Blockscout launches Merits Program to gamify blockchain

Blockscout has introduced the Merits Program, a new system that aims to make blockchain exploration more accessible through a rewards-based, gamified approach.

Located in Belgrade, Serbia, Blockscout supports over 1,000 Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains. The Merits Program is designed to assist users in learning blockchain navigation skills by rewarding them with Merits and collectible NFT badges. These badges mark achievements and serve as proof of expertise in blockchain exploration.

"Block explorers are essential tools in anyone's daily DeFi routine, yet many users find them intimidating," said Igor Barinov, Founder and CEO of Blockscout. "By gamifying the learning process, we're making blockchain exploration more approachable while recognising our community's contributions to open-source infrastructure."

The Merits Program launches with several core features, including daily engagement rewards, educational quests and campaigns, a community referral system, and collectible NFT badges that feature Blockscout's Capybara mascot. Future developments are expected to include rewards for active explorer usage and promotional campaigns with partners across the Web3 ecosystem.

Each NFT badge, offered in four rarity levels, signifies specific accomplishments within Blockscout's ecosystem. These badges are not only collectibles but also serve as evidence of blockchain literacy and skills among users.

The initiative underscores Blockscout's dedication to fostering a transparent and community-driven blockchain ecosystem. The program may expand to offer exclusive feature access and additional utilities to active participants.

Drawing parallels with traditional scouting, the concept of "Merits" encourages skill mastery among users. "Just as scouts learn wilderness navigation and survival skills, 'Block Scouts' master the tools needed to navigate the blockchain landscape," explained Barinov. "Each Merit earned represents a step toward blockchain literacy, making users more confident and capable in their Web3 journey."

By portraying block explorer users as "Block Scouts," the program highlights the value of skilled blockchain navigators who contribute to and benefit from open-source infrastructure. This theme is reinforced through the NFT badges, which creatively depict Blockscout's Capybara mascot in scenarios inspired by onchain scouting.

The Merits Program's introduction comes at a time of considerable expansion for Blockscout. The company has established itself as a central resource for Rollup-as-a-Service providers such as Alchemy, Altlayer, Caldera, Conduit, and Gelato. Recent integrations with major Superchain networks, including Uniswap's Unichain, Kraken's Ink Chain, Worldcoin's World Chain, and Sony's Soneium, have further expanded Blockscout's influence.

This growth has been bolstered by a USD $3 million seed funding round led by 1kx, with contributions from Primitive Ventures and GnosisVC. This funding strengthens Blockscout's standing as a primary open-source block explorer, providing enhanced analytics and multi-search capabilities for over 1,000 networks.