ASX Request Forces Public Gaming Firm to Spin Out New ICO Startup

Game maker iCandy Interactive has altered its plans to launch a cryptocurrency following talks with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

According to an ASX announcement, iCandy had planned to develop the token – called "NOX" – itself, as a means to add functionality to a new gaming content marketplace. However, after a discussion with the ASX, during which iCandy's securities were suspended from quotation on the exchange, the firm said it has decided to no longer have any role in developing or managing either marketplace or token.

With the ASX potentially considering the activities a change of direction for the firm, iCandy indicated that those efforts will now be undertaken by a separate company, though it will remain the sole game content supplier.

Speaking to local media source StockHead, iCandy chairman Kin-Wai Lau said:

The firm will continue to fund the development of the marketplace. However, rather than profiting directly from the platform, iCandy will now receive a fixed amount of 3 million NOX per year for its role, equivalent to 3,750 ether (around $1.5 million).

Intended to democratise the video-game economy, the Nitro project had been planned as a mobile-based marketplace allowing users to vote on featured games, using NOX as an internal currency.

Marketplace users could vote on projects with the token, which would then be translated into ethereum's native cryptocurrency, ether, and passed on to game designers to fund development.

According to Stockhead, the ASX has previously cracked down on companies that change activities without the approval of shareholders.

Toy tokens image via Shutterstock