In Brief
Closed Playtest Begins: The innovative zombie survival game, Zone Nine, kicked off its initial playtest phase on Halloween with a select number of participants providing feedback.
Innovative Gameplay Features: Incorporating both PvP (Player vs. Player) and PvE (Player vs. Environment) elements, Zone Nine offers a 5v5 team-based challenge complicated by a dynamic weather system and a day-night cycle.
Developed on Blockchain: Utilizing the Ethereum-based Ancient8 blockchain, the game prioritizes digital asset ownership and extensive community involvement in its development.
On Halloween, Zone Nine ushered in its much-anticipated closed playtest, marking a crucial phase in the development of this new zombie survival game. Developed on the Ancient8 blockchain, which Ethereum powers, and utilizing Unreal Engine 5, Zone Nine combines esports dynamics with the intricacies of blockchain-based asset management.
Dubbed “Zone Nine: Nihilation,” the playtest provides a platform for participants to explore the game’s complex mechanics. Players form two teams of five, competing in matches that require not only combat skills but also strategic management of resources such as hunger, thirst, and stamina. The team dynamics are tested to the utmost, with each match demanding adept handling of a communal pool of 20 lives while striving to accumulate 999 points through various objectives.
The environmental setup within Zone Nine adds another layer of strategy. Players must navigate through shifting weather conditions and a day-night cycle, with each element—from fog to blizzards—impacting visibility, movement, and resource use. Special high-risk zones on the map promise greater rewards, challenging players to weigh risk against potential gains.
The playtest is also an equipment showcase, featuring an assortment of weapons, gear, and consumables categorized by their rarity and effectiveness. Players face off not only against fellow survivors but also AI-controlled zombies ranging from the common wanderer types to the more daunting bosses like Meat Spider and Meat Tank, each offering unique challenges and rewards.
As players delve into hazardous zones, explore maps, and engage in combat, the game also tests various strategic elements such as respawn locations and checkpoints for item deposits, enhancing the overall tactical gameplay experience.
Zone Nine’s developers have adopted a transparent, community-focused approach from the outset. By opening up the playtest application on October 21 and inviting a diverse group of players to test the game, the team aims to gather valuable feedback. This input will be instrumental in refining the game, with the developers acknowledging the presence of bugs and areas needing improvement.
This key playtest phase exemplifies the developer’s commitment to leveraging community feedback to polish and enhance Zone Nine. While future playtests are expected, the dates remain undisclosed, maintaining a sense of anticipation among players eager to see the next evolution of this promising game. As it stands, Zone Nine is poised to offer a unique blend of strategic gameplay and blockchain-enabled asset ownership, setting a new benchmark in the world of esports gaming.
