Kraken’s Ink:- Leading crypto Exchange Kraken’s Layer-2 network Ink is following an emerging trend in web3. It has launched paid contest for users to name its Mascot which characterizes a purple, spiky cartoon monster.
In a recent X post, the network wrote, “He’s gone too far..and now he’s just down bad. Because everyone keeps asking the one question he can’t answer – his name. You name him
This move by Kraken’s Ink project while being symbolic of powerful user-engagement strategy does also exemplifies the growing trend in blockchain – Mascots.
he’s gone too far
too many events
too much attention
and now he’s just down bad.
because everyone keeps asking the one question he can’t answer.
his name.
now, he’s spiraling…
you name him.
we’ll pay you. pic.twitter.com/HHhuiMSk7i
— ink (@inkonchain) July 3, 2025
Kraken’s L2 Network Ink is Seeking a Mascot Name
Kraken’s Layer-2 network, Ink is Kraken’s own Optimism‑based Layer‑2 chain, built on the OP Stack under the Optimism Superchain initiative. The exchange launched the chain as “the new DeFi destination” and made its mainnet launch in Dec 2024.
Ink features sub‑second block finality, dual block types and native integration of Kraken’s order‑book engine,.
Now, the layer-2 is actually following a niche yet a growing trend in web3 by building its official brand Mascot. Its purple, spiky cartoon creature is set to be named by an on‑chain naming contest. The contest is inviting users to submit and vote on mascot names, with top contributors earning on‑chain rewards in HYPE tokens.
It is interesting to note that for this contest, Ink is levergaing JokeRace, an on‑chain competition protocol founded in 2022 by David Phelps and Siobhan McCaffery. Contestants can participate in two ways: a “submit‑and‑earn” model, rewarding the creator of the winning name, and a “vote‑and‑earn” model, rewarding voters who help select the winner.
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The Sybil‑resistant mechanism charges a small fee per vote to deter spam and ensures fair, transparent outcomes executed via smart contracts. The mascot launch also aligns with the timeline as the project aims to launch the INK token too this year.
Mascots: A Growing Trend in Blockchains and Web3?
Though still not a universal phenomenon, several blockchain projects are adopting mascots to enhance their brand identity and connect with their communities. The NFT Marketplace Magic Eden does have an official mascot named Emmy. Last year in November, crypto wallet Phantom unveiled Spooky, a playful little ghost side‑kick as their “first‑ever mascot”.
Phantom Wallet’s Mascot
Further, the other web3 brand do have Mascot distinction and characterization but they are not official. For example, Ethereum does not have an officially designated brand mascot. There is only a well-known logo, often depicted as a diamond shape, and no official mascot recognized by the Ethereum Foundation.
Mascots have long been a staple in traditional branding but it is only recently that they have gained traction among crypto platforms. It helps in humanizing a Technical Protocol by conveying complex ideas such as consensus, rollups, governance through an approachable character. It can also lower the barrier for newcomers into web3 by giving them a “friendly face” to associate with the chain or the brand.
Thus, the official mascots are becoming a novel frontier in blockchain branding with more blockchains and brands likely to follow the same trend.
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Disclaimer: The content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market conditions. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
