Distinct Possibility Studios Unveils Reaper Actual With $30.5 Million Funding

Distinct Possibility Studios has emerged from stealth mode after two years to unveil its flagship title, Reaper Actual, a first-person, open-world military extraction shooter game with blockchain integrations. The game is set to release a pre-alpha “Foundation” version for PC in the coming weeks, featuring some onchain assets. The game is developed by industry veteran John Smedley, who has a extensive background in gaming, including his work at Sony’s gaming division and the creation of the 1999 MMORPG EverQuest.

Reaper Actual is designed as an “open-world persistent shooter,” where the virtual world is dynamic and changes persist even when players log off and log back on. The game’s island map, Marova, is expected to be larger than maps in similar titles and will feature PvPvE action, combining player-on-player violence with environmental targets and hazards. The game will initially be sold at an upfront cost, with plans to transition to a free-to-play model over time, offering rewards for early buyers.

Distinct Possibility has secured $30.5 million in funding for its project, led by gaming-focused VC firm Bitkraft and Brevan Howard Digital, with additional investments from the Tezos Foundation, Delphi Ventures, Shima Capital, Hashed, and others. The substantial funding raises questions about whether it is sufficient to compete against titles with nine-figure budgets. The development team includes multiple outsourcing firms such as Iron Belly, Big Moxi, and Secret Dimension, in addition to its own team of over 40 staff, totaling at least 93 people working on the game.

Reaper Actual utilizes the EVM L2 Etherlink, which employs Tezos rollup technology, for its blockchain elements. Gamers will be able to trade in-game items and custom creations using the Etherlink rails. The game also integrates Sequence’s full stack, offering software and tools for developers, including integrated wallets and custom marketplaces, with a focus on supporting EVM-compatible chains. Smedley emphasized that the blockchain elements are optional, and players can enjoy the game on platforms like Steam or Epic without engaging with the blockchain features. He also highlighted the ethical and fair approach to integrating blockchain technology into the game.