Epic Games Store to open early access for web3 video game Shrapnel

Upcoming web3 shooter game Shrapnel is about to become available for early access on the Epic Games Store marketplace.

A Call of Duty-style blockchain video game Shrapnel is set to become available for early access from Feb. 8 till Feb 10., between 1 pm and 9 pm PT. Dubbed Shrapnel Training Exercises One (STX1), the game’s initial build will enable players to experience one of the characters at their highest progression level.

Players will have the opportunity to test three different firearms, a grenade, and a unique “Sigma ability.”

Those interested in early access would have to buy an “Extraction Pack” access key, priced at $19.99 for the basic pack, while premium packs costing $49.99 and $99.99 will provide additional in-game items, consumable packs, and skins.

During the early access period, players will have a chance to compete for a prize pool of $100,000 in the inaugural Shrapnel test, supported by RNGFoundation. The top-ranking player stands to win $10,000, with second and third place receiving $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.

Developed entirely on the Avalanche blockchain by Neon Machine, Shrapnel is slated for a 2025 release as a free-to-play game.

In October 2023 crypto.news reported that Neon Machine secured $20 million in Series A funding, led by Polychain Capital, to advance the development of its blockchain-integrated shooter video game. Additional investors include Griffin Gaming Partners, Brevan Howard Digital, Franklin Templeton, IOSG Ventures, and Tess Ventures.