Reaper Actual Enters Foundation Alpha Phase
Reaper Actual has officially launched its “Foundation Alpha” playtesting stage, requiring gamers to invest a minimum of $29.99 to access their initial base and Reaper characters. John Smedley, a notable figure in the gaming industry known for his contributions to titles like EverQuest, H1Z1, and PlanetSide, emphasized that the game’s crypto features are entirely optional. He estimates that only about 8% of participants will engage with the NFT marketplace associated with the game, though this has not quelled the concerns of some fans regarding the integration of cryptocurrency elements.
John Smedley’s Vision for Reaper Actual
Smedley, the CEO of Distinct Possibility Studios, presented his crypto-enabled open-world shooter on Wednesday during its alpha testing phase. Despite some backlash from traditional gamers over the crypto aspect, he insists that its use is completely voluntary. He predicts that a mere 8% of players will utilize the NFT marketplace, which allows trading of in-game assets such as characters and bases. “Reaper Actual is fundamentally a skills-based shooter, and that will always be our focus,” Smedley told Decrypt. “By integrating Etherlink with Sequence, players will experience true ownership of their in-game items, akin to buying and selling property in real life.”
Gameplay and Features of Reaper Actual
Reaper Actual is designed as a PC multiplayer first-person shooter where players must create, defend, and assault various bases. In a previous interview, Smedley revealed that the game would feature the largest map ever seen in a first-person shooter. For those eager to try the game, prices range up to $74.99 for the “Stygian Oath Edition,” which is considered steep for an alpha title. This package includes multiple Reapers, as well as several types of bases, in addition to access to the game itself. More affordable options at $49.99 and $29.99 offer fewer initial Reapers and bases.
Setting the Scene: The Island of Marova
Players will navigate the war-torn island of Marova, embroiled in a fierce civil conflict. Characters known as “Reapers” will undertake missions from one of five fighting factions. To protect their loot, players can set traps around their bases to deter rival Reapers. While players can only control one Reaper at a time, any additional Reapers will remain active in defense of their base. As Smedley previously mentioned, players have the option to buy packages featuring web3 components, limited to just 10,000 copies. By opting for this version, they can trade Reapers, bases, and in-game cosmetics as NFTs via a marketplace built on the Tezos layer-2 Etherlink.
True Ownership and Market Growth Predictions
“Enabling players to truly own their digital assets is a key goal for our team,” Smedley remarked. “Players should have the liberty to do as they wish with what they own in our game, which this technology allows.” He anticipates that the proportion of players engaging with the crypto marketplace will rise to 30% over the next two years. Smedley clarified that the limited sale of copies is not to create a sense of urgency but rather to gather feedback, as they continuously test the game and refine it based on player input.
Encouraging Community Feedback
Smedley is urging playtesters to livestream their experiences and share feedback on Discord, as the studio is committed to enhancing the alpha version of the game. This strategy aligns with the trend in crypto gaming of developing games in public, a practice that has both its advantages and pitfalls, as some projects have struggled under public scrutiny during early development. Unlike other titles, such as Off the Grid, which required players to sign non-disclosure agreements, Reaper Actual will not impose such restrictions, allowing early impressions to disseminate rapidly following its launch at 9 AM PDT.
Mixed Reactions from the Gaming Community
Following the announcement of Reaper Actual, many fans of Smedley’s earlier projects expressed disappointment, voicing frustration that the game diverged from being a new PlanetSide installment and criticizing its crypto integration. Comments from the community reflected a lack of enthusiasm, with some asserting that a focus on financial incentives detracted from their gaming experience. Smedley addressed these concerns through social media, asserting that the inclusion of crypto is entirely elective and that the primary aim is to create an enjoyable gaming experience. He expressed his disfavor for “play-to-earn” mechanics, emphasizing that their goal is to establish a transparent ecosystem similar to the Steam Community marketplace.
Looking Forward to the Foundation Alpha Launch
With some community members already skeptical about Reaper Actual, all attention is directed towards the game’s Foundation Alpha launch.
