John Smedley, the legendary mind behind EverQuest and PlanetSide, is making a bold return to the gaming scene with a new AAA MMOFPS project — Reaper Actual Foundation. His studio, Distinct Possibility Studios, has successfully raised $30.5 million to fuel development, embracing cutting-edge Web3 gaming mechanics that allow players to trade tokenized in-game assets. This was reported by Cointelegraph with reference to a press release.
A New Chapter in AAA Gaming
The fundraising round was led by top-tier investment firms Bitkraft and Brevan Howard Digital, signaling serious confidence in Smedley’s vision. The new title promises a massive open-world experience, fused with first-person shooter action and a fully blockchain-integrated economy.
After two years of quiet development, the project is now gaining momentum. The alpha version is expected to launch soon, offering a sneak peek into a game that could redefine multiplayer online shooters.
Web3 at the Core: “Play, Own, Trade”
What sets Reaper Actual Foundation apart is its seamless integration of Web3 features. Players will be able to buy, sell, and trade tokenized assets — including skins, player bases, and other digital items — on the Etherlink blockchain, developed by the Tezos Foundation.
Smedley emphasized the importance of ownership in gaming:
“Tezos Foundation and Etherlink share our belief that the game comes first. Their mantra ‘Play, Own, Trade’ perfectly aligns with our design philosophy.”
The partnership aims to make Web3 functionality invisible to non-crypto users, creating a smooth, user-first experience that doesn’t require deep blockchain knowledge.
Exclusive Access Before Free-to-Play
At launch, players will need to purchase a base tied to a unique in-game character to participate. This access model helps establish a dedicated early user base. However, Smedley’s team intends to eventually make the game free-to-play, broadening access while still supporting asset ownership and trading.
This strategy aims to create a healthy player-driven economy from the beginning while ensuring scalability for mainstream adoption later on.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The full release of Reaper Actual Foundation is scheduled for early 2026. Until then, Distinct Possibility Studios plans to grow its core community, refine gameplay mechanics, and continue testing how ownership and commerce intersect with large-scale shooter design.
Conclusion: Reimagining Multiplayer Shooters Through Web3
With deep industry roots and strong financial backing, Reaper Actual Foundation could be a game-changer in the MMOFPS genre. By combining immersive open-world combat with true digital ownership, John Smedley and his team are pushing the limits of what’s possible in online gaming. For Web3 believers and shooter fans alike, this is a project worth watching.
