In an intriguing development for the gaming community, the Uprising L2 Blockchain team has unveiled its plans to bring the Web2 naval battle royale game, Maelstrom, to its Oasys-powered network. This move is hailed as a revolutionary step towards merging traditional and blockchain gaming worlds, though a specific date for the blockchain version's launch remains under wraps for now.
The collaboration between Uprising, acting as the web3 publisher for Maelstrom, and Fortnight Entertainment, which continues to oversee the game's web2 publishing rights, marks a notable moment in gaming history. Notably, Fortnight Entertainment has recently taken on the role of the game's traditional publisher, alongside announcing significant upgrades, including a transition to Unreal Engine 5 and the introduction of new content and price reductions for existing DLCs. Additionally, their announcement hints at expansions into new markets, arguably including the web3 gaming sector.
An official statement from Uprising emphasizes the significance of this partnership, pointing to a combined future for blockchain and traditional gaming. While specifics on how the web3 version will diverge from the original remain vague, the promise of integrated roadmaps for both web2 and web3 versions sparks anticipation within the gaming community.
What Is Maelstrom?
A dive into Maelstrom's journey reveals a PC naval battle royale game that initially launched in Early Access on Steam in March 2018 and transitioned to a free-to-play model in September 2019. Despite achieving very positive reviews, the game faced challenges in building a substantial player base. Hope renews with Fortnight Entertainment and Gunpowder Games reviving the title, aiming for a resurgence through a port to Unreal Engine 5. This move is expected to enhance the game's performance, visuals, and overall immersion, potentially attracting a broader audience.
Currently available for download on Steam, Maelstrom offers thrilling 3D naval battles featuring up to 16 players. Participants can engage as Humans, Dwarfs, Orcs, or Ghost ships in multiple game modes, enjoying extensive customization options for their vessels. The game doesn't shy away from adding PvE elements, such as formidable sea monsters, alongside a tutorial-rich single-player mode for newcomers.
For enthusiasts looking to dive in right away, the launch of a weekly esports event offers an added incentive, with various prizes up for grabs.
Esports Event
In a collaborative effort, Uprising, Fortnight Entertainment, and the Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL) recently initiated a weekly esports event for Maelstrom players. This series, part of Season 9 of the UEL, boasts a substantial prize pool and allows participants to engage with professional esports players. Entry is free, with rewards including in-game currency, Uprising points, and exclusive items, fostering a competitive yet accessible environment for gamers worldwide.
Interested players can step into this immersive world by downloading Maelstrom from Steam and joining the Uprising Discord community for guidelines and support. The event encourages players to target and sink ships identified with UEL and Uprising affiliations, with proof of victory required through screenshot submissions paired with one's Steam username.
This innovative partnership between the realms of Web2 and Web3 gaming showcases a progressive steps towards a unified gaming experience that bridges traditional and blockchain technologies. As we await further details on the integration and future roadmaps, the gaming community stands at the cusp of a new era, eagerly anticipating the full realization of Maelstrom's potential in both the Web2 and Web3 spaces.
