Distinct Possibility Studios Launches Blockchain-Focused Shooter
Industry veteran John Smedley has established Distinct Possibility Studios and unveiled its debut title: the open-world first-person shooter Reaper Actual.
Veteran Game Developer Launches New Studio and Blockchain Game
- Distinct Possibility Studios, founded by EverQuest and Planetside creator John Smedley, has launched Reaper Actual, an open-world PC shooter.
- The game, featuring user-owned bases available as NFTs or on Web2 platforms, has raised $30.5 million in funding.
Smedley, known for his role in developing EverQuest and Planetside, aims to leverage blockchain technology in a unique way that he believes can attract a massive player base.
Game Overview
Reaper Actual takes place on a massive island called Marova, currently embroiled in a civil war featuring five AI-controlled warring factions. Players control “Reapers” from intelligence services, undertaking missions to earn fame and glory.
Key Features
- Players can upgrade and defend user-owned bases.
- The game features the largest open-world map for a first-person shooter, four times larger than Call of Duty: Warzone’s Al Mazrah.
- Players can attack other bases to steal items but must navigate traps.
- Pricing structure allows access through pre-alpha Foundation release or eventual free-to-play model.
- Base ownership is core to the game’s monetization strategy, with availability both as NFTs and via traditional Web2 platforms like the Epic Games Store.
- In-game items are tradable on both the Steam marketplace and an in-browser crypto marketplace.
Monetization and Launch
Distinct Possibility plans to release the pre-alpha Foundation version “in the near future.” Following launch, the game is expected to transition to full free-to-play status approximately six months later. The project has secured $30.5 million in funding, led by Bitkraft and Brevan Howard Digital.
Industry Context
Smedley draws inspiration from traditional gaming economies, noting that the Steam marketplace differs little from crypto marketplaces. He cites his work on H1Z1 as an early inspiration for integrating blockchain elements into a mass-market gaming experience.
Comparisons and Potential Impact
Assembling the game elements from Call of Duty: Warzone, Escape from Tarkov, and Rainbow Six Siege, Smedley predicts that if history of his past projects are any indication, Reaper Actual could attract millions of players. He believes the game demonstrates how blockchain can be integrated in a more accessible manner.
The game’s foundation will also be designed to support modding communities for creating custom game modes and content.
About Distinct Possibility Studios: Founded by industry veteran John Smedley, the studio aims to merge traditional gaming experiences with blockchain capabilities in an approachable way.
