The long-awaited first-person shooter game, Shrapnel, has finally made its debut on the Epic Games Store through early access. Known as “Shrapnel Training Exercises One” (STX1), this exclusive release is only available to those who have purchased access keys for the game’s “Extraction Pack.” Early access allows players to participate in limited three-day play windows, with approximately eight hours of gameplay per day. This unique opportunity gives gamers the chance to try out the game before its official release and provide valuable feedback to shape the final product.
To celebrate the launch of early access, Shrapnel organized a special session for press and influencers, providing them with an exclusive first look at the game. This preview allowed the media and influential individuals within the gaming community to gain insight and share their initial impressions of Shrapnel. Their feedback and opinions hold significant weight, as they can greatly influence the perception and success of the game.
The upcoming STX1 session, scheduled from February 8th to February 10th, will offer participants the opportunity to compete for $100,000 worth of SHRAP tokens as prizes. This addition creates an exciting incentive for players to engage with the game and showcase their skills. Around 3,000 keys have already been sold for STX1, with prices ranging from $20 to $100. The variation in prices is based on the included features and perks, allowing players to select the experience that suits them best.
While Shrapnel is expected to become a free-to-play game in 2025, the current availability in early access serves as a prelude and introductory phase for players. This stage permits gamers to immerse themselves in the game’s environment and mechanics, providing essential feedback during the development process. Mark Long, CEO of Neon, the game studio behind Shrapnel, emphasizes the significance of community involvement in shaping the game. Including players in the development process is crucial for creating a high-quality AAA first-person shooter.
Neon generated substantial anticipation for Shrapnel’s release with a successful $20 million Series A funding round in October. However, this excitement was later clouded by a lawsuit filed by six Neon founders against the majority shareholder of the studio. The founders accused the shareholder of causing harm to the company. Despite this internal conflict, the launch of Shrapnel on the Epic Games Store’s early access platform demonstrates the game’s progress and its potential to make waves in the gaming community.
With its dedicated team and promising development, Shrapnel is poised to become a top contender in the first-person shooter genre. The game’s arrival on the Epic Games Store has built significant buzz within the gaming community. Limited play windows, press and influencer sessions, and features such as SHRAP token prizes all contribute to the game’s appeal. As players continue to provide feedback and shape the development of Shrapnel, its trajectory toward becoming a highly acclaimed AAA first-person shooter becomes more apparent.
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