In a surprise move, The Sandbox has announced a new tie-in game. Called Next, it marks a break from the Unity-based platform’s previous activity, having been developed using Unreal Engine.
Available only on mobile, the game is a battle royale offering a fast-paced PVP experience with auto aim and auto shooting.
At launch, there will be two maps. The Desert is an open terrain designed for long-range combat and tactical use of sightlights. Meanwhile, the City is a vertical close-quarters map. Both solo play and multiplay with up to 20 players will be supported. Of course, both will be designed in The Sandbox’s characteristic blocky style.
Next will also be connected to The Sandbox platform as identity, progress and assets will be available in Next. In particular, players will be able to equip their avatars, bringing a level of interoperability to play.
Players who complete the four daily quests will gain reward NFTs, and those who collect all four will get a duck avatar.
In this way, it’s hoped that Next will provide another entry point to the wider The Sandbox ecosystem.
“Like our recent launch of WebGL games, NEXT is part of our plan to increase the reach of The Sandbox so players can discover, play and come back more often, whether they’re on desktop or on their phone,” said CEO Robby Yung.
“The goal is to meet people where they spend their time. A native mobile experience in addition to the desktop version makes that possible in a way browser access alone can’t.”
Registration for the playtest is now open until 25th March, with the playtest beginning on 26th March and running until 5th April. Register now at sandbox.game/next