Epic Games Store Sees Surge in Solana Blockchain Games – A New Trend?

The Solana (SOL) blockchain is witnessing a significant increase in Web3 games, paralleling the recent surge in its native token. A 2023 report by Game7 on the state of Web3 gaming shows an impressive growth of crypto games on the Epic Games Store, rising from 10 in January to 69 by October.

Solana stands out in the gaming world, hosting over 125 games and ranking as the fourth most popular blockchain among developers, as well as being the leading non-EVM chain. The variety of games on Solana spans multiple genres, including sci-fi MMOs and fantasy-themed games.

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

Key Solana-Based Gaming Projects

Star Atlas, a notable Solana-based sci-fi MMORPG, integrates tokens and NFTs within its expansive universe, filled with large spaceships and futuristic settings. Despite a major staff reduction in July, the game’s development continues, with a playable demo for NFT holders launched on the Epic Games Store in September 2022.

Aurory, a free-to-play RPG blending Pokémon and Matrix elements, initially utilized Solana for its NFTs and AURY token. The team later announced expansion plans to the Ethereum layer-2 network, Arbitrum. A new RPG expansion titled “Seekers of Tokane” is set to debut on the Epic Games Store, offering expansive lands and enhanced battle features.

Additionally, Yaku, a social metaverse game supporting both Solana and Ethereum, is available in early access on the Epic Games Store. This user-content-driven game presents a dystopian world controlled by a powerful corporation. The game’s gradual release is planned over the next several years.

Chain Crisis, a free-to-play shooter set in a cyberpunk dystopia, is anticipated on the Epic Games Store. The game, set in Warpgate City, has released avatar NFTs on Solana and plans to incorporate in-game NFT cosmetics.

Angelic, a sci-fi RPG with various game modes, has also seen significant investment, including from Animoca Brands, Pantera, and Solana Capital. Its single-player campaign, Angelic: Dark Symphony, is listed as “Coming Soon” on the Epic Games Store. Committed to avoiding “pay-to-win” mechanics, the developers utilize Solana and Ethereum for optional NFT elements.

These developments in Solana’s gaming ecosystem highlight the growing intersection of blockchain technology and the gaming industry, promising innovative gaming experiences for players.