John Smedley: From Legacy Leader to On-Chain Innovator

Legendary game developer John Smedley is once again spearheading the creation of large-scale multiplayer online games—this time in the Web3 arena. As the co-creator of EverQuest and PlanetSide 2, Smedley now leads Distinct Possibility Studios (DPS), which has announced development of a AAA first-person shooter titled Reaper Actual. The team has selected Etherlink, a Tezos Layer-2 solution, as the project’s blockchain foundation.

DPS Closes Over $30 Million in Funding

DPS recently secured $30.5 million in funding from top investors, including gaming-focused venture firm Bitkraft and European hedge fund titan Brevan Howard. The capital will accelerate development of Reaper Actual, a game that blends open-world exploration with multiplayer combat and DPS plans to launch the game on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and its official website. In addition to robust gameplay, Reaper Actual will feature tradable on-chain assets—such as characters, bases, and skins—signaling a true convergence of Web3 technology and mainstream gaming experiences.

Why Etherlink?

When asked why DPS chose Etherlink as its foundational blockchain, Smedley explained that the platform aligns closely with the team’s values, and he stressed, “Our top priority is to make the game as fun as possible. Etherlink and the Tezos team’s direction are completely in sync with this mission.”

Etherlink stands out with lower transaction fees, faster throughput, and exceptional energy efficiency—critical factors for real-time MMOFPS titles. These strengths position the Tezos ecosystem at the forefront of Web3 gaming and have reignited industry interest in Tezos. Etherlink’s low costs, high performance, and strong security make it one of the most promising Layer-2 solutions on the market.

Moreover, the platform’s “Play, Own, Trade” ethos restores true ownership to players, neatly matching Smedley’s gradual Web2-to-Web3 player migration strategy.

Reaper Actual: More Than Just On-Chain, It’s a AAA Experience

According to current disclosures, Reaper Actual delivers AAA-quality visuals and gameplay, coupled with on-chain asset trading that lets players freely trade in-game characters and items. Early access to the game prototype and asset system will be available through DPS’s upcoming “Foundation Alpha.” This modular, opt-in blockchain participation aims to break the old “play-to-earn” stigma and refocus player attention on the enjoyment of gaming itself.

(Source: Reaper Actual)

Web3 Gaming: Reflection and Evolution

Industry analysts point out that the Web3 gaming boom has cooled over the past two years. Many projects with once-massive waitlists have faded away, and player attrition has exposed a fundamental challenge: if a game isn’t fun, it won’t keep users—blockchain or not. DPS bucks this trend by putting gameplay first, using blockchain as an enabling tool rather than the focal point. This player-centric strategy is exactly the pivot the market needs right now.

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Conclusion

The debut of Reaper Actual signals not only John Smedley’s industry return, but potentially a watershed moment in the maturity of Web3 gaming. By prioritizing player experience, on-chain asset ownership, and flexible interaction, the title is poised to attract both traditional gamers and crypto enthusiasts. At the same time, Reaper Actual could help drive broader gaming adoption on Tezos.