocol decisions.
  • GameFi infrastructure: The zk-rollup layer is designed to support other Web3 gaming projects beyond zkRace itself.

Team, Governance & Community

zkRace operates with a community-driven governance model, where ZERC holders can propose and vote on changes to the protocol. The project maintains active channels on X (Twitter), Telegram, and Discord to keep its community engaged.

The team has not been publicly identified, which is a common trait in many Web3 gaming projects.

Advantages

  • Zero-knowledge scalability: zk-rollup technology enables faster, cheaper transactions than standard L1 processing.
  • Multi-chain reach: Deployment on four major blockchains broadens accessibility for users.
  • NFT utility: Horses are functional in-game assets, not just collectibles.
  • Play-to-earn model: Players can generate real value through gameplay and NFT activity.
  • Dual focus: Combines a consumer-facing game with a developer-facing infrastructure layer.

Risks & Challenges

  • Competitive market: The GameFi and play-to-earn sectors are crowded with rival platforms.
  • Anonymous team: The lack of publicly identified leadership introduces accountability uncertainty.
  • Adoption dependency: The infrastructure vision requires other GameFi projects to build on the zkRace layer.
  • Market volatility: Like all gaming tokens, ZERC is susceptible to sharp price swings tied to sentiment.
  • Token concentration: A significant portion of supply is held by a small number of wallet addresses.

Long-Term Vision

zkRace aims to evolve from a single horse racing game into a foundational GameFi infrastructure layer powered by zero-knowledge technology. The long-term goal is to provide a reusable zk-rollup framework that other Web3 game developers can build on, positioning ZERC as a utility token across a broader ecosystem rather than just one title.

Frequently Asked Questions

zkRace is a Web3 horse racing game and zk-rollup-based GameFi infrastructure platform. It allows players to race, breed, and trade NFT horses while earning ZERC tokens.

zkRace was formerly known as DeRace (DERC). The project rebranded and migrated to a new smart contract and token (ZERC) to reflect its shift toward zero-knowledge proof technology.

ZERC is the native utility token of the zkRace ecosystem. It is used for in-game transactions, staking to earn rewards, and participating in governance votes.

zkRace operates on Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Polygon, and Base. This multi-chain architecture ensures broad accessibility and cross-chain interoperability.

Zero-knowledge proofs allow the platform to process transactions quickly and securely without exposing full data to the base layer. This improves scalability and reduces costs for players and developers.

Yes. zkRace uses a play-to-earn model where players can earn ZERC tokens through racing and NFT activity. Staking ZERC also provides passive reward opportunities.

zkRace combines a consumer horse racing game with an underlying zk-rollup infrastructure layer designed for broader GameFi use. This dual focus sets it apart from projects that are purely game-focused.

ZERC token holders can participate in governance by voting on key protocol decisions. This gives the community direct influence over the direction of the platform.