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ZBD (Zebedee)

ZBD (Zebedee)

The Money Layer for Games.

ZBD is a global payment infrastructure platform built for the gaming industry. It enables game developers to integrate real-money rewards, branded debit cards, instant payouts, and embedded banking into their games through a single API — handling compliance, KYC/AML, and multi-currency settlements including Bitcoin Lightning.

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Description

ZBD (Zebedee) provides a comprehensive payment and rewards infrastructure tailored for gaming and interactive entertainment. Built on Bitcoin Lightning technology, it enables sub-second micropayments with fees under $0.0001, making previously unviable microtransaction models economically sound.

Core Products:

  • ZBD Earn — An embedded rewards engine that lets developers reward players with real money for in-game engagements. Includes a lightweight Unity SDK (~2 MB) that integrates in 5–7 days, customizable reward triggers, and multiple payout options (bank deposit, Cash App, Coinbase, gift cards).

  • Branded Debit Cards — Visa-powered debit cards that earn players in-game virtual currency on every purchase, creating a loyalty loop that extends beyond the game itself.

  • Payouts — On-demand, instant real-money payouts to players, creators, and winners via bank deposits, Cash App, Kraken, Coinbase, and gift cards.

  • Embedded Accounts — Licensed banking accounts integrated directly into games, enabling P2P transfers, creator economies, and full-spectrum financial relationships with players.

  • ZBD Ramp — A fiat-to-crypto widget that lets users buy Bitcoin directly within an app, featuring Lightning Address support.

Key Capabilities:

  • Sub-second global settlements that keep pace with gameplay
  • True micropayments — profitable 1-cent transactions
  • One API covering the full money lifecycle (Money In, Money Through, Money Out)
  • End-to-end compliance with KYC/AML, US Money Transmitter Licenses, EU EMI & MiCA licenses
  • Certified Visa Direct partner
  • AICPA SOC2 certified
Highlights

Pros

  • Fully regulated with US Money Transmitter Licenses (NMLS 2188007), EU EMI & MiCA licenses, Visa Direct certification, and AICPA SOC2 accreditation.
  • Covers the full money lifecycle — Earn, Payouts, Branded Debit Cards, Embedded Accounts, and Ramp — through a single API, replacing multiple vendors.
  • Lightweight Unity SDK (~2 MB) integrates in as little as 2–3 days with drag-and-drop setup, as reported by multiple game developers.
  • Boosts player retention by up to 355% and revenue per player by 124%, as verified by TapNation's Idle Bank integration.
  • Enables sub-second micropayments with fees under $0.0001 via the Lightning Network, making 1-cent transactions economically viable.

Cons

  • Some in-app games and activities are reported as low quality or require excessive time to earn meaningful Bitcoin rewards.
  • Only supports Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, with no support for other blockchains, tokens, or stablecoins commonly used in gaming.
  • Withdrawal and payout options are limited compared to other Lightning wallets, frustrating users trying to cash out rewards.
  • Charges a $4.95 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months of no transactions, which has drawn criticism from users.
  • Operates as a custodial wallet, requiring users to entrust ZBD with their funds rather than maintaining full self-custody.