The Uprising L2 Blockchain team has recently unveiled exciting news that will undoubtedly capture the attention of gamers worldwide. The free-to-play, Web2 naval battle royale game, Maelstrom, is set to join the Oasys-powered network. This groundbreaking announcement signals a significant stride in bridging the realms of traditional gaming with the innovative sphere of blockchain, marking a pivotal moment for enthusiasts of both domains.
While the precise date for this eagerly-awaited blockchain version remains under wraps, Uprising has made it clear they will assume the role of the Web3 publisher for Maelstrom. On the other hand, Fortnight Entertainment, which has only recently taken on the mantle as the game’s Web2 publisher, will continue overseeing the conventional aspects of the game. Their recent declaration of transitioning the game to Unreal Engine 5, coupled with the introduction of new content and adjustments in pricing for existing DLCs, accentuates their commitment to revitalizing Maelstrom. This venture into Web3 gaming is a testament to their strategy of forging new alliances and venturing into novel markets.
The collaboration between Uprising and Gunpowder Games, the developer behind Maelstrom, is lauded as a monumental leap towards amalgamating traditional gaming experiences with the burgeoning blockchain technology. Although details on how the Web3 version will diverge from its original counterpart are scant, this venture is not the first of its kind. Similar initiatives were previously observed, indicating a growing trend in integrating blockchain with Web2 gaming. The promise of an upcoming roadmap for both Web2 and Web3 versions heightens anticipation for what lies ahead.
Exploring Maelstrom’s Voyage
Maelstrom initially set sail as a premium title in the Steam Early Access program in March 2018, transitioning to a free-to-play model in September 2019. Despite garnering highly favorable reviews, it struggled to amass a substantial player base, peaking at 1,327 players. Efforts to rejuvenate the game were catalyzed in August 2024 when Fortnight Entertainment, in conjunction with Gunpowder Games, embarked on a mission to resurrect Maelstrom. Their plan involves an engine upgrade to Unreal Engine 5, aiming to inject new life into the game with enhanced performance and visuals. This relaunch seeks to captivate a larger audience with its enriched maritime combat experience.
Maelstrom offers gamers the opportunity to delve into thrilling 3D naval battles, accommodating up to 16 players. With a choice among Human, Dwarf, Orc, or Ghost warships, players can navigate through both free-for-all and team-based multiplayer modes. The game allows for extensive customization of ships, enabling players to modify appearances, gear, and statistics to their preference. Beyond the competitive multiplayer aspect, the game features a single-player mode designed to familiarize players with its mechanics while providing loot for ship enhancements.
With the introduction of a weekly esports event, now is an opportune moment for new and existing players to engage with Maelstrom. This initiative is a collaboration between Uprising, Fortnight Entertainment, and the Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL), featuring Season 9 of the UEL with a tantalizing total prize pool of $1 million.
Join the Weekly Esports Event
The weekly esports event, which started on August 27th, represents a unique chance for players to compete daily against seasoned esports professionals for a variety of prizes. These include in-game gold, Uprising points, and exclusive rewards. The anticipation of potential airdrops of the network’s token further incentivizes participation. Interested players can join this thrilling competition by downloading Maelstrom from Steam and engaging with the Uprising community on Discord. This platform provides all the necessary information, including rules and gameplay tips, to excel in the event. Players achieving victories over verified UEL and Uprising participants are required to submit evidence of their conquests on Discord along with their Steam username to claim their prizes.
This pioneering venture between Uprising and Fortnight Entertainment, marked by the integration of Maelstrom into the realm of blockchain gaming, heralds a new era for the gaming industry. It showcases the untapped potential of uniting traditional gaming experiences with the innovative features of blockchain, offering players a unique and enriched gaming environment. As the community eagerly awaits further details on the Web3 version of Maelstrom, it’s clear that the boundaries of gaming are set to expand, promising an exciting future for gamers and developers alike.
