Space Nation Online Aims to Redefine MMORPGs with Blockchain

Space Nation, an emerging transmedia franchise, has “soft launched” its ambitious project, Space Nation Online. Aiming to rival the cultural impact of Star Wars. This massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) built on blockchain technology is positioning itself as the core of an expanding sci-fi universe.

Soft Launch Phase

Currently, Space Nation Online is in a 12-week soft launch phase where player access is limited to stabilize the in-game economy. This phase is crucial as the game, developed on the Ethereum scaling network Immutable zkEVM. Prepares for a global launch intended to attract a broader Web2 audience. This global rollout is designed to make blockchain and crypto elements more accessible to traditional gamers.

Expanding Universe

The MMO is just one aspect of the broader Space Nation franchise. Which includes animated shorts, spinoff games, and a TV series currently in development. With aspirations to become the next Star Wars. The game seeks to enhance the classic MMORPG formula perfected by World of Warcraft by integrating a Web3-powered economy. Jerome Wu, co-founder and CEO of Space Nation and former senior project manager at Blizzard Entertainment. Brings his extensive experience with World of Warcraft’s operations in China to this new venture.

Innovative Economic Model

During his tenure at Blizzard, Wu observed players’ frustrations with the monotonous grind required in World of Warcraft. Which felt like a job to many. Space Nation Online aims to transform this dynamic by ensuring that these tedious tasks offer high returns. Making them more worthwhile for players. This system allows players to either engage in resource gathering for rewards or purchase resources from other players to focus on more enjoyable aspects of the game.

Play-to-Earn Dynamics

The game introduces a play-to-earn model where players like miners can spend hours gathering valuable minerals. Then sell them for the in-game currency CHR, which can be exchanged for fiat money. This setup provides players with the opportunity to earn real income from their gaming activities without needing to dive deep into Web3 technology.

Building a Virtual Economy

Wu envisions creating a virtual economy worth billions, drawing inspiration from successful MMORPGs like Fantasy Westward Journey. He believes that integrating crypto elements will enhance the efficiency and scalability of this virtual economy. “MMORPGs are a virtual society. There’s a division of labor, and players will be free to choose what positions they want to be in,” Wu explained. The ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable, complex economy that could mirror real-world economic interactions within a virtual society.

Epic Guild Battles and Future Plans

In the Telikos Cluster galaxy, players will engage in epic battles, colonizing planets and competing to become the dominant force. Wu shared that previous guild battles during closed betas featured up to 200 ships in combat. With expectations for even larger and more dynamic engagements following the soft launch.

Beyond Gaming

While the focus currently remains on the MMORPG, Space Nation is also developing a broader narrative through animated shorts and a prequel TV series helmed by renowned director Roland Emmerich. These multimedia extensions are part of Space Nation’s strategy to build a comprehensive and enduring sci-fi brand.

Cultural Timing

Wu also commented on the cultural relevance of launching a new sci-fi franchise during an era marked by renewed interest in space exploration, driven by figures like Elon Musk and initiatives like SpaceX and Blue Origin. “When the U.S. and the Soviet Union started [the Space Race during] the Cold War, there were a lot of sci-fi IPs appearing,” Wu noted. “Now with all these rockets and satellites, there unfortunately hasn’t been a new [big sci-fi opera] IP. So I think this is a great opportunity for us.”

Space Nation Online represents not just a game but a gateway into a vast universe that could potentially transform how stories are told and experienced in the digital age.