Nfts
MetalCore Closed Beta 3 introduces NFTs and Web3 integration — TradingView News
Studio369 has announced the launch of the third closed beta (CB3) of its massively multiplayer online game (MMO), MetalCore, which is scheduled to begin on June 27.
This beta phase will introduce several updates, including the integration of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and Web3 technology into gameplay.
Dan Nikolaides, CTO of MetalCore and former software engineer at Midway and WB Games, spoke to Cointelegraph about the transition from Web2 to Web3.
“We designed the game to be accessible without the need for a wallet, aiming to appeal to both Web2 and Web3 players.”
Cointelegraph
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NFT Implications in Gaming
The introduction of NFTs will allow players to own distinctive in-game items that can be traded, establishing a player-driven economy.
Nikolaides spoke about incorporating “blueprints” necessary for player development and progression in the game.
“The scanning system is designed in a way that you have to play the game to find rare combinations of vehicles and robots, then scan them to get blueprints.”
This latest beta phase also introduces SHARDS, an off-chain currency that allows users to purchase digital collectibles with fiat currencies. Nikolaides said:
“We try to find the right balance between those who are passionate about the game and those who want to spend money to progress.”
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Web3 integration for Web2 users
CB3 integrates Web3 technology to enhance in-game elements without requiring players to have a digital wallet.
Studio369 partnered with Immutable to implement this middleware layer to appeal to traditional gamers and those familiar with blockchain technology.
“We didn’t want the Web3 implementation to impact our game design.”
Nikolaides explained that the team behind MetalCore “wants to grow slowly” to develop the game “responsibly.” 
Related: Web3 games can explode with artificial intelligence, says AI Gaming CEO
Ronin unveils zkEVM for gaming
Alongside MetalCore’s developments, Ronin recently announced its expansion to support a broader gaming ecosystem via a zero-knowledge (ZK) Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) blockchain.
Jeff Zirlin, co-founder of Sky Mavis, said the innovation would support up to four billion transactions per day.
Ronin’s Layer 2 zkEVM aims to improve user capacity and support game studio partners.