Flourish Islands, a newly released web3 city-building game developed using Unreal Engine, is now available on the Epic Games Store. Built by the team at Sequence, the game showcases how web3 technology can be incorporated into mainstream gaming platforms in a way that remains accessible to a wide audience. This launch was made possible through the Sequence Unreal Engine SDK, a toolkit designed to simplify the development of wallet-enabled games with blockchain features.
Launching a Web3 Game on Epic Games
Integrating Web3 in Flourish Islands
Flourish Islands introduces blockchain features in a way that supports player ownership without creating friction. Players engage in typical gameplay activities such as collecting resources, expanding territories, and crafting environments. The integration of web3 technology allows these resources to be minted on-chain, offering verifiable digital ownership without the need for cryptocurrency purchases or the use of external wallets.
The game uses Sequence’s Embedded Wallets, which are automatically created when a player logs in with their Epic Games account. These wallets operate on the Arbitrum Sepolia proof-of-stake blockchain and require no seed phrases or browser extensions. All blockchain features in the game are optional, and there is no marketplace or in-app purchasing system. This approach keeps the game accessible to players regardless of their familiarity with blockchain technology.
Launching a Web3 Game on Epic Games
Steps to Publish a Web3 Game on Epic Games Store
Publishing a web3-enabled game on the Epic Games Store is a structured process that requires clear disclosure and documentation. The first step is to enable the “NFT and Blockchain” toggle within the Offer section under General Settings. This ensures that the game is labeled correctly on the store and informs users about its blockchain components.
Next, Epic Games requires a dedicated FAQ section that addresses at least seven blockchain-related questions. These questions typically cover the specific blockchain used, whether the game includes NFTs, and whether there are any trading systems or marketplaces involved. Developers can look at Flourish Islands’ FAQ as a reference when preparing their own.
Launching a Web3 Game on Epic Games
Role of Sequence Embedded Wallets
The Epic Games review team may also request additional documentation during the approval process. This can include details on how blockchain is implemented and access to a test wallet. Since Sequence Embedded Wallets are non-custodial and linked to a player’s sign-in credentials, developers cannot manually create wallets for reviewers. Instead, reviewers should be guided to create a wallet by signing into the game using email or Epic Games credentials.
Keeping the blockchain features simple during the initial launch can make the review process more efficient. For example, games that do not include a marketplace or in-app purchases, such as Flourish Islands, often experience a smoother path to approval. Developers still have the option to introduce additional features after the game is live.
Using the Sequence Unreal SDK
The Sequence Unreal SDK played a central role in the development and launch of Flourish Islands. As a verified solution on the Unreal Engine Marketplace, the SDK provides developers with the tools needed to integrate web3 features directly into their games.
The toolkit supports embedded wallets, minting of in-game items, and management of digital assets, all within the game environment. It also includes multichain support, allowing developers to deploy games across multiple EVM-compatible blockchains without needing to build separate infrastructure.
The SDK enables gasless transactions through meta-transactions, allowing players to use blockchain features without managing gas fees or holding cryptocurrency. Wallets are generated securely in the background when players sign in via email, social accounts, or Epic Auth, streamlining the onboarding process.
Launching a Web3 Game on Epic Games
Getting Started with Sequence SDKs
Developers interested in building web3 games using Unreal Engine can access the Sequence Unreal SDK through the Unreal Marketplace. Comprehensive documentation and active community support are available to assist with integration and development. For those developing in Unity, Sequence also provides a Unity SDK that meets the same standards and offers similar functionality.
Launching a web3 game on the Epic Games Store is both possible and practical with the right tools and preparation. The release of Flourish Islands demonstrates that blockchain-enabled games can be designed to meet mainstream expectations while still offering the benefits of on-chain ownership and digital asset management. By following Epic Games’ guidelines and using development tools like the Sequence SDK, developers can bring web3 experiences to a wider audience without compromising accessibility or usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms offer free games each week?
Free games are primarily available through the Epic Games Store for PC users, while mobile users can access weekly giveaways on Android devices globally and on iPhone and iPad in the EU.
How often are new free games available?
New free games are released every week on PC and mobile platforms. On Epic Games Store, a new game is available each week, and mobile platforms often update their free titles on Thursdays.
Do free games remain free permanently?
Free games from weekly giveaways are usually available for a limited time. Once claimed within the specified period, they remain in the user’s library permanently, while some time-limited events in free-to-play titles may expire after a set period.
Can I play free games offline?
Availability for offline play depends on the specific game. Some free games, such as puzzle or strategy titles, may be played offline, while others, particularly multiplayer or online-only games, require an internet connection.
Are free games the same across all regions?
Most free games are available globally, though some mobile platforms may have regional restrictions. For example, iPhone and iPad users in the EU can access certain free titles that may not be available elsewhere.
Do free games include in-game purchases?
Many free-to-play games offer optional in-game purchases for cosmetics, expansions, or other content. However, claiming and playing the base free game does not require any payment.
Are free games compatible with web3 platforms?
While most current free games are standard PC and mobile titles, some free-to-play games are beginning to integrate web3 elements, such as blockchain-based rewards or community features. Users interested in web3 gaming should check each title for compatibility.
