Ethereum Strategy Game ‘Shardbound’ Open Beta Hitting Steam, Epic Store

Ethereum-based strategy card game Shardbound is gearing up for its open beta release on Steam and the Epic Games Store on October 9. Developed by Immutable Games, Shardbound is built on Ethereum’s layer-2 scaling network, Immutable zkEVM. During the open beta period, the developers will work to improve the game and refine its Web3 strategy before an official launch. Described as a combination of Hearthstone and Fire Emblem, Shardbound incorporates deck-building, card-collecting, turn-based battles, and RPG elements. Players can pursue different paths to victory, whether through military or economic means. The open beta will continue until the developers feel they have received sufficient feedback to enhance the game. Shardbound will enable NFT trading and card upgrades, with plans for further Web3 integration in the future. However, the game’s launch on Steam could pose a challenge as the platform has banned NFT games. To comply with Steam’s rules, Shardbound will not have NFT integration in the open beta phase, but the developers will explore options for NFT integration in the future. Despite initial crowdfunding in 2017 and an incomplete Early Access release, Shardbound was acquired by Bazooka Tango and Immutable Games last year, with a focus on incorporating blockchain elements. The upcoming open beta marks a new chapter for the game after years of development.