Studio369, the game development company behind blockchain-powered epic open-world shooter MetalCore, has announced that the crypto game will be the first title built on Immutable zkEVM to be playable on the next-generation scaling platform. 

"MetalCore's Closed Beta launch on Immutable zkEVM Mainnet today marks a big milestone for Studio369, as well as Immutable," said Justin Hulog, Chief Studio Officer at Immutable.

In this article, we will break down the latest news and exclusive updates to web3 NFT game MetalCore, as well as the studio's future roadmap and expansive plans for its IP. You will also learn about their recent funding, partnerships, and new $MCG token.

More About Studio 369?

Studio369, the company behind the blockchain-powered NFT game MetalCore, is making waves in the world of web3. Led by CEO Matt Candler and his team - Studio 369 is on a mission to "revolutionize traditional gaming" by integrating blockchain technology.

The team is made up of UNREAL technology experts that focus on PC, console and mobile platforms, with a core skill set in Multiplayer Games.  Members have previously worked at Activision, Epic Games, Paramount Picture, Skybound, and Sony. 

Collective expertise on the team also inncludes individuals who have founded and operated their own studios, contributing to hit titles such as Fortnite, H1Z1, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, Gears of War 3, and more. The team is currently at work on the online action game MetalCore and several unannounced AAA multiplatform titles. 

“We are immensely excited that MetalCore has become the first playable web3 title built on Immutable zkEVM Mainnet, coinciding with the start of our second Closed Beta event,” said Matt Candler, CEO of Studio369.

More About MetalCore?

MetalCore is a free-to-play open-world mech shooter featuring massive player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) battles with deep and immersive crafting mechanics and a player-driven economy.

Matt Candler, CEO of Studio369, commented: “During our first Closed Beta period, we saw first-hand how interested people are in our game, evidenced by our top player completing over 800 missions with a total of 13,000+ kills. Now, we’re bringing even more fresh players into the MetalCore universe as more than 40% of our Day-1 users were completely new to the game.” 

The innovative 'scanning' system lets players obtain blueprints from fallen enemies, craft new weapons and vehicles, and even convert them to web3 assets for trading. With over 150 playable Mechs, Tanks, Aircraft, and Infantry units, in addition to the hybrid first-person and third-person combat, MetalCore promises endless hours of exhilarating gameplay in a vast open world. 

Justin Hulog, Chief Studio Officer at Immutable, added: "Today, we couldn't be more proud of the progress we've made together to seamlessly integrate web3 elements that elevate the gameplay and strategy. We are excited to raise the bar with MetalCore and finally show a really fun, high quality game that players can play right now."

Closed Beta Now Live

The Closed Beta will run between April 9th and 22nd, offering both returning and new players access to a swathe of new quests and in-game contracts. It also introduces the Barony system, the game’s version of guilds where users band together to share resources, fight under their unique banners, and earn diverse rewards.

MetalCore's Closed Beta 2 also introduces brand-new mechanics such as advanced customization, dynamic missions, stronger PvE bosses with bigger rewards, leveling updates, new consumables, and regional deployment.

Web3, Blockchain, NFTs

What sets MetalCore apart from its competitors is its commitment to delivering a captivating gaming experience, regardless of players' engagement with web3 elements. While blockchain integration allows for ownership of in-game assets as NFTs, players can enjoy MetalCore without any mandatory involvement in web3 mechanics or NFT purchases.

Looking ahead, Studio 369 envisions a future where web3 gaming prioritizes gameplay innovation, community engagement, and technological advancements. MetalCore's impending full launch in 2024 signifies a milestone for the studio, setting new standards for immersive gaming experiences in the web3 era.

In-Game Currency $MCG

Simultaneously, MetalCore United LTD has confirmed that MetalCore's native token, $MCG, will play a vital role in shaping the game’s future, allowing mechs, vehicles, and weapons crafted from blueprints or looted to be converted to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and equipped and used in-game. The token will also empower users to customize their gameplay and earn exclusive benefits and rewards—all while maintaining full agency and control over their items and upgrades. 

By completing in-game contracts and social quests, players will earn a special in-game currency called “Marks”. Another way to earn marks is by participating in wars between Baronies, where players can unite, battle together, and engage in collaborative resource-sharing activities, complete with social quests. 

New $5 Million Funding

Studio 369 recently secured a $5 million funding round supported by prominent investors like BITKRAFT, SpartanGroup, and Arrington Capital.  The latest funding round also saw participation from notable investors such as King River Digital Assets, Amber, Auros, Zeneca, Grail, Spirit Dao, LiquidX, Aggero, FatCats, Sonic Boom Ventures, Rarestone, Cypher Capital, Cogitant Ventures, EllioTrades and Citizen Capital. 

Matt expressed enthusiasm, stating: “We are excited to see that some of the most prominent companies and influencers in gaming continue to share and support our vision of MetalCore. The additional funding will help us hone and sharpen MetalCore even further to deliver the most fun, engaging, and awesome experience.”

Users who have already participated in the “Call to Arms” playtest will automatically become eligible to join the second Closed Beta, while new players and community members can sign up here, with detailed instructions on how to download and install the game published in a quick start guide.

What is Immutable zkEVM?

Immutable zkEVM, powered by Polygon, is a Zero-Knowledge proof-based scaling rollup that is fully compatible with and equivalent to the Ethereum Virtual Machine, tailored specifically to the needs of web3 gamers and game developers.

Widely considered “the Holy Grail of Ethereum scaling” the zkEVM offers enterprise-grade security, massive network effects, lower development costs, and seamless interoperability with the Ethereum ecosystem.

Justin Hulog, Chief Studio Officer at Immutable, commented: "Partnering with Studio369 was an obvious choice for us - as soon as we saw the quality of the game, coupled with the extensive credentials of Studio369, we were sold."

More About Immutable?

Immutable Games is a global leader in web3 game development and publishing, backed by a world-class team who have proven track records of bringing games to millions of players. As the gaming-focused arm of Immutable, the leading web3 gaming company, Immutable Games has pioneered the world's first blockbuster NFT trading-card game Gods Unchained and is currently building the highly anticipated mobile RPG Guild of Guardians.

Alongside its own high-quality titles, Immutable Games partners with third-party game developers to provide them with best-in-class strategy and execution expertise aimed at ensuring the success of every web3 game deployed within the Immutable ecosystem. 

Immutable Games is guided by its mission to redefine gaming for generations to come, by developing innovative and engaging experiences that empower players with true ownership, value, and creative expression.

GAM3S.GG and Immutable

We recently annoucned partnership with Immutable X - together we aim to onboard over 100 million players to web3 and introduce traditional gamers to the perks of blockchain. The partnership will integrate key Immutable functionalities like Immutable Passport and Immutable Checkout into our platform, providing users with a seamless onboarding and purchasing experiences.

Additionally, we will fund exclusive rewards and questing services for AAA games on Immutable zkEVM, while our $G3 token integration will offer more choices and utility for gamers. Collaborative efforts are already underway with exclusive quests, community tournaments and in-game content driving player growth for web3 games like Blast Royale and MetalCore.

 Omar Ghanem CEO of GAM3S.GG commented on the new partnership in a press release, stating: “It’s clear that web3 gaming is poised to explode, and we plan to drive this explosion alongside Immutable as a key partner. We’re incredibly excited to combine our rapidly growing web3 gaming community with the full power of the Immutable ecosystem to bring millions of gamers into the fold and drive the next evolution of the entire games industry.”

Robbie Ferguson CEO of Immutable, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the shared goal of creating a premier web3 gaming ecosystem. You can read more about our exciting new partnership and what it entails in an article on our website here.