Blowfish Studios, Animoca Brands’ flagship game studio, is developing an exciting new medieval-themed multiplayer PvP game called DarkTimes, and it’s making impressive inroads by integrating the Sui blockchain, thanks to help from Mysten Labs.
Taking inspiration from Nordic mythology, DARKTIMES is set in a dark and fantastical world that combines fast-paced and immersive combat with RPG elements. From what we’ve seen so far, it promises to be a unique PvP gaming experience.
Leveraging Blockchain for Player Ownership
The team began developing DARKTIMES in 2021 and set itself the challenge of taking fast-paced multiplayer gaming to the next level. Rather than opting for the standard battle royale format, the team chose to work on what it collectively called a brawler royale.
In DARKTIMES, players start as simple peasants and, over the course of a brawl, transform themselves into champions. The game’s structure allows for RPG-like elements of progression and connects players powerfully to the characters they embody during a fight.
DARKTIMES has an innovative feature that allows players to own non-fungible tokens. This is possible through the Sui blockchain, which enables players not only to own but also to customize and trade the digital assets that they acquire in the game, such as character cosmetics and gear.
These NFTs are not just static collectibles; they allow players to personalize their in-game experience and evolve their items, reflecting their progress and style within the game. This approach gives players more control over their in-game assets, creating a more engaging and dynamic gameplay experience.
Rune Run Airdrop and Community Partnerships
Before it officially launches, DARKTIMES has a few tricks up its sleeve to gather the attention of the gaming community. On September 2nd, the game will start its “Rune Run” campaign. This “play-to-play” event invites the community to participate for the chance to win Genesis DARKTIMES NFTs.
Winning these NFTs will grant lucky players early access to the game in late 2024 and the opportunity to unlock some of its most challenging levels, with even bigger prizes and rewards than those promised in the game’s initial teaser.
The Rune Run campaign is a collaborative effort involving several significant communities within the Web3 gaming and crypto space, including Mocaverse and MON Protocol. By working with these communities, the DARKTIMES team hopes to achieve two objectives: first, to build a strong community around DARKTIMES and, second, to substantially grow the game’s reach in the Web3 ecosystem.
First Playtest and Alpha Launch
DARKTIMES is set to conduct its first playtest during Korea Blockchain Week from September 1–7, allowing players to explore the game’s innovative mechanics and distinctive features. This marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first opportunity for participants to engage with the core elements that set DARKTIMES apart from other games. The playtest aims to introduce select players to its unique gameplay systems and the depth of interaction it offers. Later this year, a small group will have another chance to experience these features in an alpha launch, further refining the game before a wider release.
Throughout these early stages, players will encounter the $TIMES token, which functions as the primary in-game currency. This token is essential for participating in high-risk challenges and trading various items, adding a dynamic economic layer to the overall experience. By using $TIMES, players will be able to acquire unique assets, unlock special content, and engage in high-stakes scenarios that influence the game’s narrative and player-driven ecosystem. The token’s integration also supports the game’s NFT-based avatar customization, enabling players to personalize their characters in meaningful ways that impact both aesthetics and gameplay.
DARKTIMES aims to create a balanced ecosystem where the $TIMES token becomes central to gameplay progression and character development. As players take on difficult missions, complete objectives, or trade rare items, they’ll see the value of $TIMES fluctuate based on in-game activities and player demand. This interconnects the game’s narrative, mechanics, and economy, making each decision impactful. The incorporation of the $TIMES token lays the foundation for a competitive yet rewarding environment, adding both strategic and economic depth to the game’s overall structure. With its emphasis on engaging mechanics and an evolving player-driven economy, DARKTIMES sets the stage for a compelling gaming experience.
