Epic Games Store Launches Blockchain Shooter SHRAPNEL

The blockchain game SHRAPNEL is now available for purchase on the Epic Games Store in an “early access” format, which will open on February 8, 2024.

The developer studio Neon Machine describes SHRAPNEL as a “highly competitive AAA shooter developed by industry veterans.” The team includes former employees of well-known companies such as Xbox and Electronic Arts.

“SHRAPNEL offers high-stakes, skill-based gameplay, a creator toolkit, and a community marketplace,” the description states.

The game allows players to earn real money through prizes and the sale of in-game items on the blockchain. Players can own assets like maps, callsigns, and skins in NFT format.

SHRAPNEL utilizes the Avalanche network. Users can connect external crypto wallets—MetaMask or Ledger—for self-custody of digital items.

The developers consider their early access approach to the game unique, reports The Block.

“Unlike traditional AAA game release schedules, where studios keep their communities in the dark about gameplay and design until the project is fully completed, SHRAPNEL […] engages users at every stage of development up to the launch of the free version in 2025,” stated Neon Machine. 

Gamers need to purchase so-called “extraction packs,” which contain a character, weapons, tools, and materials, to participate.

In 2022, the team behind the NFT game Illuvium, focused on monster battles, closed a round of virtual land sales amounting to ~$72.2 million.

In July 2023, the blockchain-based collectible card game Gods Unchained appeared on the Epic Games Store.