TLDR
- Set for its open beta debut on October 9, Shardbound is an Ethereum-driven strategy card game.
- Shardbound can now be accessed on Steam and the Epic Games Store, but initially, there won't be NFT convergence.
- The game strategically combines the creation of card decks, collecting cards, and engaging in turn-based battles.
- Although NFTs won't be part of the initial rollout, plans for integrating them into the game are anticipated later.
- After being funded by a Kickstarter campaign in 2017, the game is now back, revitalized with Web3 innovations by a new development team.
Shardbound Built on the Ethereum layer-2 scaling network, Immutable zkEVM, this strategic card game is preparing for open beta on October 9, 2024.
Available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store, this marks a significant milestone for the game, which began its journey with a crowdfunding campaign in 2017.
Under the development of Bazooka Tango and published by Immutable Games, Shardbound melds elements of deck-building, card collection, and strategic turn-based combat.
The gameplay has been likened to a blend of popular titles, such as Hearthstone and Fire Emblem, while incorporating additional RPG elements.
A standout feature of Shardbound is the diversity in winning strategies offered. Players can engage in fierce battles for military dominance or adopt strategies for an economic win.
These multi-faceted strategies echo the gameplay style of classic series like Sid Meier’s Civilization, allowing players to employ different strategies.
The duration of the open beta will be flexible, with feedback from the community influencing its length, as explained by Stephan Sherman, Bazooka Tango's co-founder and CTO.
While Leveraging blockchain technology, the game's debut on Steam and Epic Games Store won't immediately include NFT features due to existing platform guidelines. However, gamers will be able to acquire NFTs that correspond to their in-game cards, either through the Immutable Passport wallet or by obtaining a redemption code sent via email.
The developers are tactically planning their Web3 approach to ensure it aligns with platform requirements while delivering a seamless player experience across the board.
Further revelations on how NFTs will be integrated into gameplay are anticipated in the nearing weeks.
The narrative of Shardbound traces back to an extended, complex journey. After its initial Kickstarter funding in 2017, it has now found new life through Bazooka Tango and Immutable Games, who are infusing it with Web3 features.
The game permits players to exchange cards as NFTs and upgrade them for varied gameplay styles, although the full scope of the Web3 venture remains under suspense, with exciting details yet to be unveiled by Sherman.
With the commencement of the open beta, developers are honing in on player insights to swiftly iterate and enhance the game for an optimal experience pre-full release.
As Shardbound's open beta goes live, it marks an important moment in the blockchain gaming realm, bringing a Web3 game to mainstream gaming synonymous platforms.
While the initial release won't showcase direct NFT integration, this move signifies preparations for bridging the gap between traditional and blockchain gaming landscapes.
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