‘Sugar Match’ Adds a Crypto Spin to ‘Candy Crush’ Through the Tezos Etherlink Network

Candy Crush Saga has achieved over 1 billion mobile downloads with its sleek approach to match-3 puzzles, and now the concept is being reimagined with the debut of Sugar Match, a game hosted on the Tezos layer-2 network, Etherlink.

Developed by Sugar Gaming Studios, this iOS and Android game aims to set itself apart from other match-3 titles—games where players match and clear three or more similar items—by including a competitive player-versus-player (PvP) mode and skill-based crypto rewards, enhancing the overall experience.

“Match-3 games are one of the most proven and successful genres in mobile gaming,” a representative for Sugar Match told Decrypt, noting that the genre’s accessibility is “vital” for transitioning millions of players from Web2 to Web3.

“Incorporating crypto adds an additional layer of excitement and value,” they continued. “In Web2, players invest billions in in-app purchases without receiving lasting rewards. Play-to-earn models align perfectly in this regard, offering casual gamers a new level of engagement while preserving the addictive mechanics they enjoy.”

Sugar Match integrates this gameplay loop with play-to-earn elements, featuring a PvP mode where three players compete in real-time puzzle matches over five timed rounds. Each player pays an entry fee, and the winner takes home all the CNDY tokens.

Players can also earn tokens through seasonal tournaments, leaderboard challenges, and loyalty programs.

“This framework addresses the sustainability issues that many Web3 games encounter,” the representative stated. “Rewards are derived from fair competition, not treasury funds or inflationary token generation. It’s engaging, social, and transparent.”

The gaming studio secured $1 million to develop Sugar Match on Etherlink, a Tezos layer-2 solution with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility. The spokesperson elaborated on why the studio chose Tezos layer-2 over other blockchain options.

“This was a deliberate choice,” they mentioned, also praising the chain’s speed, scalability, and affordability while noting that the decision went beyond just technical factors.

“However, beyond technology, it’s about collaboration,” the representative added. “The Etherlink and Tezos community teams have provided remarkable support for ecosystem collaboration, marketing, and technical implementation. We didn’t want to be another game lost in the midst of a large chain; we aimed to become a flagship project within a community that prioritizes sustainable growth.”

After this week’s launch on Google Play and Apple App Stores, they expressed that “the next goal is to scale and introduce new features to maintain community interest.” In the long term, the team aspires to create an interconnected ecosystem of five distinct Web3 games and aims to gather a million players for Sugar Match within the next six to twelve months.