Anichess Launches First Mobile Game, King’s Gambit

Anichess has taken a clear step beyond traditional chess audiences by unveiling a mobile focused game during one of the sport most visible competitive events.

Good to Know

• King’s Gambit targets mainstream mobile players
• The game debuted at a major Chess.com live event
• Anichess expands beyond core chess gameplay

A new chess inspired title entered the spotlight during elite competition rather than a standard app store launch. Anichess, developed by Animoca Brands in partnership with Chess.com, revealed King’s Gambit during the Speed Chess Championship 2025 Finals.

The showcase marked the largest in person activation Anichess has staged alongside Chess.com. Attendees encountered the game directly on site, where the title debuted as a free to download mobile release available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

King’s Gambit places players in the role of the King, shifting chess into a fast survival format. Rather than turn based matches, gameplay centers on skill driven movement and decision making as waves of enemy chess pieces attack. The design prioritises short sessions and accessibility on mobile devices.

Mobile gaming now generates close to $82 billion annually and accounts for roughly half of the global games market, according to SensorTower. Against that backdrop, King’s Gambit stands as the first Anichess product aimed squarely at mainstream mobile audiences while still drawing from chess mechanics familiar to enthusiasts.

The public debut occurred during the Speed Chess Championship Finals hosted by Chess.com in London on February 7 and 8, 2026. The event featured a $250,000 prize pool, qualification paths to the 2026 Esports World Cup, and a worldwide broadcast that reached more than five million viewers.

On the competitive side, Magnus Carlsen defeated Alireza Firouzja in the Final to secure the Naroditsky Cup. Around the venue, professional players and creators including David Howell and Anna Cramling visited the Anichess booth and tested the launch version of the game.

Anichess operates as the official next generation chess gaming partner of Chess.com, which passed 200 million members in 2025 and now hosts more than 20 million games per day. The platform also works with leading players across competitive and creator driven chess.

Chevan Tin, head of Anichess, described the release as a strategic turning point for the platform. He said:

“Launching King’s Gambit at the Speed Chess Championship Finals is an important milestone for Anichess. We work with Chess.com, world-class players and champions, and the broader chess community to bring new chess-inspired experiences not just for lovers of chess lovers, but also a wider audience who might never even have touched a chessboard. King’s Gambit is designed to be accessible on mobile while staying rooted in the language of chess, and we look forward to seeing how both chess fans and new players engage with it.”

FAQ

What is King’s Gambit?

A mobile survival game where players control the King and fend off waves of enemy chess pieces.

Where did the game debut?

The title launched publicly at the Speed Chess Championship 2025 Finals in London.

Who is behind Anichess?

Anichess was developed by Animoca Brands in partnership with Chess.com.