Influence is a new space MMO inspired by EVE Online, as well as the series The Expanse. It focuses on Web3 and the influence of players. It is even said to give so much control that the developers themselves cannot turn it off.
What kind of game is this? In Influence, everything revolves around the fact that Earth has been destroyed, and players must bring various asteroids under their control. Materials can then be collected there, which can be traded or used to build ships.
Players themselves will be able to control markets or fight in PvP battles. Forming alliances is also supposed to be important.
The MMO already offers an initial test version but is not expected to have its full release until summer 2023.
But what is so special about Influence? The new MMO is supposed to be completely decentralized. After the launch, the developers cannot simply turn it off, also because it is strongly intertwined with the Starknet platform and the Ethereum system. This means that all actions of players will be stored on a blockchain – not just specific items or actions.
This allows developers to easily share the game’s data externally, and the players themselves can then manage it. Chris Lexmond, the CEO of Unstoppable Games, explains (via VentureBeat):
That is the key to producing an “unstoppable game.” The agreements themselves are open; anyone can access them, both read and write. […]. We are very open about our data. So if there are developers in our community who ask for it, we also provide them with data dumps and assets.
Here you can watch the first trailer:
Not a game for MMORPG fans of games like WoW or SWTOR
What does the gameplay look like? Influence is initially only supposed to be released for PC and can be played for free in its own launcher or in the browser. Much of the gameplay takes place in interfaces, such as buying asteroids, building factories on them, or trading with other players. The game is supposed to be very strategically built.
How exactly the PvP battles will take place is still unknown and not included in the test version. They are generally not expected to be introduced until after the release.
However, you can already buy asteroids now. They start at a price of about 90 dollars. It is said that 5.5 million dollars have already been raised. The asteroids are the core content of the game, as in-game materials can be earned through them.
Overall, the cryptocurrency Ethereum is the focus, as it allows for real money to be earned. The OpenSea platform comes into play here. Influence is primarily aimed at players interested in Play2Earn and blockchain or those who want to further develop the MMO.
On the other hand, those who are more into classic MMORPGs like WoW or SWTOR will likely find little appeal in the concept.
What do you think of Influence? Does such a system appeal to you?
Here you can find more MMOs and MMORPGs that are set to be released in 2023: New MMOs and multiplayer games 2023: The big release list.
