The recent unveiling of Ascend The End Alpha, a pioneering post-apocalyptic web3 game, has stirred a considerable buzz within the gaming community. This early phase of the game, aimed at gathering invaluable insights and feedback from a select group of players, marks a crucial step in its development. Though the journey kicked off with a few hitches—namely, some players encountering issues with not receiving their starting items—it has nonetheless offered a rich learning opportunity for the game developers, ultimately shaping the Alpha release into a notable achievement.
Recap of the Closed Alpha Release
Aquiver with anticipation, 5000 players entered the Closed Alpha, each vying for one of the 200 Genesis NFTs and its accompanying exclusive benefits. However, since its commencement on August 1, the experience has been somewhat blemished by gameplay issues. These ranged from a glitch preventing players from obtaining their initial kit—exosuits included—to a bug that erroneously debited credits during mining rig operation. The Closed Alpha phase was envisioned as a crucial platform for players to immerse themselves in the game, partake in the Test to Airdrop, undertake missions, and, most importantly, contribute feedback that would aid developers in refining the game.
Entry into the Closed Alpha required an access code, with one of the participants even broadcasting their gameplay live during the launch campaign. Beyond the major glitches mentioned, players reported additional minor bugs, such as screen distortion during reload and firing actions, unresponsive hidden crates, and an exploitable bug that allowed for free upgrades of mining rates. As compensation for these disruptions, the game’s developers opted to delay Season Selection to August 19 and postponed minting until after this period, introducing the Head Hunter Challenge as an interim engagement.
The Head Hunter Challenge
Starting from August 9, this challenge encouraged players to eliminate as many NPCs as possible, with incentives including game passes, minting spots, and in-game assets for the victors. Participation entailed recording gameplay, posting it on social media platforms, and sharing the link within the game’s community on Discord. This initiative not only maintained player engagement but also showcased the developers' commitment to enhancing the gaming experience.
Planned Outcomes and ANatural Progression
Had the game's initial journey been unhampered, the Alpha season—dubbed “Operation: Nourish the Front”—would have spanned 14 days, emphasizing resource scavenging, raids, and teamwork. Success in these endeavors would not only improve leaderboard standings but also increase opportunities to earn $ASCEND tokens and other rewards. Utilization of the Unreal Engine 4 guaranteed smooth gameplay and extensive customization options for Exosuits, evidencing the developers' commitment to a bug-free experience through real-time feedback integration.
Recent Developments and Changes
In response to the initial setbacks, a Bug Bounty Event was instituted, inviting a larger player base while allowing the development team to identify both significant and minor issues. Moreover, an affiliate program was launched, encouraging existing players to draw new users into the fold in exchange for credit rewards and a percentage of future purchases made by their referrals. Such strategies underscore a proactive approach to community building and game refinement.
Announcements from the Latest AMA (August 21)
Among the recent announcements was the extension of the Headhunter challenge up to September 2, correlating with the revised start date for Season Selection. Additionally, new provisions were made to enhance gameplay dynamics in Season Selection, such as allowing raiders to invite partners. This period also saw the induction of new developers into the team, accelerating the game’s evolution.
Ascend The End | A Fusion of Narrative, Gameplay, and eSports
Navigating the desolate landscapes of the 2200s, Ascend The End pits two factions against each other in a barren world, offering a unique blend of Extraction and Battle Royale gaming modalities. With AI-driven characters ranging from law enforcers to autonomous robots, the game crafts an immersive post-apocalyptic narrative. This innovative approach also extends to the eSports arena, where players can engage in various events and tournaments, aspiring to reach Heaven City—the ultimate goal and final haven on the game’s expansive map.
Emerging as victors in this daunting environment not only secures players an exclusive NFT trophy but also rewards them with significant token earnings. The challenges and matches are meticulously calibrated by AI, guaranteeing fairness and competitive integrity. As a blockchain-based web3 game, Ascend The End heralds a new era where gaming transcends mere entertainment, weaving together community, competition, and survival in a dystopian future.
To embark on this thrilling survival quest, Ascend The End is available for download on PC through the Elixir platform. Players are encouraged to set up a Wasiona Account to integrate their cryptocurrency wallet with the game's ecosystem, paving the way for an unprecedented gaming experience.
