Yuga Labs Revives Bored Ape Brand with Otherside Metaverse Launch

Yuga Labs has reignited interest in its Bored APE Yacht Club (BAYC) franchise by announcing the November 12 launch of Otherside, its long-awaited metaverse platform. The reveal came during ApeFest in Las Vegas, marking a strategic expansion beyond NFTs into immersive digital experiences.

Otherside enters a crowded field competing with established gaming platforms like Fortnite and Roblox, but distinguishes itself through blockchain integration. Players can access the platform via email or crypto wallets, with optional NFT purchases enhancing interoperability—a feature absent from mainstream competitors.

Chief Product Officer Michael Figge emphasized accessibility as a Core design principle, telling The Verge: "It's one of the most ambitious projects ever attempted in the space." The metaverse will debut with two distinct zones—The Swamp, paying homage to BAYC's origins, and Nexus, a central social hub—alongside community-developed games.