John Smedley, the veteran game developer behind titles like EverQuest and PlanetSide 2, has announced his return to the gaming scene with a Web3 twist.
His new studio, Distinct Possibility Studios (DPS), has secured $30.5 million in funding to build Reaper Actual, a AAA open-world multiplayer shooter powered by Tezos’ Etherlink blockchain.
The funding round was led by Bitkraft and Brevan Howard. The game will feature tradeable on-chain assets like characters, bases, and skins, introducing blockchain elements while keeping traditional gameplay at its core. According to Smedley, Etherlink’s low fees and developer-friendly environment make it a strong fit for integrating Web3 features without alienating players.
Reaper Actual is expected to launch on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the official game website. The first playable version, called the “Foundation” Alpha, will be revealed in the coming weeks and will give players a chance to experience both gameplay and blockchain mechanics firsthand.
Why Etherlink?
Smedley’s decision to build on Etherlink is tied to its technical strengths and shared philosophy. He praised Etherlink’s focus on scalability, fast transaction speeds, and support for multiple programming languages. More importantly, he emphasized that the game experience will come first, with Web3 features being optional and designed to enhance—rather than replace—core gameplay.
The Tezos Foundation and the Etherlink team share the belief that games should be fun and rewarding before being financially driven. This approach, Smedley believes, will help attract traditional gamers who are hesitant about blockchain integration.
Challenges for Web3 Gaming
Despite the excitement around this project, some industry voices remain cautious. Alex Chong of Everest Ventures Group noted that many Web3 gaming projects have failed to retain users due to speculative behavior and the decline in NFT values. He highlighted the need for games to be engaging beyond just financial incentives.
Chong explained that successful games in traditional markets keep players involved through competitive, fun, or emotionally impactful gameplay. In contrast, many Web3 players leave once token prices drop, making it hard to build sustainable communities.