Distinct Possibility Studios Secures $30.5 Million for Blockchain AAA Shooter

Former game developers from Riot Games and Blizzard Entertainment have successfully secured $30.5 million in funding to develop a new AAA shooter game. The project, spearheaded by Distinct Possibility Studios, aims to harness the capabilities of Etherlink and Tezos Layer 2 (L2) technologies to create an innovative gaming experience. This substantial investment underscores the increasing interest in blockchain technology within the gaming industry, as developers seek to integrate decentralized solutions into their projects.

The development team comprises industry veterans who have worked for prominent companies such as Sony, Amazon, Riot, Blizzard, Ubisoft, and Epic. Their portfolio includes notable games like Call of Duty, Valorant, Fortnite, Planetside 2, and other similar shooters. The choice of blockchain for the game economy is strategic, as it bolsters robust smart contract functionality, sustainability, and support for complex decentralized applications. Etherlink, a Layer 2 solution tailored for gaming, provides seamless processing and scalability, which are crucial for creating AAA titles.

At the helm of the newly formed gaming studio is the co-creator of well-known titles such as EverQuest, Planetside 2, and H1Z1. The $30.5 million funding is led by Bitkraft and Brevan Howard Digital, with participation from The Tezos Foundation, Hashed, Delphi Ventures, Shima Capital, North Island Ventures, and more. Arthur Breitman, co-founder of Tezos, expressed his excitement about the project, stating that the combination of an experienced team and innovative technology is a game-changer.

The game will be set on the island of Marova, where players will take on the role of elite operatives known as Reapers. They will be able to build and manage bases, engage in territorial warfare, and resource extraction in a Player vs Player vs Environment (PvPvE) world. Upon launch, the game will be available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the official website. Reapers will be able to trade rarities such as characters, bases, skins, and craft other items within the Reaper Actual Ecosystem and via Etherlink. The gaming studio believes that giving players the tools to create content will result in a much deeper community that can actively develop the game’s economy.

The CEO, John Smedley, emphasized the importance of Tezos and Etherlink in delivering a groundbreaking digital ownership experience within gaming. He noted that players will benefit from a transparent and sustainable blockchain environment. Efe Kucuk, Head of Gaming at Trilitech, added that Etherlink allows for seamless integration of blockchain technology into the game, ensuring no friction or gimmicks, just permanence when it counts.

The team will announce the “Foundation” phase, or pre-alpha, in the coming weeks, which will include early access to the game and on-chain, tradable items. This phase is expected to generate significant interest and provide valuable feedback for further development. The integration of Etherlink and Tezos L2 technologies is a strategic move that reflects the increasing adoption of blockchain technology in the gaming sector. Etherlink offers faster transaction speeds and lower fees, making it an attractive option for developers looking to create scalable and cost-effective gaming experiences. Tezos, known for its self-amending blockchain, allows for seamless upgrades and improvements without the need for hard forks, making it an ideal platform for developers seeking to build and iterate on their projects over time.

The success of this funding round highlights the growing trend of former game developers from established studios branching out to create their own projects. The experience and expertise of these developers, combined with the innovative use of blockchain technology, positions Distinct Possibility Studios as a promising player in the gaming industry. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to see how the integration of Etherlink and Tezos L2 technologies enhances the gaming experience and sets new standards for the industry.