In a recent white paper release, game publisher Midnight has unveiled its ambitious plans to aggregate a multitude of games within its upcoming web3 MMORPG, Evergreen. Functioning both as a game and a publishing platform, Evergreen aims to redefine the MMORPG genre by providing a deconstructed, composable experience to players across various game types and genres.

Evolving Gamplay

According to the white paper, Evergreen will seamlessly blend enduring player progression with evolving gameplay, creating an arcade of interconnected games. This approach aims to deliver the reach, engagement, and monetization associated with traditional MMOs, while mitigating the risk of a single theme or game narrative. Players will be able to use keys to navigate between different worlds within the game.

AA Games and MMOs

Midnight, a double-A premium web3 game publisher, envisions Evergreen as a bridge between premium double-A games and MMOs, offering a paradigm shift in the MMO genre. Steve Wade, CEO of Midnight, founded the company in late 2021 and raised $7.5 million from Shima Capital in November 2023. He believes that this fusion, along with a mobile companion app, will address the challenge of discoverability in the gaming industry. 

Deconstructed MMO

Wade sees Evergreen as a strategic move in the wake of industry developments, such as Disney's investment in Epic Games and the expected recovery of Bitcoin prices, contributing to the resurgence of the web3 games market. With Evergreen, Midnight aims to tap into the $35 billion double-A games sector within the $195 billion gaming industry.

The deconstructed MMO model of Evergreen not only facilitates discoverability but also encourages collaboration and coherence across different genres through Midnight's tools. The platform aims to create economies and secondary markets that players can own, providing a unique experience for gamers worldwide.

Evergreen is set to enter beta testing in March, with a planned product launch in October. To fund their ambitious plans, Midnight is actively seeking investments, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions rather than traditional venture capital funding. Wade believes that the gaming industry is witnessing a consolidation phase in 2024, making this an opportune time for strategic acquisitions.

Midnight has already acquired parts of SquareTwo, a mobile-first loyalty and gaming startup, gaining key backend and web3 platform technologies. The company plans to list a token to establish its web3 presence and community before embarking on further M&A deals.

Wade's vision extends beyond gaming, with plans to make a meaningful impact on the industry. Midnight aims to launch a game every month, with budgets ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. Wade emphasizes the importance of creating fun double-A products and expresses his enthusiasm for building Midnight as a "predator" in the gaming industry.

“The things that you’ve done matter. You’ve lived in this extraordinary world and the digital world. We’re going to be the bridge to help you carry it with you. And I like our tagline — the unofficial official motto — of a multiversal bridge to the metaverse.”

As a former investment banker, Wade added valuable insights, commenting: “We’re building ourselves to be a predator. We are built to be an acquisition machine. We plan to launch a game a month, and these are double A games. They’re not free to play. They cost money. It always comes back to the game. We want to make sure our double-A products are fun. I’m here for the games. I love making people smile.”

Final Thoughts

Midnight's unveiling of the Evergreen MMORPG and its innovative approach to aggregating games stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of web3 gaming. With a commitment to bridging the best of both worlds—premium double-A games and MMOs—Evergreen not only addresses the challenges of discoverability but also opens up new possibilities for the industry.

As the gaming landscape undergoes a phase of consolidation, Midnight's emphasis on a web3 presence, token sales, and a unique multiversal bridge to the metaverse reflects a strategic understanding of the evolving dynamics within the web3 gaming sphere. By fostering collaboration, player ownership, and a sustainable strategic advantage, Midnight's Evergreen presents a noteworthy example of the potential for innovation and growth within the web3 gaming ecosystem.