Shrapnel Migrates from Avalanche to GalaChain

Shrapnel, a PC-based extraction shooter developed by Neon Machine, has officially announced its decision to migrate from the Avalanche blockchain to GalaChain. The shift marks a notable change in the game’s blockchain infrastructure and appears to be driven by strategic goals related to market expansion in China.

Previously, Neon Machine had indicated plans to run a version of the game on a China-compliant blockchain while maintaining global operations on Avalanche. The latest update confirms that the game will now operate exclusively on GalaChain, though separate versions for Chinese and non-Chinese players will still be maintained.

Shrapnel Migrates from Avalanche to GalaChain

Shrapnel Migrates from Avalanche to GalaChain

The decision to migrate coincides with a broader initiative led by Gala Games, which recently entered a partnership with the Trusted Copyright Chain, a permissioned blockchain overseen by various Chinese public sector entities. This collaboration is intended to establish regulatory-compliant infrastructure for blockchain gaming in China. The two blockchains - GalaChain and the Trusted Copyright Chain - will be linked through a cross-border bridge expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026. This bridge is being developed to comply with Chinese regulations, including those governing the registration and management of NFTs.

Shrapnel Migrates from Avalanche to GalaChain

Token Integration and Regulatory Compliance

As part of the migration, Shrapnel's native token, SHRAP, will transition from Avalanche to GalaChain. The token will continue to function as the game’s in-game currency for purchasing NFTs. According to current plans, up to 10 percent of the game’s revenue generated in China will be allocated for periodic repurchases of the SHRAP token. This approach aims to maintain token utility while adapting to the regulatory environment in the region.

Gala Games' GALA token will serve as the gas token for all transactions on GalaChain, including cross-chain transfers between GalaChain and the Trusted Copyright Chain. These transfers will consume GALA, adding an operational layer of utility to the token and helping support the infrastructure that underpins the blockchain ecosystem.

Shrapnel Migrates from Avalanche to GalaChain

Strategic Intent to Reach Chinese Gamers

The partnership aims to support the growth of blockchain gaming within China by creating infrastructure that meets both performance standards and regulatory requirements. Xuan Hongliang, Director of the National Operation Center of the Trusted Copyright Chain, stated that the agreement marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at developing a large-scale first-person shooter game designed for the Chinese market. The combined effort seeks to serve a gaming audience that numbers over 600 million, according to official figures.

Gala Games CEO Eric Schiermeyer emphasized the significance of the cross-chain bridge in serving players in both China and other global markets. He noted that the ability to meet regulatory expectations while delivering a consistent gaming experience was central to the decision to collaborate on the development of Shrapnel under the new blockchain framework.

Shrapnel Migrates from Avalanche to GalaChain

Implications for the Web3 Gaming Ecosystem

The migration of Shrapnel from Avalanche to GalaChain may signal a broader trend in the web3 gaming sector, particularly for developers seeking access to regulated markets such as China. By integrating with a permissioned blockchain that aligns with local legal frameworks, Gala Games and Neon Machine are positioning themselves to navigate compliance requirements while maintaining blockchain-based asset management and token functionality.