Bazooka Tango, a US-based game development studio, has announced the launch of Shardbound, its web3 card-based strategy game. Available starting from 9th October, the open beta will be accessible through Steam and the Epic Games Store. With over 100,000 pre-registrations, Shardbound has quickly become an eagerly awaited web3 game release for 2024.

Shardbound Open Beta Live on Steam and Epic Games

What is Shardbound?

Shardbound is a free-to-play turn-based tactics game that entered open beta on the Epic Games Store in late June. Despite being labeled a Limited Beta, players can gain access by pre-registering on the game’s official website. This process provides a link to add the beta version to their Epic Games Store library. The full open beta is coming this October.

In Shardbound, matches occur on a 3D hexagonal battlefield where players deploy cards to summon Minions and utilize Relics to defeat their opponent’s Commander. Decks must include at least one Commander and one Relic, with additional card types like Equipment and Spells available for strategic enhancement.

Victory can be achieved by destroying the opponent’s Commander or by accumulating 10 Victory Points through control of Victory Crystals. Currently, Shardbound does not feature web3 elements, but the game is designed to remain free-to-play and will eventually support mobile platforms. The developers have stated their commitment to a monetization system that avoids a pay-to-win model.

Shardbound Character Art

Raising $5 Million

The game's development has been a unique journey. Initially introduced as a Kickstarter project, Shardbound struggled to gain sufficient funding to move forward. However, after acquiring the project, Bazooka Tango remained dedicated to the original concept and continued its development, adding new web3 elements in collaboration with Immutable. This partnership enabled the team to raise $5 million in 2023 to support the game's launch.

Bazooka Tango has positioned Shardbound as a fresh alternative in the often grim world of strategy games, focusing on its bright and colourful design. This aesthetic choice was deliberate, as the studio wanted to create an atmosphere that contrasted the dark, post-apocalyptic settings often seen in the genre.

Co-founder and CEO Bo Daly explained that the game's vision centers around a world where art, culture, and beauty flourish despite the strategic challenges. Daly emphasized that Shardbound is not only designed to be engaging to play but also entertaining to watch, with intense, game-changing moments that keep both players and spectators captivated.

Shardbound Raises $5 Million

Final Thoughts

Along with its vibrant design, Shardbound offers innovative features to enhance the strategic depth of gameplay. The open beta will introduce mechanics where a single well-timed move can dramatically shift the tide of a match. Additionally, viewers can join a game mid-session, adding an interactive element that aims to keep the audience engaged.

With its official launch just around the corner, Shardbound is poised to make a significant impact in the world of web3 gaming. Its blend of strategic gameplay, visually appealing design, and unique web3 integration sets it apart as a fresh addition to the evolving gaming landscape. For those interested, pre-registration is available via the official website here.

Source: blockchaingamer.biz