In 2024, Confiction Labs laid the foundation for its broader vision of Collaborative Entertainment. The release of FICT ZERO, the genesis asset for the Confiction ecosystem, marked the beginning of this effort. Two successful RIFTSTORM playtests were conducted, with the October playtest reaching the top position on Steam’s Trending Free list for three consecutive days. Confiction Labs also introduced XPSR-24, the first collection set in the Occultical universe that includes RIFTSTORM.

Alongside these launches, the Confiction Portal was opened, offering the community broader access to an interactive networked experience within the intellectual property. With a community that shares its vision, Confiction Labs' 2025 Roadmap shows that the team is ready to build upon its momentum through a strategy centered on three primary areas: gaming, artificial intelligence, and web3.

Confiction Labs' 2025 Roadmap for RIFTSTORM

About RIFTSTORM

RIFTSTORM is a co-op looter shooter that combines elements of action RPG and roguelite gameplay in a mysterious world known as the Occultical. Players assume the role of Mythic Protocol Weavers, special agents tasked with protecting the Occultical from mythic threats invading from other realms. In a team of up to three, players embark on mission-based gameplay, utilizing a variety of skills, weapons, and in-mission upgrades. The game offers a choice of unique Weavers, each with distinct abilities and loadouts, allowing players to customize primary and secondary weapons to match their gameplay style.

Confiction Labs' 2025 Roadmap for RIFTSTORM

Expanding the Occultical Universe

The rise of personal computing between 1975 and 2000 established video games as a distinct segment within the entertainment industry, with growth reaching approximately US$40 billion over 25 years. This development enabled the industry to target broader mainstream adoption, which was further accelerated by the internet and mobile technologies to surpass US$200 billion.

Today, gaming is approaching a third growth cycle, characterized by distributed computing and artificial intelligence. Confiction Labs positions RIFTSTORM to be a central title in this new phase, aiming to build a collaborative global economy around gaming experiences. Developed over three years with the goal of enabling Collaborative Entertainment, RIFTSTORM will allow players to influence the Occultical universe using AI-driven tools that enhance creativity and optimize gameplay experiences.

Through web3 technology, players will also be able to participate in a digital economy that rewards contributions and collaboration. In 2025, RIFTSTORM’s fourth and final playtest will launch during Steam Next Fest, targeting participation from 250,000 gamers. Data gathered from this event will guide RIFTSTORM’s transition into Early Access by the end of the year, ahead of a full release on Steam projected for 2026.

Confiction Labs' 2025 Roadmap for RIFTSTORM

Advancing Collaboration Through AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming an integral part of game development. Industry leaders such as Tencent and NetEase are using AI to streamline production, enhance personalization, and improve game performance. According to an AI x Game Dev Survey conducted by a16z games in 2024, over 70% of game studios reported integrating AI into their current workflows.

Consumer behavior also reflects a growing preference for cooperative gaming experiences. A 2023 Statista Consumer Insight report noted that more than 70% of gamers in the United States cited spending time with friends or family as their primary motivation for gaming. This trend underscores the demand for experiences built around collaboration rather than competition, an area where AI can significantly expand possibilities.

In response to these developments, Confiction Labs will begin rolling out its Confiction Intelligence Agents (CIAs) in 2025. These AI tools are designed to empower participants across gaming, creation, and investment activities. One such tool, the Meta Director, will dynamically manage gameplay experiences in RIFTSTORM by adjusting the pace and difficulty in real time. This system draws inspiration from Valve’s AI director in Left 4 Dead, aiming to keep gameplay fresh and engaging. Additional CIAs are planned for 2025 and 2026 to support immersive play and facilitate community-driven storytelling within the Occultical universe.

Confiction Labs' 2025 Roadmap for RIFTSTORM

Building the Foundation for New Entertainment

Confiction Labs is approaching franchise development through a model that emphasizes community involvement from the outset. While established franchises such as Pokémon, Star Wars, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe achieved success through centralized development and cross-media expansion, RIFTSTORM invites its community to shape its evolution directly.

The initial community response has been strong. All 333 assets in the FICT ZERO release were minted successfully, with only two reselling at the highest price of 3.6 ETH. Meanwhile, the XPSR-24 collection raised over 190 ETH, demonstrating active support for the Occultical universe’s ongoing development. This level of engagement will be critical to RIFTSTORM’s growth as it moves into Early Access later this year.

With AI, blockchain, and web3 as core pillars, Confiction Labs aims to establish itself as a leader in Collaborative Entertainment. By empowering players to actively contribute to the worlds they inhabit, the company is working to build a platform where creativity, ownership, and community are central to the entertainment experience.