1. Abstract and the Consumer Blockchain

1.1 Why Consumer Blockchain?

What’s the top consideration in crypto investment? Most likely, it’s how technically sound and secure the project is—and who the big-name backers are. Many investors may be looking for the next XRP: a token that can build cross-border payment infrastructure in a reliable and long-term way. Since 2012, Ripple has promoted itself as a real-time payments network revolutionizing the global financial system, providing backend infra to banks and institutions.

But blockchain and crypto are not just about payments. Take Polymarket—a blockchain-based betting platform that saw over $2 billion in wagers for the U.S. presidential election and accurately predicted the result. This is a perfect example of blockchain enabling a financial infrastructure for global prediction markets, regardless of geography.

These cases show that blockchain infra can expand beyond payments into service platforms. One emerging platform focused on this vision is Abstract.

Abstract is a consumer-first Layer 2 that emphasizes accessibility and familiarity. Their core message is building “a blockchain for everyone.” Through podcasts, media appearances, and a distinct onboarding experience, Abstract markets itself not with technical jargon but with a fun-first approach. Their strategy is clear: use brand building and entertainment to onboard the masses.

1.2 Why Is Abstract Full of GambleFi dApps?

Consumer crypto is becoming the next evolution of blockchain. Traditional chains were institution-focused, emphasizing security, decentralization, and asset preservation. Abstract shifts the paradigm by pushing chain abstraction, a global wallet, and community-driven marketing—building a platform where everyday apps can exist and thrive.

Consumer crypto adoption evolves in three stages: Fun → Utility → Essential. Each step expands the onboarding funnel.

• Fun Stage: Games and social features pull users in through entertainment. Think casual games or NFTs. Apps like Telegram-based games with billions of users could act as funnels for on-chain adoption. Abstract currently leans on simple, gamble-like dApps to draw in users at scale.
• Utility Stage: Lower fees and cross-chain compatibility improve user retention. DeFi protocols and wallet tools fall into this phase. Tools like Abstract’s AGW (Abstract Global Wallet) help onboard beginners with social login and easy wallet UX.
• Essential Stage: Blockchain becomes an everyday layer, like app stores on smartphones. Luca Netz, Abstract’s founder, claims this phase could bring 1 billion+ users.

1.3 Abstract’s Vision and Key dApps

Abstract realizes its vision through lightweight entertainment dApps. The top fee-generating ones are Moonsheep, death.fun, and Gacha.

• Moonsheep Cannon: A betting game where players fire cannons with ETH and get rewarded based on flight distance. The luck-based mechanics and leaderboard XP farming make it one of Abstract’s highest-volume dApps, often seeing hundreds of ETH traded weekly.
• Death Fun: A high-risk, high-reward room-based betting game. Though it’s not XP-efficient, its addictive design keeps users engaged.
• Gacha: A loot-box-style card pull game. Users buy packs, pull cards, and chase hidden badges (e.g., after 500 pulls). Early on, it gave generous returns, but it now returns around half of the spent ETH. Still, retention remains high (~70%).

2. Fun Blockchain Proved by Pudgy Penguins

Any discussion of Abstract’s potential includes its founder Luca Netz. A serial entrepreneur since his teens, Luca built brands from scratch and has a strong background in influencer marketing—positioning Abstract as a consumer product, not just a tech protocol.

Pudgy Penguins’ Rise and the $PENGU Token

In 2022, Luca acquired the struggling Pudgy Penguins NFT project for 750 ETH (~$2.5M). He envisioned turning it into a Trojan Horse global brand—treating NFTs as IP and influencers rolled into one.

Under his leadership, Pudgy became more than a collection. It became a billion-dollar brand with toys, TV shows, and IP licensing. He sold over 1.5M physical toys via Walmart and Target, and NFT sales topped $1M.

He launched the $PENGU token, airdropping 70% to community members (18.2B tokens), making it one of the largest community airdrops ever. After TGE in December 2024, $PENGU dropped, then rebounded with renewed BTC hype and Abstract buzz. Its all-time high was $0.042; current price is ~$0.034 as of July 16, with 16% of trading on Upbit and 14% on Binance.

Pudgy’s success through brand and community gave Luca the confidence to launch Abstract. He often says, “No brand has ever onboarded users as efficiently as Pudgy.” That vision now continues through Abstract.

3. Abstract TGE and Airdrop Participation Guide

Abstract launched its mainnet in Q1 2025 and is expected to TGE in Q4. The airdrop uses an XP-based tier system (Platinum, Gold, Silver). So, building your XP now is key.

3.1 Easy Onboarding with AGW (Abstract Global Wallet)

For non-crypto natives, onboarding is hard. Usually, you’d need to buy ETH on a CEX, transfer it to MetaMask, and manage gas fees across chains—complex and intimidating.

Abstract solves this with AGW, built on account abstraction. AGW lets users sign up with Google or Apple, handles gas fees, and supports cross-chain transactions.

From a UX perspective, AGW eliminates major onboarding hurdles like seed phrases, wallet switching, and manual gas management. Once logged in, users can access any Abstract dApp without reconnecting.

Steps to participate:

1. Create Abstract Account + AGW Wallet
   Go to abs.xyz and sign up via email, Google, wallet, or passkey. Google login creates an AGW wallet without needing a seed phrase.
2. Transfer Funds
   Abstract is an EVM L2. Bridge ETH using Retro Bridge or Jumper Exchange. Base → Abstract is the easiest path. Once funded, claim the “Fund Your Account” badge.
3. Earn Base XP and Badges
   Link Twitter/Discord, trade ETH-PENGU, and recommend dApps to earn basic badges.

XP is calculated every Tuesday and reward criteria shift weekly. Always check the Spotlight dApp on the Discover page to maximize weekly XP.

4. Interact with dApps
   Use dApps and climb the leaderboard. Gamble, swap meme coins, and spend time in staking games to boost your XP.
5. Collect Badges
   Mint ecosystem NFTs and earn hidden badges (e.g., 500 Gacha pulls or 300 multiplier games) for XP boosts.