Grease Monkey Games Gets a Boost

The Australian indie game developer Grease Monkey Games, part of Animoca Brands, has hit the jackpot with financial backing from the video-game behemoth, Epic Games. Yes, that Epic Games—the Fortnite creators, not the ones that just send us all into a rage on our favorite online games!

What’s in the MegaGrant?

Thanks to the Epic MegaGrant, which can range from $5,000 to a whopping $500,000, the studio is revving up for the creation of Torque Drift 2, a new blockchain-based motorsport game centered around the art of drifting. Forget window shopping; this funding aims to deliver a gaming experience that stands tall next to traditional triple-A titles, with all the stunning visuals and engaging gameplay you’d expect from Unreal Engine, which has been flexing its 3D graphics muscles since 1998.

P2E: Play-to-Earn Philosophy

In an era where gaming and blockchain often seem at odds, Grease Monkey Games is daring to take the plunge into the play-to-earn (P2E) model. This approach allows players to earn economic value as they drift through the game, kind of like collecting coins in Mario but with real-life perks. The transition from traditional game mechanics to blockchain-based ownership makes Torque Drift 2 an exciting addition to the gaming landscape.

A Look at Torque Drift 2 Features

So, what can players expect from Torque Drift 2? Set to launch its tuning garage in Q3 2022 and a full release in 2024, this game promises to take customization to whole new heights. Expect non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for everything from car parts to decals—basically a digital toolbox for the aspiring drift king or queen.

• Create unique paint jobs and car tunes as NFTs.
• Buy, sell, and trade in-game items within the Torque Drift 2 marketplace.

The Ongoing Debate: P2E Criticism

Despite the excitement, P2E games often have their fair share of critics. Some point out that getting into crypto games can feel like a challenging initiation, requiring digital wallets and crypto purchases before getting started. For instance, one critic humorously mused, “Ayyy what are you doing tonight? Let’s play the new crypto game together!” said no one ever.

Others have expressed concerns over NFTs becoming a vehicle for speculative pricing, where the thrill of playing takes a backseat to cashing out. Minecraft developer Mojang Studios has weighed in, labeling NFTs as tools for profiteering. Game fun is paramount, and profit should not always be the driving force.

Animoca Brands and the Future

As the parent company of Grease Monkey Games, Animoca Brands has been actively backing blockchain-enabled games such as The Sandbox and Axie Infinity. Its co-founder, Yat Siu, champions the notion of digital property rights, advocating for a future where players enjoy true ownership of their in-game assets. This could well signify a paradigm shift towards a more decentralized society. After all, as George Washington said, “Freedom and Property Rights are inseparable. You can’t have one without the other.” So, gear up as we dive into this intersection between gaming and blockchain!