When it comes to potential breakthrough points for the future of Web3, games have always been a popular topic of discussion. And when it comes to Web3 games, CS:GO is often mentioned due to its successful and large-scale marketplace for in-game items.

As a player who bought CS:GO in November 2013 and played it for nearly 900 hours afterwards, I witnessed how the item system helped CS:GO break through the situation of being not highly regarded and taking over the TOP 1 FPS e-sports game from CS 1.6 and CS:Source, with a monthly average of about 100,000 active players. After 10 years, CS:GO has remained strong and become the "money printing machine" of Valve Corporation with a stable monthly active user base of over one million.

The accessories of CS:GO have gradually evolved from simple "game skins" to a form of "valuable hard currency", mainly due to the continuous improvement of gameplay, the constant balance of competitiveness, and the continuous improvement of the e-sports system. While many people are discussing whether this accessory mechanism can be combined with NFT or even blockchain, I have been looking for a Web3 game that has the potential to attract players and even attract player consumption in terms of gameplay and competitiveness. Especially as a player who loves FPS games very much, I am particularly interested in FPS-type Web3 games.

Web3 FPS mobile game Matr1x FIRE started its first public test on August 8th. I started playing the game immediately and had a deep experience. After reaching level 30 and reaching the "Platinum" rank in the game, I believe that Matr1x has the ability to become a leader in Web3 games.

Game Experience

First of all, registering/logging in to the game is no different from traditional Web2 games, and only requires registration/logging in with an email. For Web2 players, there is no friction from "Web3" from the start of the game to playing.

After successfully logging into the game, the main interface is very refreshing. Exploring the various functions of the main interface, we will find that the product presented in this round of Matr1x testing has a very high degree of completion. There are four functions that are particularly noteworthy:

Battle Pass. If you have played CS:GO, you must be familiar with the Battle Pass. In CS:GO, the Battle Pass appears in the form of "Operations". By completing the "Operations" missions, you can increase the level of "Operation Coins" and get some accessory drops during the game. The Battle Pass of Matr1x FIRE is more like the pass of PUBG. By completing the specified season and daily tasks to obtain experience points, you can increase the level of the pass and get rewards such as Tokens, Genesis Character NFT minting rights, and future NFT series whitelist. For casual players, the Battle Pass can greatly improve their game stickiness. For hardcore players, the Battle Pass also provides rich season settlement rewards for the top 200 players in the experience ranking. The player who ranked first in this round of testing can even get a YATC NFT with a current floor price of more than 13 ETH.

With the continuous iteration of subsequent games, Battle Pass can also launch new game seasons with different themes by combining new game modes/game accessories, which can continue to bring freshness to players. This is a very good game design.

Friend Social System. For a game that requires "ranking up", being able to team up with friends is really important. Coordinating well with friends can greatly increase the win rate. Matr1x FIRE has already developed a mature friend social system in this round of testing, which not only allows you to team up with friends, but also allows you to add teammates who played well together after the game ends. Forgot to add them after the game? No problem, the friend social system records the players who played together recently, making it easy for us to find our good teammates.

Credit Scoring System. Every game will have some troublemakers, who either AFK/harm teammates to play passively, or use BUGs or even cheat. In Matr1x FIRE, there is a mature credit scoring system to help green players maintain a fair and just gaming environment. In my gaming experience, there were 2 times when I felt the credit scoring system was operating strictly and well. One time, I encountered a player who liked to throw "incendiary grenades" at teammates at the spawn point, and I was so angry that I fought back, but I also received a "passive gaming" penalty and lost some credit score. Although I felt very innocent, the credit scoring system did play a role, which made me happy. The other time was when I had an emergency to deal with during the game and AFK, which eventually led to my team losing the game and receiving a "AFK" penalty, which I accepted.

Complete player data statistics. The dimensions of player data statistics that can be directly viewed in the game are very comprehensive, ranging from personal rank-related information, MVP times, reputation scores, to player KDA data, win-loss history statistics on different maps, and so on.

In the "real gun and live ammunition" 5V5 competitive matchmaking and team competition mode game, Matr1x FIRE also impressed me a lot.

The overall art style of the game is great. The map presentation of the game is bright and there is no situation where the "B hole" of the desert 2 map in CS 1.6 is so dim that people cannot find their way, making people feel colorful but soft and comfortable. At the same time, these maps also give me a sense of cyberpunk technology and cartoon rendering story, which feels a bit like Valorant but has its own distinctive style.

Excellent mobile operation experience adaptation. Playing shooting games with a console or mobile device always feels a bit difficult to operate, but Matr1x FIRE's operation optimization is done quite well, and it restores the operation of FPS end games like CS:GO very well. For example, throwing objects can support one-click switching between "remote throwing" and "near-point throwing" modes, and even one-click jump throwing. It feels really good when using "smoke bombs" to cover "unpacking" and using jump throwing to throw specific positions, and the design of the normal throwing landing point display is also very accurate. For example, the "sniper rifle" can fire directly after releasing the scope, which makes me fall in love with using the "sniper rifle" in FPS games on mobile devices. Jumping, crouching, walking quietly, and other operations are all convenient and complete. The layout of the operation UI in the game, the firing mode, and the sensitivity settings of various dimensions are also very comprehensive, which can help you adjust the most suitable operation environment and play at the highest level of the game.

Good strike feedback and trajectory. It's difficult for me to describe strike feedback. I've been playing CS 1.6 for over 10 years, and I feel that the reaction of hitting opponents in CS 1.6 is a bit "stiff". I've also played some FPS mobile games, and some of them make me feel that when aiming at the target, the system only completes a code-level judgment... But in Matr1x FIRE, when I hit an opponent, I feel a "rebound with a bit of hardness" feedback, which you can try for yourself in the game. As for trajectory, as a competitive mobile game, there must be some challenges in "spraying". But don't worry, this will become your pleasure rather than your trouble. Even the most difficult to control "Rioter rifle" can be mastered well after a period of time, and there is a training mode in the game for you to practice "gun control".

Good balance. Matr1x FIRE provides players with 6 maps to play in this round of testing, including 3 maps for 5V5 competitive matchmaking mode and 3 maps for team competitive mode. When playing these maps, I did not feel that there were any difficulties in winning as an attacking/defending side due to map design. The balance of the maps is very good. In addition, the economic system of the 5V5 competitive matchmaking mode is also excellent. In the case of losing a pistol round, it is possible to choose ECO or try to turn the tide in an economic disadvantage situation with a "submachine gun" or "shotgun". It is not necessary to start at a disadvantage and continue to be at a disadvantage until the end.

To summarize my experience in the Matr1x FIRE test in four words, it would be "unbelievable". This is only the second round of testing for Matr1x FIRE, and the game has already shown a high level of completion, with complete and exquisite content. I highly recommend that you participate in the test and experience it for yourself!

Game Assets

As a Web3 game, the composition of game assets such as Token and NFT unique to Web3 is definitely something you are very concerned about. Next, let's take a look at the game asset composition of Matr1x FIRE.

NFT

角色 Avatar NFT

Role Avatar NFT

Different roles of NFT will give your character a unique appearance in the game. Currently, Matr1x FIRE has a total of 6 different characters with distinct appearances, and more will be added in the future.

Matr1x FIRE's 6 game character images

You don't need to spend money to buy a character NFT to play the game. The lowest rarity level "Common" character NFT can be obtained for free by all players, but if you want to trade your character NFT and unlock more game benefits, you need to have at least an "Uncommon" level character NFT.

Role NFTs have attributes, but these attributes do not affect the balance of the game. Instead, they are only related to the efficiency of obtaining game rewards such as $FIRE and "accessory boxes". Rarity level works the same way. Role NFTs also have different appearances, which is a characteristic of the diversity of Web3-generated NFTs.

Currently, participants in the second round of testing for Matr1x FIRE have the opportunity to receive a Genesis character NFT!

Weapon Skin NFT

Matr1x FIRE has over 30 different weapons and items, and opening the "accessory box" can get you different weapon skins. That's right, the NFT-ization of game skins like CS:GO that everyone has been dreaming of has already been implemented in Matr1x FIRE!

By accumulating experience points through games, players can upgrade their game accounts or improve their rankings in the 5V5 competitive mode, and receive "accessory boxes" as rewards. Opening the "accessory box" reward in the "Workshop" will give players a variety of weapon skins, which are similar to the rarity levels and "wear values" in CS:GO (wear values do not cause weapon skins to be destroyed, but are a constant value that determines the different effects of the same skin in the game). In the current version, Matr1x has launched 35 different weapon skins, which are exquisitely crafted and have their own unique cyberpunk and anime style. All weapon skins can be set in "Equipment" and players can inspect their weapons in the game, just like in CS:GO. The inspection animations are very well-made, and I love inspecting my "Rioter" gun in the game, the action of pulling the bolt is very cool and satisfying.

Different weapon skins have different rarity levels, and the higher the rarity level, the harder it is to obtain the skin. The most difficult skin to obtain is the "knife" skin.

This round of testing introduces new weapon skins.

YATC Platform NFT

YATC, as the NFT series with the highest rights in the Matr1x ecosystem, is extremely rare and valuable. Its current floor price has exceeded 13 ETH. Currently, YATC has enjoyed a series of rights such as the Matr1x 2061 NFT series airdrop and staking.

Matr1x 2061 Avatar NFT

Matr1x 2061 is a high-quality PFP NFT with a cyberpunk and anime style, designed and produced by a top art team. It tells the story of the five major races in the million-word novel Matr1x, spanning across interstellar, dimensional, real and virtual worlds. The 2061 series includes dozens of themed elements and more than ten accessory parts, providing unlimited imagination space.

Matr1x 2061 has a total of 2061 units, and holders have advanced rights to MATR1X FIRE, including priority access to all future testing qualifications, early access to game content, priority access to genesis characters, and airdrops of in-game tokens and assets. It can be said that Matr1x 2061 currently holds a position in the Matr1x ecosystem second only to YATC.

The release price of this NFT series is 0.1 ETH, and the current floor price is 1.36 ETH, which has increased more than tenfold. Its impressive and stable market performance in the bear market reflects the market's recognition of its value and confidence in Matr1x products.

Other NFT

In the future, Matr1x FIRE will also launch several different types of game assets, which will better enrich the game experience of Matr1x FIRE, such as glove skins, weapon skin stickers, in-game sprays, in-game music boxes, and commemorative medals. Of course, what I am most looking forward to is the land NFT, but more details about the land NFT are still waiting for Matr1x official to reveal.

Token

Matr1x FIRE uses a dual token model, consisting of two ERC-20 tokens: governance token $MAX and gaming token $FIRE.

治理 Token $MAX

$MAX has a total supply of 1 billion coins and features a deflationary mechanism. As time passes, the amount of $MAX produced in the game will continuously decrease.

Pledge $MAX to obtain $veMAX, which can be used for Matr1x esports club league seat elections, esports event voting, pricing of in-game props trading, ecological governance and community voting, etc. To obtain $MAX, you need to reach a certain level and rank in the game. If you, like me, have no hope of becoming a top player but want to get more $MAX, then buying YATC and Matr1x 2061 NFT series will be the best choice.

The allocation of $MAX is as follows:

Game Token $FIRE

$FIRE has no upper limit on supply. Players who hold game characters with a rarity level of "Uncommon" or higher can earn $FIRE while playing the game. Participation in community activities (staking and testing activities) can also earn $FIRE.

FIRE is the core token in the Matr1x FIRE game, which is used for developing character NFTs, minting offspring character NFTs, opening "accessory boxes", esports rewards, and unlocking more game privileges. The $FIRE consumed by players will be regularly destroyed by the project party.

In the future, Matr1x will also collaborate with licensed market makers to support players exchanging $FIRE and USDC within their wallets.

Open the "accessory box", the demand for accessory trading is gradually increasing, and more "accessory boxes" are being opened... Although there is no supply limit for $FIRE, the real consumption demand supported by gameplay will maintain the high consumption of $FIRE, thus breaking away from the Pareto principle and increasing its value in a healthy and real supply-demand relationship.

Matr1x's Infinite Possibilities

Without a doubt, Matr1x FIRE has demonstrated the qualities that a good game should have. However, in addition to gameplay, which is the "magic weapon" of the game, Matr1x also has unlimited potential.

Esports

Professional players in the CS:GO industry all strive to win the championship of Major tournaments as their ultimate career goal. As long as they can make it to the Major, players can obtain their own exclusive weapon skin signature stickers. Even if they cannot win the Major prize money, they can still earn considerable sales commissions from the sale of weapon skin signature stickers and team stickers.

Through CS:GO, we can see that building a mature esports system for a competitive game is a win-win situation for both game operators and players. Many people may not have played CS:GO, but they are attracted by the excitement of CS:GO matches. Even if only 1% of the audience is attracted to the extent of truly playing the game, it has a huge help in maintaining the vitality of the game, and these players are also potential purchasing power for in-game items in the future.

Esports players write legends in esports events, while CS:GO links accessories with esports events, greatly increasing the value of weapon skins. In CS:GO, purchasing a pass for the Major event and completing tasks such as playing the game or watching live streams allows you to claim the esports accessory commemorative box exclusive to that event. Depending on the participating teams and maps of each game, different commemorative boxes will open with weapon skins related to different teams and players. If you are lucky enough to open an AWP|Dragon Lore skin with a signature sticker from CS:GO legendary player s1mple, it is equivalent to earning tens of thousands of dollars in income.

This is a pattern that Matr1x can directly refer to. Moreover, Matr1x mentioned in the white paper the use of $veMAX for the seat election of the Matr1x esports club league. I am very much looking forward to Matr1x having its own mature esports event system in the future, which will not only catalyze the value of gaming accessories, but also benefit the survival of second-tier esports players.

Don't forget, this is Web3, where there are NFTs. Combining accessories with NFTs will definitely make things more interesting, and with the support of esports events, even greater value can be discovered!

Creator Ecosystem

In CS:GO, the Workshop provides a platform for creators to showcase their talents. Weapon skins created by players have the chance to be selected by Valve to be included in new "cases", from which players can earn substantial profits through opening them. This is one of the reasons why the CS:GO community has remained vibrant and active.

Matr1x will also provide resource editors for creators. Through the resource editor, creators can upload their own 3D models (weapons, characters, etc.). If the community's ratings and feedback are good, it may be included in the game. Creators will receive a share of the sales of the skins they create.

The Creative Workshop not only supports players to upload their own weapon skins, but also supports uploading game maps and even custom mods, which greatly enriches the playability of CS:GO and extends the life of CS:GO. In fact, since the era of CS 1.5, custom (community) servers have been popular among players. Many players have earned revenue by setting up their own zombie, Warcraft, hide-and-seek and other modes of CS servers and selling server privileges. In the Matr1x ecosystem, map and custom gameplay editing are also open, and Matr1x's games will have more imaginative gameplay created by players. Combined with the Token economy unique to Web3, the income from "game secondary creation" will be easier to obtain, and players' enthusiasm will be higher!

文化 IP 和大游戏生态

Cultural IP and the Big Gaming Ecosystem

If you carefully read the white paper of Matr1x, you will be surprised to find that Matr1x has written complete and interesting stories for every weapon, game map, and character image in Matr1x FIRE. They even have a complete worldview to connect these stories together.

These efforts to create cultural IP are because Matr1x FIRE is only the first game in the Matr1x gaming ecosystem. Matr1x not only aims to create great games, but also to build the most exciting Web3 metaverse gaming ecosystem!

Other than Matr1x FIRE, an FPS competitive mobile game, Matr1x also plans to develop two other games, Matr1x War and Matr1x Evolution.

As the story unfolds, you will explore Mars and the interstellar space in Matr1x War, uncovering the mysteries of the Matr1x universe and experiencing thrilling shooting battles. Unlock various powerful skills and collect unique equipment and resources to personalize your appearance. Work together with your friends to complete cooperative missions, conquer territories, and create a great world. Additionally, you can also appreciate all the stories that happen in this world and write the direction of the starry sky story together with all the community players.

The story doesn't end here, it will continue into a vast open world! In Matr1x Evolution, you need to explore and build your own exclusive planet, experience unique content within the planet: forests, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, oceans, swamps, and unique creatures. Collect abundant resources, build your own home, and create various tools. You can also invite your friends to participate in your virtual concert and visit the artworks you created. Connect with other players' planets through mysterious space-time channels, and there are still many unknown areas waiting to be explored between the stars. You can choose to explore alone or go on an adventure with your friends.

In the future, Matr1x will also release the second and third parts of its worldview novel, which is expected to exceed one million words.

Team Background and Financing Situation

The Matr1x team has an average of over 8 years of experience in game development, blockchain industry, and publishing. The founding team has previously worked at top game companies (such as Tencent), participating in the development and publishing of dozens of large-scale games. The team has led game projects with a total revenue of over 3 billion USD and nearly 100 million active users. They also have experience in global product distribution, with team members located in Korea, Japan, the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other regions.

Matr1x completed a $10 million financing in September 2022, with major investors including Hana Financial Investments, a subsidiary of Hana Financial Group, marking the official entry of this Korean financial giant into the Web3 field.

Other investors include HashKey Capital, Amber Group, and SevenX, with SevenX having made significant investments in the GameFi and Metaverse fields and possessing extensive experience.

Conclusion

I have always dreamed that games like CS:GO and Animal Crossing could enter the Web3 world. However, as the founder of the NFT project Pudgy Penguins said, we cannot wait to be accepted, we must go and create recognition.

Matr1x is creating recognition. They have a mature team, they have developed a fun game, they understand and love Web3, and they are creating more. Perhaps they could really lead the way in Web3 gaming.

Welcome to join the official BlockBeats community:

Telegram Subscription Group: https://t.me/theblockbeats

Telegram Discussion Group: https://t.me/BlockBeats_App

Official Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/BlockBeatsAsia