In a bold move shaking up the gaming and cryptocurrency landscapes, former developers from industry giants Riot and Blizzard have successfully secured $30.5 million in funding. Their mission? To create an ambitious AAA shooter game nestled within the Etherlink and Tezos L2 ecosystems. This innovative venture, announced today, aims to fuse cutting-edge gameplay with blockchain technology. For more on this development, see our related article on John Smedley’s studio raising $30.5M for a new shooter built on Etherlink.
A New Frontier for Gaming
The game, an open-world extraction shooter, promises to immerse players—dubbed “Reapers”—in a thrilling blend of player-versus-player and player-versus-environment (PvPvE) experiences. But here’s the twist: it’s all set within a blockchain-backed economy. This design could very well redefine how players interact with both virtual worlds and real-world markets.
“The fusion of blockchain technology with AAA gaming is not just a trend; it’s the future,” said Alex Chen, a blockchain analyst at Digital Frontier. “By integrating Etherlink and Tezos L2, they’re not only ensuring scalability and efficiency but also pioneering a new way for players to engage with in-game economies.”
The Mechanics of Innovation
So, what makes this project tick? For starters, the developers are leveraging the strengths of Etherlink for seamless connectivity and Tezos L2 for its robust scalability and low transaction fees. This combination forms the backbone of their economic model, allowing players to truly own in-game assets, trade them, and potentially profit in the real world.
The blockchain-backed economy is intriguing. Players can earn, buy, or sell assets within the game, creating a dynamic market that reflects real-world economic principles. It’s a model that could entice not only gamers but also investors looking to capitalize on the burgeoning intersection of gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi). This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in our coverage of FinTech Digital Asset’s $135M raise for its Institutional Blockchain Canton Network.
Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, the road ahead isn’t without its hurdles. Integrating blockchain technology into mainstream gaming has its skeptics—some argue that the technology is too nascent or complex for widespread adoption. However, the developers’ pedigree and the substantial investment backing them suggest they might be onto something big.
“There’s a learning curve, no doubt,” remarked Sarah Patel, a gaming industry consultant. “But if they can nail the gameplay and make blockchain integration seamless, this could be a game-changer.”
Historically, attempts to merge blockchain with gaming have met mixed results. Axie Infinity, for example, soared during the NFT boom but faced challenges in maintaining user interest and balancing its economy. Yet, the potential for blockchain to offer unique player experiences and new revenue streams keeps the industry abuzz with possibilities.
Looking Ahead
As the project unfolds, many in the gaming and crypto communities will be watching closely. Will the game live up to its ambitious promises? Can it entice a broad audience beyond the crypto-savvy? These questions linger, pointing to both the excitement and uncertainty that surround such an innovative endeavor.
For now, the former Riot and Blizzard developers seem poised to disrupt the gaming industry—one blockchain-backed Reaper at a time. Whether this venture will set a new standard or serve as a cautionary tale remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the worlds of gaming and cryptocurrency are on the cusp of an intriguing convergence.
Source
This article is based on: Former Riot, Blizzard Game Developers Raise $30.5M to Build AAA Shooter on Etherlink, Tezos L2
Further Reading
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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.
