Background Overview: AAG Becomes Saakuru

Just before Christmas 2023, AAG announced its rebranding and officially became Saakuru Labs. AAG, initially known as Achip & Achair Guild, was one of the fastest-growing gaming guilds in the Play-to-Earn (P2E) sector. Founded by AAG Ventures, the company provides Web3 infrastructure, including secure and easy-to-use crypto wallets, cross-chain search engines, GameFi software development kits (SDKs), and other essential software for mainstream users and traditional companies. These tools simplify interactions with blockchain applications and the Metaverse. AAG Ventures’ four main pillars are the Play-To-Earn Platform, AAG Guild, Learn-To-Earn Platform, and AAG Foundation.

Here’s what each pillar of AAG Ventures has achieved:

• Play-To-Earn Platform: A platform to kickstart gaming and earning.
• AAG Guild: Expands the AAG Guild and offers the latest P2E and Learn-To-Earn (L2E) platform news.
• Learn-To-Earn Platform (AAG Academy): The first platform where users can earn while learning subjects like mathematics, programming, and Metaverse construction.
• AAG Foundation: Supports the AAG Guild. Essentially, it is a non-profit industry association focused on promoting economic freedom.

While most Web3 users recognize AAG as a gaming guild, the company does much more, leading to some confusion and limiting its growth. This rebranding aims to clarify and refine the brand’s focus and positioning.

What is Saakuru？

“Saakuru” is a Japanese word that directly translates to “circle,” but in Japan, it carries a deeper meaning, often referring to a “club” or “group” of people with shared interests or goals. This name aligns well with the project’s vision: to simplify Web3 and attract 1 billion users.

Saakuru is positioned as an all-in-one crypto app, focusing more on Web3 infrastructure and serving both business (B2B) and consumer (B2C) users. Saakuru offers zero gas fees for consumers, providing a more user-friendly and secure way to access Web3. For businesses, Saakuru addresses the challenges that traditional small and medium-sized enterprises face when transitioning to Web3: the complexity of bridging to Web3 and the high, unpredictable costs.

Saakuru has observed only 25,000 Web3 developers worldwide, representing just 0.2% of all engineers. This specialized talent shortage forces companies to abandon Web3 projects or incur high implementation costs. The root cause of this talent shortage is the complexity of developing Web3 products. From the user’s perspective, transitioning from Web2 to Web3 involves a complex learning process, managing multiple wallets, and carefully identifying potential scams, making Web3 adoption difficult. To address these issues, Saakuru provides developer kits to assist developers in simplifying the Web3 user experience, making it easier and more convenient for users to manage.

The current product structure of Saakuru Lab, with direct URLs:

• Saakuru Blockchain: A user-centric Layer 2 protocol with zero transaction fees.
• Saakuru App: An all-in-one Web3 store with multi-chain wallet custody, a browser, and a Dapp store.
• Saakuru SDK: Supports multi-chain, rapid integration, customizable branding, and ready-to-use deployment.
• dApp Store: A one-stop platform for gaming, learning, trading, and shopping.
• Sakuru Games: Tools for managing guilds.
• Saakuru Academy: Web3 academy, first-hand news about Saakuru, and access to all Saakuru products.
• Saakuru Cashback: Earn while you spend, cashback platform. Earn cash back when you shop at e-commerce platforms and physical stores. It also offers a Chrome extension.
• Saakuru Portal: Gateway entry, $SKR token data.

How to Buy Saakuru Labs (AAG) - Gate.io

How Does Saakuru Blockchain Work?

Saakuru Blockchain is a public, permissioned Layer 2 chain compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It uses Optimistic Rollups technology developed by Oasys, offering high efficiency, speed, and scalability. This technology boosts transaction throughput and network efficiency while addressing major Web3 challenges like high gas fees, slow transaction confirmations, and security issues, making it ideal for complex smart contract operations.

Saakuru has innovated by choosing to immediately submit single transactions, significantly reducing block time and improving network efficiency and response speed. In the future, Saakuru plans to adopt two approaches: one that processes multiple transactions in batches within each block to increase throughput, and another that maintains the current serialized method to support latency-sensitive applications like on-chain MMORPGs. This strategy aims to meet the diverse needs within the blockchain ecosystem while balancing scalability and performance.

For security, Saakuru uses the Oasys Layer 1 protocol, supported and verified by renowned gaming companies, and incorporates a ZK verification stack to enhance user privacy. Additionally, Saakuru emphasizes compatibility with other blockchains and uses Router Protocol’s technology to allow assets to move freely between Saakuru and other major blockchains.

Related Knowledge:

• [For Beginners] What is Optimism (OP)? - Gate Learn
• [Course] Introduction to OP Mainnet (Optimism)

How Does Saakuru Solve Web3 Challenges?

Saakuru focuses on Web3 infrastructure to tackle two major challenges: enhancing user experience and improving developer experience, thereby creating better economic opportunities in Web3.

Eliminating Gas Fees

Gas fees are essential for maintaining the security and efficiency of blockchain networks, but they often pose a significant barrier for new users. Saakuru aims to optimize and innovate the Web3 experience by removing this barrier. By adopting a delegation model, Saakuru and the developers on the platform share the gas fees, offering users a smooth and seamless experience. This approach lowers financial barriers for new users and simplifies the process, making it easier for more people to join the digital economy.

Ethereum’s EIP-4337 introduces an innovative method for account abstraction, but it can be complex for developers and may introduce new security risks. Saakuru, on the other hand, provides a simpler and safer solution by centrally managing gas fees. This ensures a consistent experience across all applications on the platform and implements robust security measures throughout. Overall, Saakuru’s approach reduces the complexity and security issues associated with EIP-4337, offering a simplified, unified, and secure platform for both users and developers.

Anti-Fraud Mechanisms

Despite the immense potential of blockchain technology, fraud remains a concern. Users might unknowingly receive random tokens and NFTs from phishing scams to trick them into interactions, which can threaten their digital assets. Even with vigilance in the blockchain ecosystem, such incidents can still occur.

To improve blockchain security, Saakuru will only whitelist verified developer wallets and authorize smart contract deployments, greatly reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized transactions. Additionally, while meme coins are often linked to rug pull risks, they have cultural significance and value within the blockchain ecosystem. Therefore, as long as they are reviewed and approved by the Saakuru team and Saakuru DAO, they can be used on the Saakuru platform.

Enhanced Security Measures

Gas fees are crucial for the security and efficiency of blockchain networks, and since Saakuru Blockchain offers gas-free services, special attention to security is necessary. To prevent potential security issues, Saakuru has implemented several measures. Firstly, it has rate limits and advanced spam transaction filters to detect abnormal transaction patterns. Secondly, Saakuru has established a dedicated security committee, encouraging $SKR token holders to report suspicious activities, with verified reports being rewarded. Finally, there is a reporting threshold: reporters must be $SKR token holders and submit a certain amount of $SKR. Valid reports will be rewarded, while invalid reports will forfeit the submitted fee, with part of the fee allocated to partners for investigation expenses.

Developer Kit

Saakuru offers developers a comprehensive set of tools to simplify and make building decentralized applications more cost-effective. The developer kit includes all the guidelines, SDKs, and API documentation required for development with Saakuru. These resources make it easy for developers to get started, allowing them to integrate complex digital products into Web3 within a day. This approach reduces personnel costs for businesses and significantly shortens the trial-and-error period for deploying Web3 solutions.

Saakuru Team and Investors

Team Background

Here is a basic introduction to the core team of Saakuru, consisting of the original members of AAG.

Source: Saakuru- Core Team

Investors

Here is the list of Saakuru’s investors. The leading investors are BasedVC and Arc Community.

Source: Rootdata

Saakuru (SKR) Token & Economics

The SKR token of the Saakuru protocol serves multiple purposes, functioning as both a utility token and a governance token. Its total supply will decrease through mechanisms like transaction fees, DEX operations, governance actions, and token burns for protection.

Saakuru ensures a gas-free experience in a user-friendly and efficient environment. To provide transparent information about ecosystem growth and token usage, a transparency portal has been launched. Users can also perform all crucial cross-chain and DeFi actions (such as fiat on-ramps, exchanges, and bridges) in one convenient place.

Previously, the native token of AAG Ventures was the AAG Token. It was the universal token for the P2E platform, used for payments for AAG Ventures services, as the universal currency for games, for purchasing partial ownership of NFTs, and also served as a governance token.

$SKR Token Usage

The initial total supply of Saakuru ($SKR) is 1 billion tokens. The main uses of the token include:

1. Governance: $SKR token holders can participate in voting on network governance decisions within the Saakuru protocol.
2. Developer Whitelist Model: Developers can stake $SKR tokens to reduce their costs for using the Saakuru network and developer kits.
3. Network Fees: Users don’t need to pay gas fees, as these are covered by network operators and Saakuru.
4. Native Liquidity and Collateral: $SKR tokens can be used as native liquidity and collateral within the Saakuru network.

Source: $SKR Token Overview

$SKR Token Distribution and Release

The total supply of $SKR is 1 billion. The token distribution and release schedule are outlined in the diagram below.

Source: coinlaunch.space

$AAG Conversion - 55%

The token exchange plan converts 55% of $AAG tokens into $SKR tokens, with a 45% dilution.

• Conversion 1 - 36%: Previously unlocked tokens will have a 2-month lockup period, followed by a 3-month linear unlocking period.
• Conversion 2 - 13.75% DAO tokens: These tokens will be locked indefinitely.
• Conversion 3 - 5.25%: Previously unlocked tokens will have a 4-month lockup period and an 18-month vesting period.

Private Sale - 10.1%

• Tokens from the private sale will be locked for 4 months, followed by 14 months of linear unlocking.

Strategic Round - 3.8%

• 10% unlocked at TGE, followed by a 1-month lockup period and then 11 months of linear unlocking.

Team - 6%

• 1-year lockup period, followed by 36 months of linear unlocking.

Advisors - 1%

• 9-month lockup period, followed by 36 months of linear unlocking.

Treasury - 8%

• 3-month lockup period, followed by 21 months of linear unlocking.

Ecosystem Fund - 8%

• 4-month lockup period, followed by 30 months of linear unlocking.

Liquidity - 7%

• No lockup period.

IDO - 1.2%

• 25% unlocked at TGE, followed by 3 months of linear unlocking.

Saakuru Ecosystem

The Saakuru ecosystem is extensive, with numerous partners and supporters. For detailed information, please refer to the Saakuru Whitepaper - Clients, Partners & Backers.

Saakuru Roadmap

Here is an ongoing overview of the Saakuru roadmap. Currently, only three quarters are outlined. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the Roadmap section in the Saakuru Whitepaper.

Q1 2024

1. Saakuru Ecosystem v1.

   1. Release of Saakuru Transparency Portal v1.
   2. Launch of NFT Marketplace

2. Saakuru Mobile SDK v1.

   1. Updates based on customer feedback and needs. Launch of the first use case.

1. Saakuru App v5.

   1. Community login feature
   2. Support for Solana in API and Wallet Engine
   3. WalletConnect updates
   4. Integration with the Academy
   5. Integration of a news aggregation engine

2. NFT CRM v1.

   1. Self-service customized NFT deployment feature

Q2 2024

1. Saakuru Ecosystem v1.
   1. Launch of SKR Token
   2. Initiation of Launchpad IDO

2. Release of Taffy DeFi Platform v1.

3. Saakuru Self-Custody Dashboard v1.

   1. Self-Custody Dashboard for Developer Kit
   2. Customizable zkNFT Pages

4. Saakuru Mobile SDK v2.

   1. Upgrade from Shamir-Secret-Sharing to MPC-based Wallet (Wallet Engine)

Q3 2024

1. Saakuru Ecosystem v2.

   1. Enable DeFi routing to other EVM-based chains using Router Protocol

2. Saakuru Mobile SDK v3.

   1. Activate “ZI” (Zero Interface) integration for Wallet SDK

3. Gamification API v2.

   1. Real-time updates for Gamification API subscriptions via WebSocket

4. Saakuru Mobile SDK v3.

   1. Wallet SDK for web-based applications
   2. Support for any EVM-based API and wallet engine

Conclusion

Saakuru excels in addressing the user and developer experience challenges in Web3. With a comprehensive ecosystem and a robust network of partners and supporters, it aligns well with public needs and has significant potential and scope for innovation.

However, despite its wide-ranging capabilities, there may still be new security challenges and complexities in smart contract development. Additionally, the number of users and application adoption are major hurdles. If the goal is to attract traditional users to Web3 through the Saakuru portal, then the current download count of the app on iOS and Android, which is less than 1 million, and the utility of $SKR tokens beyond staking and governance, raise important questions. It will be interesting to see if Saakuru can eventually become the Web3 equivalent of the App Store or Google Play.