Shardbound, a strategy card battler built on the Ethereum layer-2 scaling network Immutable zkEVM, is set to enter open beta on both Steam and the Epic Games Store on October 9, as announced by Immutable Games. This open beta period will allow developers to gather feedback and make improvements to the game before its full release.
Described as a mix of Hearthstone and Fire Emblem, Shardbound combines deck-building and card-collecting mechanics with turn-based battlefield combat and RPG elements. Players can choose different strategies to achieve victory, whether through military might or more subtle economic tactics. This flexibility in gameplay is reminiscent of Sid Meier’s Civilization series, where multiple paths lead to success.
During the open beta phase, the team at Bazooka Tango will be closely monitoring player feedback to refine the game further. The beta will continue for as long as necessary to ensure the best possible experience for players. Bazooka Tango has also confirmed that Shardbound will allow cards to be traded as NFTs on the Ethereum scaling network Immutable zkEVM, with the potential to upgrade cards to suit individual playstyles.
While plans for NFT integration are ambitious, the launch on Steam presents a challenge as the platform has banned NFT games. To comply with Steam’s rules, Shardbound will not feature NFT integration when it launches in open beta. Players will receive NFTs that mirror their in-game cards, either directly to a connected Immutable Passport wallet or through an emailed redemption code. Bazooka Tango intends to reveal more about in-game NFT integration in the future.
Originally funded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2017, Shardbound was acquired by Bazooka Tango and Immutable Games last year. The game, which had an incomplete Early Access release, is now being revamped with Web3 elements. Founder and CEO Bo Daly expressed excitement about revitalizing the project and incorporating blockchain technology. After seven years, Shardbound is finally transitioning from early access to open beta in its enhanced form.
Stay tuned for more updates on Shardbound’s journey as it navigates the complexities of integrating NFTs into gameplay across different platforms. And with each iteration, the team at Bazooka Tango is committed to delivering a seamless and consistent experience for all players, regardless of where they access the game.