Quick Take
- Reaper Actual will launch in 2026 as both a Steam/Epic release and a Tezos-powered crypto gaming version.
- Blockchain features include NFT bases, skins, and a mod-friendly player economy with peer-to-peer transactions.
- Developer John Smedley says only ~8% of early players are expected to opt for the blockchain version at launch.
John Smedley, the veteran game developer behind major online hits like EverQuest and H1Z1, is taking a dual-path approach with his new studio, Distinct Possibility. The upcoming title Reaper Actual will launch as both a traditional PC game and a blockchain-enabled crypto gaming experience.
The regular version will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, while a separate blockchain version will run on the Reaper Actual website. In the blockchain version, in-game bases, character skins, and other cosmetics will be NFTs tradable on a marketplace built with Sequence and powered by Tezos’ Etherlink EVM Layer 2.
Smedley says this strategy is designed to give traditional players an option to avoid blockchain entirely, while still offering ownership and trading features to those who want them. “I only expect around 8% of the initial player base to choose the web3 version,” he noted, adding that over time he hopes more players will warm to the benefits of digital ownership in crypto gaming.
A Persistent Open-World Shooter
Reaper Actual is described as a mix between a first-person shooter and an MMORPG. The game takes place in a massive 16×12 kilometer open world, run by an AI system called Cerberus that controls dynamic factions and missions. Players take on the role of elite operators, completing missions, collecting loot, and defending their customizable bases from raids by other players.
Unlike round-based shooters, the world is persistent. Players can log off and return to the same evolving game world, with bases serving as personal or clan-controlled hubs. Bases vary in size from small bunkers to sprawling compounds, and their location and layout influence playstyle and defense strategies.
Blockchain and Player-Created Content
In the blockchain-enabled version, bases and skins are NFTs that can be bought, sold, and traded either through the Steam Community Market or the game’s own Tezos-based marketplace. Smedley emphasizes that the game is not pay-to-win and that all items are cosmetic or convenience-based.
Distinct Possibility also plans to let players rent servers, mod the game, and even monetize their custom game modes. “We want players to be able to create and sell skins, mods, and unique experiences, with blockchain providing the infrastructure for direct peer-to-peer transactions,” Smedley said. This could include specialized servers for certain communities, such as streamers running subscriber-only matches.
Why Tezos Etherlink
The decision to use Tezos’ Etherlink Layer 2 came down to both technical and personal factors. Smedley cited Tezos co-founder Arthur Breitman’s vision for privacy-first and transparent governance, as well as the team’s deep gaming background. Tezos is also a major investor in the project.
Funding and Timeline
Reaper Actual has raised significant capital for an indie studio. Bitkraft Ventures led a $17.5 million seed round in 2023, followed by a $13 million round in early 2025 led by Brevan Howard. Tezos also provided substantial support.
The first “Foundation Alpha” is planned for late September 2025, with limited slots for both regular and and crypto gaming players. A wider launch is targeted for early 2026.
Smedley is realistic about the challenges of introducing blockchain to a skeptical PC gaming audience in his recent interview with Blockchain Gaming World. “There will always be players who reject anything with crypto. That is fine. Our job is to make a great game and let people choose how they want to play.”
