Popular ethereum-based strategy card game Shardbound will launch its Open Beta on October 9.
Developed by Bazooka Tango and built on ethereum's Layer-2 Immutable zkEVM network, the game will be available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. This open beta phase will focus on gathering feedback to fine-tune gameplay before a full release, although the beta end date has yet to be confirmed.
With its upcoming beta version, the developers hope to refine the core elements while introducing blockchain integration, although some features will be limited depending on platform restrictions.
What is fragmented?
Shardbound is a turn-based strategy game that combines elements of deck building and tactical combat where players create decks full of unique cards, which they use to command units on a grid-based battlefield. The game offers multiple ways to win, such as through direct military confrontations or employing economic strategies to outlast opponents.
Originally developed by Spiritwalk Games, Shardbound was released in early access in 2017 after a successful crowdfunding campaign, but was never fully completed.
Bazooka Tango acquired the game in 2023 and has since worked to incorporate web3 elements, particularly through the use of nfts representing cards from the game.
What can we expect from the Open Beta?
Starting October 9, the Open Beta will be available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store.
A notable feature is that viewers will be able to join in mid-game, offering a more interactive experience. Bazooka Tango will use community feedback during this phase to improve and fine-tune the game mechanics. The beta will remain open for an indefinite period and ongoing adjustments will be made based on player input.
While the game is integrated with blockchain technology, some features will be limited on Steam due to the platform's restrictions against nft-enabled games. Players will still be able to obtain nfts representing game cards through Immutable's zkEVM network, but they will have to claim them via email codes or through Immutable's wallet system.
More details regarding future nft integration and long-term plans will be shared in the coming weeks.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=();t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)(0);s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,’script’,’https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js?v=next’);