Shardbound Set for Open Testing on Steam and Epic, Leveraging Ethereum Layer 2 Immutable zkEVM

• Immersing itself into the realm of Ethereum’s layer-2 expansion, Immutable zkEVM, Shardbound is entering a public testing phase, commencing October 9th on Steam and Epic Games Store.
• The trial period is designed to capture real-time feedback to iterate the game quickly, paving the way for a meticulously crafted Web3 strategy launch.
• Fusing elements of strategic card battling similar to Hearthstone and Fire Emblem, Shardbound offers a blend of deck-building mechanics with turn-based combat, allowing for diversified victory strategies.

Discover Shardbound’s innovative approach to strategic card gameplay with its open testing launch, set where blockchain meets gaming for a comprehensive Web3 experience.

Shardbound’s Strategic Public Testing on Leading Platforms

In a move set to redefine the landscape of strategy card games, Shardbound is hitting the open testing stage on major platforms Steam and Epic Games Store. Developed by Bazooka Tango with an emphasis on community feedback, this testing phase is intended to refine game mechanics and polish its Web3 strategy. As the game opens to public scrutiny on October 9th, developers are keen on utilizing player insights to enhance gaming experiences, mindful of delivering a polished product on full release.

Emerging Blockchain Integration in Gaming

Harnessing Ethereum’s Immutable zkEVM, Shardbound is not just about playing; it’s about owning and evolving your in-game assets. Although the integration of cryptocurrency elements like NFTs is initially absent from the open testing phase, future updates promise to imbue players with the capacity to trade and upgrade unique cards. This NFT mechanism is set to transform player engagement, potentially offering unprecedented strategic depths and customization.

Navigating Platform Policies for NFT Integration

Launching on Steam has presented Bazooka Tango with hurdles, given the platform’s restrictions on NFT-based gaming content. This challenge has necessitated a careful crafting of how NFT elements will permeate Shardbound without infringing platform rules. The developers aim to offer uniform gameplay experience across platforms despite these limitations, emphasizing that players will still be able to manage their digital assets through associated wallets or claim codes, as elaborated by Shardbound’s technical lead, Stephan Sherman.

The Kickstarter Journey and Blockchain Transformation

Originally spearheaded by Spiritwalk Games, Shardbound’s journey began in 2017 through Kickstarter. Fast forward to today, with Bazooka Tango and Immutable Games having taken the reins, the game has evolved far beyond its early access roots. CEO Bo Daly’s vision of revitalizing the game with blockchain technology underscores the potential synergy between traditional gaming and blockchain. The infusion of Web3 elements marks a pivotal turn in the game’s developmental arc, bringing its long-standing strategic elements into a contemporary, digital-first ecosystem.

Conclusion

Shardbound’s impending open testing phase represents not just a milestone for its development team but a significant stride in bridging traditional gaming paradigms with blockchain technology. As the game garners feedback from its diverse player base, the anticipation builds around how these innovative strategies will manifest upon its full release. For players and developers alike, the future holds an exciting potential for blockchain in gaming, with Shardbound poised as a pioneer in this evolving narrative.