Shrapnel, an eagerly awaited first-person shooter game that incorporates NFTs and cryptocurrency on the Avalanche blockchain, has officially entered early access on the Epic Games Store. This innovative game, titled "Shrapnel Training Exercises One" (STX1), is now accessible exclusively to holders of the game's Extraction Pack access keys. These keys, which have been purchased by around 3,000 enthusiasts for prices ranging from $20 to $100, unlock unique features and perks within the game.

The game offers a unique approach by providing limited three-day gameplay sessions, with each session lasting approximately eight hours per day. Following its announcement, Shrapnel hosted an exclusive session for press and influencers, with the next public session scheduled from February 8 to February 10. During this upcoming session, players have the chance to win a share of $100,000 in SHRAP tokens.

Shrapnel aims to redefine gaming by becoming a fully free-to-play title by 2025. This early access phase is designed to engage the community, gather valuable feedback, and reward players for their participation. Mark Long, CEO of Neon, the studio behind Shrapnel, emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the game's development. He expressed excitement about involving players in the early stages, viewing it as an opportunity to create a high-quality AAA game together.

The launch of Shrapnel's early access follows Neon's announcement of a $20 million Series A funding round and comes amid legal challenges within the company. Despite these hurdles, Shrapnel's innovative approach to integrating NFTs and gaming continues to push the boundaries of traditional game development, promising an exciting future for players and creators alike.