$1 Million Bitcoin Scavenger Hunt Attracts 60,000 Digital Sleuths

According to Satoshi's Treasure co-creator Eric Meltzer of Primitive Ventures, so far nearly 60,000 people have signed up for notifications related to the international scavenger hunt for $1 million worth of bitcoin.

On Saturday, at the Magical Crypto Conference in New York, Melzter and the team revealed yet another clue: A series of cryptic images and other hints hidden on business cards distributed at the event.

Many have formed online teams to collect the 400 key fragments required to move the prize from the game's bitcoin wallet, Meltzer said.

Even the dynamics of these teams highlight how bitcoiners are unique compared to other online gaming communities.

Cantrell also joined several teams and created a free tool called Ordo to help teams organize clues and fairly credit contributions to the hunt, which will come in handy for any winning team looking to divvy up the loot.

Cantrell said so far the largest team using Ordo appears to have 600 members.

Another large team, called the Magellan Clan, told CoinDesk via email it has 100 members from 30 countries.

The 18-person ToshiCiphers clan, for example, has launched a merchandise store for teams looking to make shirts and other swag.

While many players in this game were, like Cantrell, already bitcoin veterans, some gamers have been attracted to Satoshi's Treasure by the collaborative play, rather than the prize itself.

Clues are spread both around the physical world and online, requiring a wide range of skills and languages for teams to be competitive.