Epic Games Store is expanding its blockchain game offerings with the introduction of “Shrapnel,” a Call of Duty-style crypto game. This addition marks a significant step towards integrating high-budget web3 video games into mainstream gaming, joining the likes of “Illuvium” and “Star Atlas” on the platform.
The Vision Behind “Shrapnel”
Developed by Neon Machine, “Shrapnel” aims to revolutionize gaming by giving players unparalleled control over the game’s universe. From customizing characters and weapons to designing in-game maps, the studio envisions a game where players shape every aspect of their experience.
A Collaborative Approach to Game Development
Neon Machine’s strategy deviates from traditional game development by engaging the gaming community throughout the development process. Instead of unveiling the game only upon completion, “Shrapnel” is set to evolve through community feedback until its expected free-to-play launch in 2025.
Empowering Players with Early Access Gameplay
“Shrapnel’s” early access phase is more than just a test run; it places gamers at the forefront of the game’s development. Mark Long, CEO of “Shrapnel” and former head of HBO’s digital products, emphasizes the importance of player involvement in refining the game into a AAA-quality first-person shooter.
Building a Robust Online Community
Despite the challenges blockchain games face in penetrating the mainstream gaming market, “Shrapnel” has already garnered significant attention. The game boasts an online community of over 100,000 members on Discord, indicating strong early interest in the game’s development.
Financial Backing and Market Potential
“Shrapnel” has successfully raised $20 million in Series A funding led by Polychain Capital, with notable investors like Griffin Gaming Partners and Franklin Templeton contributing to the project’s $37.5 million total funding. The game’s native token, Shrap, holds a market capitalization of approximately $68 million, showcasing its potential impact on the crypto gaming landscape.
Epic Games’ Commitment to Blockchain Gaming
By featuring “Shrapnel” on its platform, Epic Games Store demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation in the gaming industry. With a PC user base of over 230 million gamers, Epic Games is poised to play a pivotal role in the evolution of blockchain gaming, potentially ushering in a new era of mainstream crypto gaming.
