In a bold move that could shake up the blockchain gaming landscape, John Smedley, the creative mind behind classics like EverQuest and Planetside, has unveiled his latest venture—an open-world shooter titled ‘Reaper Actual.’ The game, which aims to marry the thrill of intense gaming with the cutting-edge technology of Web3, was announced today, July 03, 2025, and promises to be a game-changer by offering what Smedley describes as “Web3 done right.”
The Vision Behind ‘Reaper Actual’
Smedley’s vision with ‘Reaper Actual’ goes beyond just delivering another shooter. The game is set to integrate blockchain technology in such a seamless way that it could set a precedent for how Web3 can enhance, rather than complicate, the gaming experience. According to industry insiders, Smedley’s approach is poised to address one of the biggest criticisms of blockchain in gaming: its tendency to prioritize technology over gameplay.
“Players want immersion and engagement, not a lecture in crypto economics,” said Marissa Kline, a blockchain analyst at TechCrunch. “Smedley seems to be on a mission to deliver just that—an experience where the blockchain is felt, not seen.” This ethos might just persuade a skeptical gaming community to embrace blockchain, a feat that has eluded many before.
A New Era for Web3 and Gaming
The idea of integrating blockchain into gaming isn’t novel. However, the execution has often left much to be desired, with many games struggling to find the right balance between technology and entertainment. ‘Reaper Actual’ could change all that. The game promises an expansive open-world environment where players can truly own in-game assets—thanks to blockchain—without the usual hassle of managing crypto wallets or dealing with complex transactions. This aligns with broader trends in the Web3 space, such as the recent launch of a Web3 cloud storage layer by Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto, which aims to streamline user experiences across decentralized platforms.
“The key here is usability,” explained Jake Turner, a developer with a background in both gaming and blockchain. “If Smedley can make blockchain invisible to the end user while leveraging its benefits—like genuine asset ownership and verifiable scarcity—he might just crack the code.” Imagine a world where players can trade or sell their unique digital assets without ever leaving the game; that’s the promise of ‘Reaper Actual.’
Historical Context and Market Trends
The market for blockchain games has been both volatile and promising. While titles like Axie Infinity have found success by pioneering play-to-earn models, others have stumbled due to technical complexities and a lack of user-friendly interfaces. Smedley’s history of creating engaging and successful games gives ‘Reaper Actual’ a significant edge in this challenging environment.
Historically, games that have managed to innovate in terms of technology and gameplay—like ‘The Merge’ with its unique staking mechanics or ‘EigenLayer’ with its decentralized approach—have seen significant traction. Smedley’s new project seems to be tapping into this trend by blending innovative technology with the kind of immersive experience mainstream gamers crave. This mirrors the evolution seen in Trust Wallet’s transition from self-custody to a Web3 companion, highlighting the industry’s shift towards more integrated and user-friendly blockchain solutions.
Skepticism and Future Prospects
Despite the promising outlook, some industry observers remain cautious. The integration of blockchain into gaming has often raised eyebrows due to issues like scalability and environmental impact. Smedley’s team, however, appears to be making strides to address these concerns, with plans to use more eco-friendly blockchain protocols, though details remain under wraps.
“There’s always a risk of overpromising in this space,” noted Lucas Chen, an independent gaming consultant. “But if Smedley can deliver an experience that’s both fun and functional, it could set a new standard.” The real challenge will be maintaining the delicate balance between innovative technology and player-centric design—a task easier said than done.
As the gaming world waits with bated breath, the question remains: will ‘Reaper Actual’ live up to its promise and redefine what it means to be a Web3 game? Only time will tell, but this much is clear—Smedley’s latest project has certainly caught the attention of both gamers and crypto enthusiasts alike. As we tread further into 2025, ‘Reaper Actual’ might just be the title that bridges the gap between two worlds that have long seemed at odds.
Source
This article is based on: EverQuest, Planetside Co-Creator Reveals Open-World Shooter Game ‘Reaper Actual’
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
