SAN DIEGO, CA – July 4, 2025 – A familiar name to fans of massive-scale warfare is returning to the fray. Distinct Possibility Studios (DPS), founded by industry veteran John Smedley and packed with former key developers from the legendary MMOFPS PlanetSide 2, has officially lifted the veil on their debut project: Reaper Actual.
Emerging from over two years of stealth development, Reaper Actual is billed as a next-generation persistent open-world first-person shooter. It aims to capture the epic, combined-arms chaos that defined PlanetSide 2 while pushing the boundaries of persistence, player impact, and technological integration. The ambitious scope is backed by serious funding, with DPS confirming a hefty $30.5 million raised in a recent round.
"PlanetSide 2 proved players crave that sense of being a small part of a massive, ongoing war," said Smedley, CEO of DPS, in an exclusive statement. "With Reaper Actual, we're building on that foundation but creating a truly living, breathing world. Battles won't just reset. Player actions will have tangible, lasting consequences on the game world, the factions, and the narrative unfolding over time."
What is Reaper Actual?
Details remain carefully guarded, but DPS has outlined core pillars:
- Massive Persistent Open World: A single, seamless continent (with more planned) where the conflict rages 24/7. Territory control isn't just a match objective; it's the state of the world.
- Combined Arms Warfare: Expect infantry combat, ground vehicles, and aircraft all playing crucial roles in large-scale engagements.
- Player-Driven Narrative: Faction goals, resource allocation, and major offensives will be influenced by collective player actions, not just developer-scripted events.
- Deep Progression & Customization: Persistent character progression across roles and extensive weapon/vehicle customization are promised.
- Next-Gen Tech: Built on a modern engine designed to handle hundreds of players simultaneously while delivering high-fidelity visuals and destruction.
Crucially, DPS also revealed a significant technological partnership. Reaper Actual will leverage Etherlink, a layer-2 solution on the Tezos blockchain. However, Smedley was quick to clarify the studio's approach: "Blockchain is a tool, not the core experience. We're using Etherlink for specific elements like verifiable ownership of certain cosmetic or commemorative items, and potentially secure, transparent systems for large-scale faction logistics or resource tracking. But this is not a 'crypto game.' You don't need a wallet to play, and core progression and combat remain entirely traditional. Think of it as an optional, enhanced backend for certain features."
The $30.5 million funding round, detailed further in this Cointelegraph report, will fuel the final push towards launch and support the game's live operations. Investors are clearly betting on the team's pedigree and the enduring appeal of the large-scale persistent shooter genre.
Want to wishlist the game? Check out the official Steam page here: Reaper Actual on Steam
Building on a Legacy, Aiming Higher
The PlanetSide 2 DNA is undeniable. DPS boasts developers who worked on the iconic battles of Auraxis, bringing invaluable experience in netcode, large-scale battle design, and faction dynamics. The challenge now is evolving that formula for a modern audience and technological landscape.
According to the official announcement on Gamespress, the team is focused on creating a world that feels truly alive and reactive beyond the immediate battlefield. Environmental persistence, deeper faction reputations, and strategic resource management across the persistent map are hinted at as key differentiators.
"Persistence means more than just your character stats carrying over," explained a DPS design lead. "It means the scarred battlefield from yesterday's tank assault is still there today. It means a factory your faction captured last week is now producing vehicles for the front line. It means the enemy remembers your outfit's tactics and adapts. That’s the vision."
When Can We Fight?
Reaper Actual is currently deep in development. DPS is targeting a Closed Beta test later in 2025, with a full PC launch expected in early 2026. Console versions are also under consideration but not confirmed for the initial release.
For veterans of Auraxis and fans of large-scale, strategic FPS action, Reaper Actual represents a significant and highly anticipated return. Backed by substantial funding, led by experienced developers, and promising a truly evolving warzone, it aims to carve its own path in the persistent world genre. The battle lines are being drawn, and the stakes for the open world of Reaper Actual are set to be permanent. Keep your eyes on the horizon.
Post a Comment