Solana Blockchain Games Thrive on the Epic Games Store – Next Big Thing?

The number of Web3 games on the Solana (SOL) blockchain has grown substantially amid the spike in the network’s native token over the past month. 

According to Game7’s 2023 State of Web3 Gaming Report, the number of crypto games on the Epic Games Store has increased from 10 in January to 69 in October.

The report also revealed that Solana currently boasts a little over 125 games in its ecosystem, making it the fourth most popular blockchain network for game developers overall and the top non-EVM chain. 

These games encompass a range of genres, from ambitious sci-fi MMOs to fantasy pet battlers. 

“Solana remains the largest non-EVM ecosystem of Web3 games,” the report said. 

Major Solana-Based Games

Star Atlas, a sci-fi MMORPG in development, is one of the many games that has chosen Solana for its tokens and NFTs. 

Early access footage showcases an immersive world replete with massive spaceships, modern structures, and futuristic apparel for its playable characters. 

Despite some setbacks, such as the studio behind the game laying off 73% of its team in July, development has been going on.

In September 2022, a playable demo for Star Atlas NFT holders was released on the Epic Games Store. 

Another Solana-based game, Aurory, a free-to-play fantasy RPG, combines elements of Pokémon and the Matrix.

While originally releasing its NFTs and AURY token on Solana, the team revealed plans to expand to the Ethereum layer-2 network Arbitrum in July. 

Aurory recently announced that its RPG expansion, “Seekers of Tokane,” will be available on the Epic Games Store alongside its native browser version. 

Seekers of Tokane promises players limitless lands to explore, expanded battle features, and character customization. Although a firm release date on the Epic Games Store is yet to be announced, it is listed as “Coming Soon.”

Furthermore, Yaku, a free-to-play social metaverse game, currently supports both the Solana and Ethereum blockchains. 

It is in early access on the Epic Games Store, with a focus on user-generated content and community-driven development. 

The game envisions a dystopian sci-fi environment ruled by the omnipotent mega-corporation Saikou. Yaku plans to gradually release the game world through incremental updates over the next five to seven years.

Moreover, Chain Crisis, described as a free-to-play cyberpunk dystopian shooter set in the fictional near-future world of Warpgate City, is listed on the Epic Games Store as “Coming Soon.” 

It has already released male PFP-style avatar NFTs on Solana and intends to offer in-game character cosmetics as NFTs.

Finally, Angelic, a sci-fi RPG, offers multiplayer, co-op, and single-player game modes. 

The Angelic team raised $10 million for the game, with support from Animoca Brands, Pantera, and Solana Capital. 

Angelic: Dark Symphony, the single-player campaign mode, is listed as “Coming Soon” on the Epic Games Store. 

The developers use Solana and Ethereum for optional NFT elements and have committed to never implementing “pay-to-win” or “play-to-earn” mechanics, considering such models “toxic and unsustainable.”