South Korean developer launches P2E game aimed at breaking down barriers between games and reality

Video games have changed significantly since they were first introduced in the 1970s. After the Pong era, the world internet experienced unprecedented growth in the early 21st century. During this period, game developers were introduced to new business models, such as the free-to-play model, a staple of Web 2.0. In free-to-play, users can access their favorite games for free, while in-game assets cost money. Even for those who don't consider themselves gamers, this evolution has presented the world with a new reality in which video game companies can continue to reap revenues and the barriers to entry for players will be lowered.

The main disadvantage of free-to-play games is that few players are willing to spend money on these assets. After all, these purchases have little value in the real world. Plus, players don't even own assets, making any investment a sunk cost of gameplay. For these reasons, Web 3.0 has emerged as a beneficial solution for both gamers and developers. Realizing that this business model shift is not just hype, many startups have launched their products.

Since 2000, Netmarble Corporation has grown in popularity as a well-known mobile game developer and publisher in Korea. The company has launched a number of games, including MARVEL Future Revolution and Lineage 2: Revolution, and has since updated with A3: Still Alive, their first offering that leverages the Play-to-Earn (P2E) ecosystem.

In this mode, players can take advantage of in-game items that can be freely used outside of the game. To achieve this functionality, A3: Still Alive utilizes close cooperation with MARBLEX wallet, MBX token and Netmarble N2 to improve the quality of gameplay and ensure the stability of the in-game token INETRIUM (ITU). The team says the project aims to "break down the barrier between games and reality".

A3: Still Alive is designed to encourage users to migrate from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0, giving early gamers a better chance of earning INETRIUM.

Where Games Meet Reality

The ecosystem of A3: Still Alive is set in an apocalyptic fantasy world where sword and sorcery combine the real world of an open world RPG with battle royale style combat in a cross-genre mobile experience. In this world, players will become familiar with an always-open player and player-versus-player (PvP) environment, allowing them to engage in intense hack-and-slash combat with their enemies. Each mode is rendered using the 3D graphics of the Unity engine.

In order to integrate the game earning function, "A3: Still Alive" uses INETRIUM and Netmarble internal currency MBX. This connection ensures that when players collect INETRIUM by earning Inetrium Ore in the new Inetrion Dungeon (accessible at level 190), they can boost their gameplay while having the option to redeem these tokens back into MBX for use between games outside use. It is worth noting that publisher Netmarble and developer Netmarble N2 will not be selling INETRIUM to the public to ensure players can benefit from this provision.

The game is currently available as a free download on the App Store and Google Play Store, but in-app purchases may be required. A3: Still Alive is also available as a public beta download for Windows PC.

an economy built for stability

Netmarble Corporation has reported the success of its Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds launch in Korea over the past year and is now preparing to expand its service to global markets. "Seven Knights 2" and "MARVEL Future Revolution" will also be successfully launched in 2021, continuing to provide stable services to users around the world. Now, the team is focusing its journey on the blockchain ecosystem, with A3: Still Alive leading the charge.

The next 12 months represent a critical turning point for the project, which aims to maintain the stability and health of the ITU ecosystem through regular updates of regions and token-related growth features. The team suggests some updates to Soul Runners, Relics, and new classes are also in the works.