Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of game projects in the testing phase. As a reviewer, I have participated in testing multiple projects and have been experiencing these games after work. I have noticed a significant improvement in these new games compared to last year's games. Most games have made significant progress in terms of completeness and gameplay. Examples of these large-scale game projects include Big Time, Meta pixel's GSU, Matr1x, and Ember Sword. While there have been some disappointing aspects in projects like Ember Sword, overall, these games have been quite enjoyable.

With the exception of Ember Sword, the visuals and smoothness of most games have taken shape, although there are still some details that need improvement as they are still in the testing phase. I'm looking forward to the project teams' subsequent updates and optimizations, hoping that they can provide even more enriching gaming experiences in the future. We will be sharing gameplay clips of these new game projects on our Twitter account. Feel free to follow us if you're interested.

Over the past year or two, many game projects have started development, with some experiencing significant delays, while others are expected to undergo public testing or launch this year. I'm excited to continue experiencing various types of large-scale multiplayer online games and hope that GameFi can carve out a place for itself in the next bullish market.

Now that almost half of 2023 has passed, I would like to share some game projects that I am personally looking forward to, which are expected to undergo public testing or launch in the second half of this year. I have previously introduced these projects during their early stages, and today I will mainly provide an overview of their genre, background, and recent game status. For more detailed information, I will include video links below.

1. Illuvium

First, I want to mention Illuvium. It is a 3A-grade 3D open-world fantasy RPG game that utilizes the Unreal Engine 5, providing players with an immersive experience. The game combines a sci-fi fantasy adventure storyline with Pokémon-style gameplay, where players can collect NFTs and battle monsters. Built on the Ethereum network, the game combines various modes such as RPG battles, open-world exploration, and land management. The main monsters in Illuvium are called "illuvials," and players can capture these creatures using shards. Each illuvial has different classes and versatile elemental attributes. In battles, strategic tactics play a crucial role in addition to character abilities. Currently, the game is undergoing closed testing, and players who hold land NFTs can have early access. Illuvium is a highly anticipated game that I have been following for the past two years. Its art style and graphics are incredibly detailed, but due to the extended development time, it has lost some of its initial hype. Nevertheless, the overall anticipation remains high. It is scheduled for public testing in the fourth quarter of this year and will be a free-to-play game worth watching for fans of open-world and RPG genres.

2. Big Time

Big Time is a multiplayer online role-playing game that combines elements from Diablo and World of Warcraft, integrating NFTs and action-based MMORPG gameplay. The game supports up to six-player parties who venture into dungeons to challenge monsters and complete quests. The game features four character classes: Healer, Mage, Warrior, and Assassin, each with unique skills and attributes. Players can choose their preferred class and optimize their character's abilities by equipping skill points and gear through the use of in-game tokens.

Big Time is a free-to-play game that allows players to participate in dungeon raids without purchasing NFTs. However, to earn rewards within the game, players need to possess three specific elements, each with varying rarity and size, directly impacting their gold farming efficiency. NFTs in the game are presented in the form of skins, purely cosmetic and do not affect character abilities or provide any gameplay advantages. This design reduces the impact of pay-to-win mechanics on the game's fairness. Additionally, a unique aspect of Big Time is that the game's tokens are not sold through Initial Exchange Offerings (IEO) or Initial Decentralized Exchange Offerings (IDO). Instead, all tokens are obtained by players within the game. This approach is less common in blockchain-based games and differs from the models used in other games. However, it requires attention to the token's utilization and destruction cycles, making it important to stay informed about the latest news regarding the game's token mechanics.

Currently, Big Time is in its internal testing phase, allowing players with a PASS to join the game and participate in testing. During this phase, players have a chance to randomly acquire NFTs while playing the game. These NFT assets are subject to monthly snapshots, determining blind box airdrops based on the number of holdings and gameplay sessions. Token airdrops are also planned for the future. As enthusiasts of engaging games, we have been involved with Big Time since the Ruby Pass testing phase and have continued to play the game for free. Although we encountered some initial issues, the development team has shown dedication in planning and adjusting the game, with noticeable improvements in each update. Regarding earnings, we have two accounts actively playing the game, and one of them managed to secure two Christmas blind boxes, which cost approximately 100U. With a maximum of 20 gameplay sessions per month, we received blind box airdrops worth around 20U last month. This doesn't include future token airdrops. For a game with enjoyable gameplay like Big Time, the earnings have been quite satisfactory in my personal opinion.

In conclusion, Big Time is an exciting NFT-based action MMORPG that combines elements from Diablo and World of Warcraft. The game offers multiplayer online role-playing gameplay, allowing players to form parties and undertake dungeon raids, monster battles, and quests. With character classes like Healer, Mage, Warrior, and Assassin, each possessing unique skills and attributes, Big Time provides diverse gameplay experiences. NFTs in the game are purely cosmetic skins, ensuring a fair playing field by avoiding pay-to-win mechanics. Currently in its internal testing phase, players can participate by holding a PASS and have the opportunity to acquire NFT assets. The game presents attractive earnings potential, allowing players to obtain value within the game. Both in terms of gameplay and earning potential, Big Time is a game worth paying attention.

3. GSU

Next, we would like to introduce GSU, a 3D anime MMORPG game developed by Metapixel, originating from South Korea. It utilizes a traditional Web2 gaming chain and is currently available on PC, with plans to release on the Aptos chain in the future. GSU features a 3 vs. 3 MOBA mode, offering fast-paced team battles. There are also considerations to introduce a 5 vs. 5 mode, which would further emphasize teamwork and cooperation. In addition to player-versus-player combat, the game incorporates various mission activities and seasons to enhance its diversity. While limited information is available about GSU at the moment, it has already garnered attention from players. The game recently underwent its first round of testing and is currently recruiting players for the second round, set to commence in July.

4. E4C

E4C is a game studio founded by the former CEO of Riot Games Asia-Pacific, aiming to bridge the gap between Web2 players and Web3 GameFi. With a valuation of $65 million, E4C's game adopts a 3 vs. 3 MOBA mode, emphasizing gameplay and tactical strategies. The game establishes an economic system where players can buy and sell items, and tokens are rewarded through matches. The core focus of the game lies in its gameplay, emphasizing skill utilization, coordination between abilities, and the timing of their execution. Players need to master these elements to engage in combat and challenges. While wealth accumulation is not a primary objective, the game places greater emphasis on the enjoyment and competitiveness of the gameplay itself.

Regarding recent activities, E4C has previously organized some small game events and conducted the sale of Rangers NFTs. The latest activities have centered around the Free mint series. In the game, these Free mint NFTs resemble character skins, and players can acquire these special NFTs through participation in lotteries or cooperative events. If you are interested, you can find relevant lottery events on various community platforms.

In summary, the game's core focus is on gameplay, with an emphasis on skill utilization and strategic combat. In recent activities by E4C, the primary focus has been on launching a series of Free mint NFTs, providing players with the opportunity to obtain unique in-game character skins. If you are interested in the game and NFTs, you can participate in related activities to experience the enjoyment of the game and acquire special in-game assets. E4C's testing phase is also set to commence in July this year, and interested players can stay informed about it.

5. ChainGuardians

Finally, let's introduce a game called ChainGuardians, which combines NFTs and the strategy genre. In this game, characters exist in the form of NFTs, allowing players to collect different NFT characters and assemble their own teams. The game features various levels and challenges where players need to devise strategies and choose suitable characters for battles. The art style of the game combines cartoon aesthetics with futuristic technological elements. ChainGuardians has been operating on the Binance Smart Chain for a considerable time and is currently planning to expand to other blockchains such as Ethereum and Polygon. If you're interested in this game, you can visit the official website to gather more detailed information.

These are personally anticipated game projects by the author, each with its own unique features in terms of genre and gameplay. It is believed that they will receive significant player appreciation after their public testing or official launch in the latter half of this year. If you're interested, you can visit the official website or community platforms to stay updated on the latest news about these games and participate in testing or gameplay in a timely manner. We hope these games bring you a delightful gaming experience!