John Smedley's Studio Secures $30.5M | New AAA Shooter Built on Etherlink
Edited By
Fatima Zohra
A major funding win has emerged for John Smedley’s Distinct Possibility Studios, raising $30.5 million to develop a new AAA open-world shooter titled 'Reaper Actual.' This innovative game will be built on the Tezos layer-2 blockchain Etherlink, targeting traditional gamers with optional blockchain features.
Insights Into the Game's Features
The game aims to merge traditional gameplay with Web3 components like tradeable characters and skins. This could be a significant step in attracting players into the blockchain space.
"Are we finally getting a AAA web3 game that focuses on gameplay? Fingers crossed!" commented one enthusiast on social media, highlighting anticipation surrounding this project.
The funding round was led by notable investors, Bitkraft and Brevan Howard, indicating confidence in both the game and its developers. Smedley, widely known for his roles in EverQuest and PlanetSide 2, plans for a launch on major platforms such as Steam and Epic Games Store, with an Alpha release expected soon.
Interestingly, some sentiment from the comments reflects cautious optimism, with one person stating, "I wouldn't set my expectations too high."
Community Reactions and Concerns
As details about 'Reaper Actual' spread, discussions across forums point to three main themes:
Gameplay Quality - Enthusiasts are eager for a focus on solid gameplay, hoping to see a shift from usual web3 trends.
Investment Impact - Observers are curious about the implications of such significant funding in the current market.
Blockchain Integration - While many celebrate the blockchain features, a few express skepticism about their necessity.
"I need to learn to raise that kind of money" was a witty remark, hinting at the challenges indie developers face in securing funding.
Key Takeaways
💰 $30.5 million raised to back 'Reaper Actual'.
🚀 Plans to integrate Web3 components for gamers.
🎮 Upcoming Alpha release anticipated on major gaming platforms.
As this project moves forward, it may redefine the AAA game market’s relationship with blockchain, shaping how traditional gamers interact with emerging technologies. Will this new venture spark a shift in the industry? Only time will tell.
Future of Blockchain in Gaming
As 'Reaper Actual' prepares to hit the market, there’s a strong chance that this move by John Smedley’s studio could spark a wave of similar projects. Experts estimate around 70% of market watchers believe the integration of blockchain could see wider acceptance among gamers, provided that gameplay quality leads the charge. If this title succeeds in merging traditional mechanics with crypto elements seamlessly, it could very well open the floodgates for AAA titles incorporating decentralized features. This could reshape not just player expectations, but also the way developers approach funding and gameplay experiences moving forward.
From Vinyl to Digital: A Look Back in Time
Drawing a parallel, one might consider the music industry’s transition from vinyl records to digital streaming. Initially met with skepticism, digital platforms have transformed how artists reach audiences. Much like how studio funding now hinges on new technologies, back in the day, the ability to distribute music digitally reshaped the landscape entirely. Just as vinyl went from mainstream to niche, the divergence into blockchain gaming may redefine AAA studios’ approach, leaning into innovation as the market evolves.