Farcana, a blockchain-powered multiplayer shooter, is making waves in the gaming industry by offering a distinct combination of competitive gameplay and cryptocurrency rewards. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Ödül Küçük, Global Publishing Director at Farcana, to discuss exclusive insights into the game’s development, strategic partnerships, and how the studio is paving the way for a new era of blockchain gaming.

Farcana Cover Photo on X

First, More About Farcana

Farcana, backed by investors including Animoca Brands, offers a sci-fi-themed shooter experience where teamwork and strategy are crucial for victory. Players select from various character classes, each with unique abilities, to fulfill map objectives and defeat opposing teams. Additionally, the game features seasonal events with battle passes and opportunities to earn exclusive rewards.

Farcana’s Vision for Blockchain-Powered Gaming

In this exclusive interview with Ödül Küçük, Global Publishing Director at Farcana, he shares key insights into the gaming studio’s innovative approach to integrating blockchain technology into the traditional web2 gaming scene. As a growing force in the MENA region’s gaming ecosystem, Farcana has attracted attention for its bold combination of gameplay mechanics, cryptocurrency rewards, and its future-forward development vision.

Farcana Key Character Art

Building a "Bitcoin Shooter" for Competitive Gaming

According to Küçük, Farcana is set to redefine how players perceive web3 games. Unlike many play-to-earn models, Farcana prioritizes gameplay over blockchain integration. Described as a "Bitcoin Shooter," the game offers cryptocurrency rewards in Bitcoin and the native $FAR Token, introducing different layers of competition through embedded tournament and league systems. This structure is designed to reward player skill without overshadowing the game's core mechanics.

"I'm always emphasizing one thing: our priority is developing a fun game above all else. Blockchain technologies and crypto opportunities come after. With that in mind, we're positioning Farcana as a "Bitcoin Shooter.' We're aiming to democratize esports and competitive gaming with the help of blockchain technologies."

Farcana Gameplay Screenshot 1

Küçük’s perspective is clear: Farcana aims to create a unique gaming experience rather than follow existing trends. By offering a fun, competitive environment with the added benefit of blockchain rewards, Farcana stands out in a space where many web3 games focus solely on earning mechanisms.

"In our game, the competitive scene has multiple layers. Players can earn rewards in different competitive categories using our $FAR token and Bitcoin. So, Farcana isn’t a typical play-to-earn game. It's a fun shooter with built-in tournament and league systems where players are rewarded with cryptocurrencies."

Farcana Gateway Showdown with 1,000,000 $FAR Tokens

Shaping Player Experience with Web3 Elements

The combination of traditional gameplay with blockchain technology is central to Farcana’s strategy for attracting players. Küçük believes that the integration of NFTs and cryptocurrency rewards will break down the negative perceptions surrounding web3 gaming. Farcana’s goal is to engage both hardcore and casual players by ensuring that web3 elements serve as tools to enhance gameplay, rather than becoming the focal point.

"I believe this combination will help break the stereotypes surrounding web3 games. While it's easy to differentiate games as web2 or web3, you can’t categorize players in the same way. Shooter players are always looking for solid mechanics, a competitive scene with integrity, and a fun, exciting experience. If you can seamlessly integrate web3 elements on top of that, you'll attract and retain shooter players."

Farcana View on Web2 vs Web3 

With a focus on delivering a great gaming product, Farcana seeks to captivate shooter fans with fast-paced, competitive mechanics, while rewarding them through blockchain-powered assets and tournaments. This approach aims to appeal to shooter enthusiasts by blending traditional gaming values with the opportunities of web3.

"We view blockchain elements as a tool, not the core product. Our focus is on delivering a great gaming experience and live services first, with rewards for players coming afterward. That’s what will ultimately provide the best experience for shooter players."

Farcana Key Character Art from X (Twitter)

Leveraging $10 Million Seed Funding for Growth

The recent $10 million seed funding round is pivotal for Farcana’s continued development. Küçük highlighted that the funds will be used to recruit top-tier talent and enhance the studio’s capabilities. With a team of over 150 professionals, many of whom have worked at leading companies like Riot Games, Ubisoft, and Crytek, Farcana is positioning itself as a major player in the MENA gaming scene. 

"Developing a high-quality game is quite expensive. First and foremost, you need top-level talent. We have a team of over 150 people, making us the largest gaming studio in the MENA region. But it's not just about numbers—our team consists of highly experienced professionals who've worked at some of the biggest companies in the industry, like Epic Games, Riot Games, Ubisoft, and Crytek."

Farcana Investors Such as Animoca Bands and Many More

Additionally, Farcana’s growing partnerships with leading global technology and gaming companies will further accelerate its progress. These collaborations are set to be announced soon, which will bolster the game’s development and market presence.

"In addition to that, the partnerships we’re forming are playing a big role in our success. We’re soon going to announce collaborations with globally leading technology and gaming companies, which will take our game to the next level."

Farcana Notbale Advisors and Andle Investors 

Storytelling Meets Gameplay in a Futuristic World

Farcana’s narrative, set on Mars and tied to the Axelar network, plays an integral role in shaping the game’s design and mechanics. Küçük explained that the fictional setting directly influences elements such as map design and character creation. Balancing the futuristic narrative with compelling gameplay presented challenges, particularly in ensuring that the design elements felt grounded while also aligning with the game’s high-octane mechanics.

"Blending all of this with engaging gameplay mechanics is another layer of complexity. The narrative and design elements must be seamlessly integrated with solid mechanics because in the end, it's the gameplay that makes a game great."

Farcana Gameplay Screenshot 2

The team’s creativity shone through in developing unique abilities, weapons, and maps that reflect the Martian environment. Farcana’s storytelling depth allows for the development of varied gameplay mechanics, adding layers of strategy and player interaction to the shooter format.

"The depth of our story allowed us to explore different character abilities, weapons, and map strategies, resulting in a dynamic shooter experience. These challenges are where creativity really shines, and it's overcoming them that separates great games from merely good ones."

Farcana Gameplay Screenshot 3

Distinguishing Farcana from Traditional Shooters

When asked how Farcana differs from other popular multiplayer shooters like Overwatch and Valorant, Küçük explained that the game offers a unique combination of fast-paced action and tactical depth. While Farcana shares some characteristics with these titles, such as fast-paced gameplay and ability-based mechanics, its tactical elements are inspired by games in the MOBA genre.

"Farcana offers a unique gameplay experience compared to traditional shooters. Multiplayer shooters typically stand out based on their style, whether it's fast-paced, tactical, military-like, or ability-based. Each of these styles brings distinct gameplay mechanics, and in Farcana, we've carefully blended some of these unique features."

Farcana In-Game Characters

Players must work closely with their teammates, understanding their roles and combining their abilities for success, which introduces a unique learning curve compared to traditional shooters. This fusion of high-speed action with strategic depth is designed to offer players a fresh experience in the competitive shooter space.

"Even though Farcana is incredibly fast-paced, it has the strategic depth of a MOBA. Players need to know what to do, where, and when, making it easy to learn but difficult to master. We believe players will love this combination of high-speed action and deep strategy."

Farcana Fight For Your Star

Innovative Bitcoin Prize Pools and "Free Mints"

Far from being a typical blockchain game, Farcana incorporates innovative features such as permanent Bitcoin prize pools and "Free Mint" Bitcoin ordinals. These additions cater to both blockchain newcomers and seasoned gamers by offering a gameplay-first experience that subtly integrates blockchain rewards.

"Our goal is to cater to both types of players—those seeking fun, engaging gameplay and those interested in blockchain rewards. We're not putting web3 mechanics front and center; this game isn't about earning money from the start. By focusing on creating a solid shooter game, we naturally attract hardcore gamers, and we believe they’ll gradually adapt to the blockchain aspects over time."

Farcana Fight For Bitcoin Campaign

Küçük noted that these features are designed to appeal to competitive players, creating a layered ecosystem of engagement. By not pushing web3 mechanics to the forefront, Farcana allows hardcore gamers to immerse themselves in the gameplay, gradually introducing them to blockchain elements as they progress.

"For us, the key is competition—offering players multiple layers of competitive play within the game. If we succeed in that, players will naturally engage with the blockchain meta-systems as part of the experience."

Mission Statement from the Farcana Team on X (Twitter)

Regulatory Challenges and MENA

Farcana is closely aligned with Dubai’s progressive stance on cryptocurrency regulation. The team is in contact with local authorities, such as VARA, to ensure compliance across its tokenomics and NFT systems. Küçük acknowledged that while navigating these regulatory nuances is a complex process, the open environment in Dubai supports the company’s growth in the web3 space.

"Dubai authorities are well-regarded for their open and collaborative stance on cryptocurrencies and web3 technologies. Although addressing all regulatory details can be time-consuming, it's clear that VARA and other regulatory bodies are dedicated to ensuring robust customer protection. Farcana maintains close communication with these authorities to ensure full compliance across all aspects, including tokenomics, NFTs, and beyond."

Farcana Key World Art

As one of the largest gaming studios in the MENA region, Farcana actively engages with the local gaming and developer communities. Küçük emphasized the importance of regional identity in shaping the studio’s game development process. By collecting feedback from local players, developers, and investors, Farcana ensures that its product resonates with the region’s gaming audience while maintaining a global appeal.

"MENA, and especially Abu Dhabi, where Farcana is headquartered, is a vibrant hub of global talent. It’s a place where people from around the world come to develop their products and grow. We have the unique opportunity to exchange ideas and gather feedback daily from this diverse community, which is invaluable for improving our work."

Farcana Key World Art 2

Looking Ahead: Milestones for 2025

Farcana’s upcoming milestones include multiple public playtests and new content releases through 2024. According to Küçük, these playtests will help the team gather player feedback and data to refine gameplay mechanics and narrative elements. The game is expected to soft-launch in early 2025, with Farcana continuously evolving in response to player feedback and industry trends.

"Engaging with gamers, developers, VCs, and the broader web3 community in Abu Dhabi is crucial for creating a sought-after product. We also take pride in being the largest gaming studio in the region, which adds a sense of responsibility as a leading representative of this area."

In summary, Farcana is positioning itself as a game that blends cutting-edge blockchain technology with a compelling, competitive shooter experience. With its unique vision and ongoing developments, Farcana is poised to become a key player in both the MENA region and the broader gaming industry.