Alex Botez Launches Chess Video Game to Support Women Players

The digital chess revolution continues gaining momentum, and one of its most recognizable ambassadors just dropped major news. Streaming superstar Alexandra Botez has confirmed her highly anticipated chess video game is targeting a 2025 release, while detailing her deeper mission to transform chess culture. In an exclusive interview with Dexerto, Botez shared that playtesting will begin soon for the secretive project, designed to make chess more accessible. “I am still super excited to launch the chess video game. That is going to come out some point next year,” she revealed, hinting at innovative features yet to be unveiled.

What Makes Botez’s Chess Game Different From Existing Platforms?

Unlike conventional chess apps focusing on competitive play, Botez’s project appears tailored for newcomers intimidated by the game’s complexity. While platforms like Chess.com dominate online matches, they often assume baseline knowledge. Botez’s game – developed with undisclosed partners – promises to lower barriers through intuitive design and engaging mechanics. Industry analysts speculate it might blend narrative elements or puzzle-solving with traditional gameplay, similar to hits like “Chessaria.” This approach could attract the 60% of beginners who quit within six months due to frustration, according to a 2023 University of Oxford study on skill acquisition. Botez’s firsthand experience as a Woman FIDE Master positions her uniquely to address these pain points.

How Is Botez Reshaping Chess’s Future Through Community Investment?

Beyond the game itself, Botez emphasized a profound commitment to diversifying chess. She credits her own career to mentorship from trailblazer Susan Polgar, the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title through open competition. “Susan really encouraged me and my girlfriends to play chess when I was young,” Botez reflected. “I wanted to make sure I give back to the next generation.” Her initiatives include sponsoring female-focused tournaments that spotlight emerging talent. These efforts have already shifted the landscape: several participants in Botez’s events now stream chess full-time, challenging stereotypes about who “belongs” in competitive play. “They’re changing the face of who looks like the typical chess player,” she noted, highlighting how representation fuels participation.

Botez’s dual focus – accessible gaming and systemic inclusion – reflects a growing trend where top players become ecosystem builders. Her tournaments, sponsored by partners like Credit One Bank, provide both visibility and financial support. The bank’s rewards-based model, offering benefits like travel points through its Wander® American Express® card, parallels Botez’s philosophy of investing in incremental progress for larger future payoffs.

Botez’s blueprint proves chess evolution isn’t just about moves on a board—it’s about building gates, not gates. Her 2025 game could democratize access while her community work ensures those doors stay open for overlooked talent. Follow Dexerto for playtest updates as this game-changer develops.

Must Know

Q: When will Alexandra Botez’s chess video game be released?
A: Botez confirmed a 2025 launch window in her Dexerto interview. Playtesting is scheduled to begin soon, though specific mechanics and platforms remain confidential.

Q: How does Botez support female chess players specifically?
A: She organizes women’s tournaments that provide visibility and career opportunities. Multiple participants have transitioned to full-time streaming, increasing female representation in chess content creation.

Q: Who inspired Botez’s community-focused approach?
A: Grandmaster Susan Polgar, who mentored Botez in her youth. Polgar’s advocacy for women in chess during the 1990s paved the way for current diversity initiatives.

Q: Why create a chess video game when apps like Chess.com exist?
A: Existing platforms often cater to experienced players. Botez’s game aims to reduce beginner intimidation through redesigned learning curves and engagement tactics, filling a critical gap in the market.