Veteran game developer John Smedley, renowned for his work on iconic titles such as EverQuest and Planetside, is making headlines once again with the launch of his new studio, Distinct Possibility Studios. The studio’s inaugural game, Reaper Actual, is an ambitious open-world shooter set to revolutionize the gaming landscape with its unique blend of traditional gameplay and blockchain technology.
The announcement comes as Distinct Possibility Studios secures a substantial $30.5 million in funding, a testament to the confidence investors have in Smedley’s vision. The game, which will be available on PC, promises an expansive island setting where players can own and upgrade bases, either through NFTs or traditional Web2 platforms.
Distinct Possibility’s Vision for ‘Reaper Actual’
John Smedley, who previously served as president of Sony Online Entertainment, is no stranger to pioneering in the gaming industry. His latest venture, Reaper Actual, aims to attract “millions and millions” of players by integrating crypto technology in a way that enhances the gaming experience rather than detracts from it.
The game features a massive map, reportedly four times larger than Call of Duty: Warzone’s Al Mazrah, offering players a vast playground for strategic base building and combat. According to Smedley, “The game can best be described as if Call of Duty: DMZ or Escape from Tarkov were set in a massive open world, and it had a baby with Rainbow Six Siege.”
Innovative Gameplay and Blockchain Integration
Set on the fictional island of Marova, recently ravaged by civil war, players assume the role of “Reapers,” operatives from global intelligence agencies seeking fame and glory. The island is home to five AI-controlled factions, each vying for control over territory, creating a dynamic and ever-changing battlefield.
Players will engage in missions that pit them against or align them with these factions, fostering both cooperation and conflict. The game’s unique selling point is its base ownership system, where players can purchase bases as NFTs or through platforms like the Epic Games Store, ensuring crypto remains an optional component.
“We view bases as the thing that we’re actually selling. It gives you access to your home in the world,” Smedley explained. “We’ll be selling those early to let in a small group of players that will increase over time, so they can be a part of the foundation of our community.”
Market Dynamics and Player Engagement
The integration of blockchain technology in Reaper Actual is designed to be seamless, with players able to trade in-game items on both traditional and crypto marketplaces. This dual approach aims to ease players into the world of crypto without overwhelming them.
Smedley anticipates that initially, only a small percentage of players will engage with the crypto marketplace, but he expects this number to grow significantly over time. “Let’s say you and I are on the same raid together, and we both get this Vantablack gun skin—and I watch you go sell that […] and you make the equivalent of $500,” he said. “A lot of players will look at that and go, ‘Hey, that doesn’t suck!’”
Community and Modding Support
Distinct Possibility is committed to fostering a vibrant community by encouraging players to mod the game, creating new modes, skins, and more. This approach not only extends the game’s lifespan but also empowers players to shape their own gaming experience.
The studio’s strategy draws inspiration from the success of games like H1Z1, where player-driven marketplaces flourished. By offering a similar model within Reaper Actual, Smedley hopes to demonstrate the potential of Web3 technologies in enhancing player engagement.
Looking Forward: The Future of ‘Reaper Actual’
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Reaper Actual stands at the forefront of innovation, blending traditional gaming elements with cutting-edge blockchain technology. With its anticipated release set for early next year, the game is poised to capture the attention of gamers worldwide.
Smedley’s track record of creating compelling and enduring games suggests that Reaper Actual could indeed bring “millions and millions” of players into its fold. As the gaming community awaits the pre-alpha Foundation release, the industry watches closely to see how this ambitious project unfolds.
In the words of John Smedley, “This is the type of game that can bring millions and millions of people in, if the history of the games I’ve worked on are any evidence. We’re going to be able to sell Web2 players on this idea of Web3 done right.”
