GUNZ (GUN): Optional NFT Ownership in Off The Grid’s Cyberpunk World
The web3 GameFi space is filled with diverse games that apply different mechanics and gameplay through blockchain technology. With most of these games, you get to play, earn and keep your assets.
But what if you just wanted to play for fun and not earn assets? This is the approach taken by the popular gaming platform GUNZ, whereby players can opt out of the non-fungible token (NFT) aspect of gaming. In short, you can choose simply to stick with the non-crypto aspect of the Off The Grid (OTG) game — or opt to engage in the NFT aspect of gaming.
Let’s look deeper into the GUNZ platform and the way its unique optional NFT ownership can be a catalyst for the next wave in blockchain gaming.
Key Takeaways:
GUNZ is a gaming platform on which players and developers can play, trade assets, launch gaming tokens and customize gaming projects.
Its ecosystem is powered by the Avalanche blockchain’s scalable, secure and eco-friendly subnet.
GUNZ is behind the Off The Grid game, a version of Battle Royale that features more advanced technology and mechanics.
What Is GUNZ?
GUNZ is a blockchain-based gaming platform that provides a user-friendly ecosystem for developers to create games, and for players to engage in various games without gameplay limitations while trading gaming assets. Powered by Gunzilla Games, GUNZ is designed by gaming developers to allow a simple, flexible and rewarding gaming experience.
GUNZ runs on the GUNZ blockchain, an Avalanche blockchain subnet. By running on Avalanche, the GUNZ gaming ecosystem remains eco-friendly through lower energy consumption, using 0.0005% of the energy other networks use. This savings is further enhanced by using a proof of stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, rather than the proof of work (PoW) consensus that’s heavy on computational power.
GUNZ is designed with developers in mind. They can conveniently launch games via the GUNZ platform, which provides them with innovative industry tools to integrate and deploy games. Gaming developers can use GUNZ’s minting engine API to create tokens and NFTs, and can trade or create their own NFT marketplace, offer users a mobile app or integrate a wallet without incurring transaction costs.
The first game launched on GUNZ is TECHNOCORE. Players can loot items on a fault drone and collect rare NFT items, which earns them bragging rights in the larger GUNZ gaming community.
Additional features of the GUNZ platform include an NFT marketplace, a custom-made blockchain scanner and a companion mobile app to access assets safely and securely.
The in-game currency of GUNZ is GUN, which is used to trade items on the marketplace and reward players for completing different challenges.
What Is Off The Grid?
Off The Grid (OTG) is a battle royale 2.0 free-to-play AAA game developed by Gunzilla in which players immerse themselves in cyberpunk battles. The unique thing about OTG is its optional NFT element: players can either opt out of receiving NFTs in the game, or choose to convert their assets into NFTs if they wish. The game is available for play as an early access launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Vlad Korolev, CEO of Gunzilla Games and co-founder of the project, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of the OTG game, which he believes expands the horizons for AAA games by providing an innovative approach to web3 gaming. OTG has been under development for over four years, building on the foundation of battle royale and pushing the boundaries by integrating new technology with more advanced mechanics.
OTG runs on Avalanche’s subnet, GUNZ blockchain, which allows the game to deliver high performance and scalability.
Off The Grid’s Popularity
In October 2024, Off The Grid achieved significant milestones. On October 13, OTG recorded over 3 million transactions on the Avalanche blockchain and was ranked the number 1 free-to-play game on Epic Games' store, surpassing popular titles such as Fortnite and Genshin Impact.
The game has also gained growing visibility through its viewership on streaming platform Twitch. A partnership with Twitch streamer Tyler “Ninja” Blevins — who has skin in the game — has further propelled this game’s popularity. On Oct 13, 2024, OTG was also recognized as one of Twitch's top three most viewed games, with 156,000 concurrent viewers worldwide.
Off The Grid Gameplay
OTG is an innovative third-person shooter that redefines the battle royale genre by integrating deep narrative elements and dynamic gameplay mechanics. Directed by visionary filmmaker Neill Blomkamp, known for science fiction films like District 9 and Elysium,OTG offers players a unique blend of player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) experiences within a dystopian cyberpunk setting.
Setting and Narrative
Set on Teardrop Island, a once-thriving locale now transformed into a battleground by the machinations of three mega corporations, OTG immerses players in a world where corporate greed and technological advancements collide.
The game's narrative unfolds through a 60-hour campaign, allowing players to engage in story-driven missions that run concurrently with traditional battle royale matches. This seamless integration ensures that every match contributes to the overarching storyline, providing depth and context to the high-stakes combat.
Gameplay Mechanics
OTG introduces the "Extraction Royale" mode, a fresh take on the battle royale formula, in which a maximum of 60 players split into teams of three to engage in intense PvP skirmishes while simultaneously undertaking PvE objectives. The primary goal is not only to be the last team standing, but also to extract valuable resources, known as Hexes. These are scattered across the map, and are guarded by AI-controlled adversaries, adding layers of strategy and risk to each match.
Source: store.epicgames.com
Customization and Progression
A standout feature of OTG is the extensive customization available to players. Characters referred to as Zeroes can be enhanced with cybernetic limbs (“cyberlimbs”), which provide unique abilities and advantages on the battlefield. These enhancements can be acquired during matches, either by looting or by defeating opponents and claiming their cyberlimbs. This real-time customization allows players to adapt their strategies dynamically, tailoring their abilities to the evolving challenges of each encounter.
The weapons system in OTG is equally robust, featuring over 300 combinations achieved through various attachments and modifications. Players can customize their arsenal to suit their preferred playstyle, whether it involves long-range engagements, close-quarters combat or tactical versatility. The ability to modify weapons and cyberlimbs mid-match adds a layer of depth, encouraging players to think strategically and adapt to the ever-changing battlefield conditions.
Traversal and Mobility
Teardrop Island's diverse terrain offers numerous traversal options, enhancing both combat and exploration. Players can utilize vehicles, such as trucks and cars, for rapid movement across the map. Additionally, advanced equipment like grappling hooks and jetpacks enables vertical mobility, allowing for surprise attacks and quick escapes. These tools not only facilitate strategic positioning but also add a dynamic element to engagements, as players can approach objectives and confrontations from multiple angles.
Visuals and Technology
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, OTG delivers stunning visuals that bring its cyberpunk world to life. The game's environments are richly detailed, featuring neon-lit cityscapes, industrial zones and desolate areas that reflect the island's tumultuous history. Character models and animations are meticulously crafted to keep players invested in the characters they play. The use of advanced lighting and particle effects creates a visually stunning experience, enhancing players' overall immersion.
Benefits of NFT Ownership
GUNZ offers players a platform on which to truly own the assets they earn in the game via NFTs. Benefits of owning GUNZ NFTs include the following.
1. True Ownership of In-Game Assets
On traditional gaming platforms, players' in-game items are typically controlled by the games’ developers, limiting players' rights over these assets. GUNZ changes this dynamic by allowing players to fully own their in-game items as NFTs, granting players complete control and the ability to trade or sell these assets as they see fit.
2. Seamless Trading on Established Marketplaces
Through integration with major NFT marketplaces such as OpenSea, GUNZ allows players to trade their in-game NFTs with a broader audience. This integration provides a transparent and secure platform for transactions, enhancing the liquidity and value of players' assets.
3. Enhanced Gaming Experience
By incorporating NFTs, GUNZ offers a more immersive and personalized gaming experience. Players can acquire unique items, customize their characters and participate in a dynamic in-game economy, contributing to a richer and more engaging gameplay environment.
4. Potential for Financial Rewards
The ability to trade NFTs means that players can potentially earn real-world value from their in-game activities. By selling rare or valuable items, players can monetize their gaming skills and time investment, adding a financial incentive to their gaming experience.
5. Interoperability Across Games
The GUNZ platform is designed to support multiple games, thus allowing NFTs to be utilized across different titles. This interoperability means that players' assets can retain value and utility beyond a single game, providing a cohesive and expansive gaming ecosystem.
Source: GUNZ
What Is the GUNZ Crypto Token (GUN)?
GUN is the official token for the GUNZ ecosystem. You can use it to buy and trade in-game items on GUNZ’s marketplace. GUN token is also used to reward players for completing various in-game challenges on the platform. Here are some of the challenges you can complete to earn GUN tokens:
Eliminate 5 challenges with a grenade — 0.5 GUN tokens
Obtain 5 Katana Arm kills in one match — 2 GUN tokens
Successfully extract a HEX — 2 GUN tokens
Place first as a premade squad — 10 GUN tokens
Closing Thoughts
GUNZ provides an innovative approach to gaming. The optional NFT element for players is unique, creating flexibility for those who don't want to explore the blockchain aspect. The platform’s Off The Grid game has already recorded remarkable success, gaining popularity among Web 2.0 and web3 gamers.
With the capability for gaming developers to easily create and integrate games, GUNZ is strategically placed to influence blockchain gaming. Its in-game currency, GUN, is a token to watch as this AAA game continues to make its mark on the web3 gaming industry and beyond.
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