Ethereum News Today: Earth Version 2: Merging Web3 and Traditional Gaming for All Players

Funtico, a Web3 gaming studio, has launched the presale for $EV2, the native token of its upcoming sci-fi MMORPG shooter Earth Version 2 (EV2), signaling a pivotal moment in blockchain-driven gaming. The presale, now live at ev2.funtico.com, allocates 40% of the total 2.88 billion $EV2 token supply to early buyers, marking the first phase of the game's multi-stage rollout. The token will serve as the primary utility asset within the game's ecosystem, enabling players to upgrade equipment, trade on decentralized marketplaces, and earn rewards tied to in-game performance, as noted in a Decrypt report.

Set on a newly discovered planet where human explorers encounter alien technology, Earth Version 2 blends real-time shooter mechanics with MMORPG progression. Players can choose from five distinct character classes—Brute, Cloaker, Mag, Pathfinder, and Valkyrie—each offering unique combat roles, from stealth attacks to energy-based support. The game's competitive modes, such as Oblivion (a team-based battle with a shrinking play zone) and Fracture (a 25-player free-for-all survival match), emphasize high-speed action and strategic depth, according to a CryptoDaily report.

The $EV2 presale supports multiple payment options, including ETH, USDC, USDT, BTC, BNB, SOL, and SUPER, as well as credit card purchases. Buyers spending over $1,000 will receive a 10% bonus in TICO tokens, Funtico's existing token, as reported in the Decrypt coverage.

The studio's decision to launch $EV2 on Ethereum—unlike its previous Avalanche-based projects—aims to broaden accessibility and align with Ethereum's deep liquidity pools, according to the Crypto.news article.

Scheduled for a Q2 2026 PC launch via Funtico's platform, Steam, and the Epic Games Store, Earth Version 2 will later expand to consoles. The game's development timeline includes community testing (current), token-based onboarding (Q1 2026), and the full token generation event (Q2 2026). Post-launch, the ecosystem will evolve with tournaments, seasonal content, and expanded reward structures to sustain player engagement, as detailed in a The Block report.

The EV2 presale has also drawn attention for its potential to bridge traditional gaming and Web3. Unlike purely blockchain-first titles, Earth Version 2 integrates on-chain ownership of in-game assets while offering seamless onboarding for non-crypto users. This hybrid approach aligns with broader industry trends, as platforms like Arbitrum and Aave stabilize within DeFi, while gaming projects like EV2 drive blockchain adoption through entertainment, as noted in a GlobeNewswire report.

Presale participants will gain early access to digital asset bundles, including limited-edition items, further incentivizing participation. As the Web3 gaming sector matures, Funtico's Earth Version 2 represents a significant step toward mainstream acceptance of tokenized economies in AAA titles.