Studio369 has announced the launch of the third Closed Beta (CB3) for its massively multiplayer online game (MMO), MetalCore, starting on June 27. This beta phase brings several exciting updates, including the integration of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and Web3 technology.

Bridging Web2 and Web3 Gamers

MetalCore’s chief technology officer, Dan Nikolaides, emphasized the goal of making the game accessible without requiring a digital wallet. This move aims to attract both traditional (Web2) and blockchain-savvy (Web3) gamers. “We built the game to be accessible without needing a wallet,” said Nikolaides, highlighting the inclusive approach.

The introduction of NFTs in MetalCore allows players to own unique in-game items that can be traded, fostering a player-driven economy. Players will need to use a “scanning system” to find rare combinations of vehicles and mechs, which they can then scan to obtain blueprints. These blueprints are essential for developing and progressing in the game.

SHARDS: A New Offchain Currency

CB3 also introduces SHARDS, an offchain currency enabling users to purchase digital collectibles with fiat currencies. Nikolaides mentioned that the goal is to balance the interests of players who enjoy playing extensively and those who prefer to spend money to advance in the game.

To enhance the gaming experience without complicating it, Studio369 has partnered with Immutable to implement a middleware layer. This integration ensures that traditional gamers can enjoy the game without needing a digital wallet, while still benefiting from the advancements of Web3 technology. “We didn’t want the Web3 implementation to impact any of our game design,” Nikolaides explained.

Responsible Growth and Future Prospects

The team behind MetalCore is focused on responsible growth. “We want to grow slowly to grow the game responsibly,” said Nikolaides. This careful approach aims to ensure a stable and enjoyable gaming environment for all players.

In a related development, Ronin has announced the expansion of its platform to support a broader gaming ecosystem through a zero-knowledge (ZK) Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) blockchain.