The Machines Arena (TMA), developed by Directive Games, is transitioning to Open Beta today - April 23rd, 2024 - after an incredibly successful Closed Beta. For the first time, the game will be accessible on mobile through Android devices, and it will continue to be available on Windows via the Epic Games Store and TMA's proprietary client.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about The Machines Arena, including new NFT minting features for in-game skins on the Ronin network, today's launch of their Open Beta, and the recent $5 Million in funding raised.

Fresh $5 Million Funding

Directive Games, the studio behind The Machines Arena, only just last month announced an impressive $5 million funding round. Arca, Delphi, and Framework co-led the round - with the funds going toward the launch and growth initiatives of their web3 game.

"$TMA began as a passion project born of our desire for everything we wanted in a cross-platform team-based shooter. Over the past few years, we self-funded the entire build, but now our baby is all grown & it's time to bring on partners to take $TMA to the next level" said The Machines Arena team.

Minting NFTs on Ronin

The Machines Arena also recently revealed a new feature, that allows players to mint (web3 terminology for redeem or purchase) their in-game character skins as NFTs on the Ronin network. Despite being in Closed Beta testing, the developers graciously rolled out this update at the end of February. Providing players with the opportunity to engage with the game's evolving ecosystem and economy.

Minting (redeeming or purchasing) your NFT skins on The Machines Arena was cost-free, with players only required to cover the network gas fee (web3 terminology for shipping or transaction fees). However, the development team hints at potential in-game requirements for future minting, urging players to take advantage of the opportunity while it remains relatively free.

How to Mint Skins?

To mint skins, players must utilize the Ronin network, requiring ownership and linkage of a Ronin wallet, along with a small amount of $RON tokens to cover gas fees. The Machines Arena team has compiled a concise guide on wallet setup and $RON token acquisition, accessible on their website.

While players can buy and sell NFTs for The Machines Arena on the Mavis Market, the current player base remains relatively small, resulting in a limited demand for these digital assets. The beta season 3 offered an exclusive 'Sandbrushed' skin for the Riot character to players who achieved the 'Machine' rank in ranked PvP matches.

Access to the closed beta required a key, and interested players were able to sign up on the official website. Additionally, the development team distributed beta keys through social media channels, encouraging players to stay tuned for giveaways through social campaigns.

Open Beta Now Live

After rigorous development and refinement phases that integrated extensive feedback from the community, The Machines Arena (TMA) is expanding its beta access to incorporate more platforms, ensuring a wider audience can experience the excitement and innovation that The Machines Arena (TMA) offers.

Available At Launch

Cross-Platform Play: Players can compete or cooperate across platforms with seamless account progress syncing.

Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics: Gameplay enhancements have been made based on community feedback to optimize PvP and PvE experiences.

Familiars: Introducing a new feature, Familiars are collectible companions that assist players during battles, enriching the gaming experience with additional strategic elements. Please see the image below for an in-depth breakdown.

Available Later in Open Beta

Play 2 Airdrop: A novel points generation system will allow players to compete on individual and team-based leaderboards, rewarding them for their engagement and contribution.

Community Events: Events and competitions will be held to engage the community, test their skills, and offer substantial rewards.

Continuous Updates: The Machines Arena team promises ongoing updates throughout the Open Beta, including new maps, skins, mintable collectibles, and more.

Mavis Hub Version: Play TMA directly through our partner app both on PC and Android.

How to Participate?

Starting today - April 23rd - players can download The Machines Arena (TMA) for free from the Epic Games Store or directly through the game's website on their preferred Windows or Android device.

“A year after announcing our move to the Ronin chain, we're ready to launch TMA's Android version and Open Beta. This significant step paves the way for mass user onboarding. We look forward to unveiling new developments soon, including our play-to-airdrop and token initiatives,” said Kent Byers, CPO at Directive Games.

More about The Machines Arena?

The Machines Arena is a sophisticated hero shooter that incorporates a top-down perspective, dynamic PvP battles, tactical team play, and an engaging PvE Death Run mode. The game is designed to be both approachable for newcomers and challenging for experienced players, offering a well-balanced gameplay experience. In addition, The Machines Arena will introduce Digital Collectibles, providing a high-risk, high-reward aspect to the game.

As you explore The Machines Arena, you'll discover a captivating and competitive multiplayer gaming experience that showcases the expertise and innovation of Directive Games. Established in 2014, Directive Games consists of a team of experienced game developers from esteemed companies such as CCP Games, DICE, LucasArts, Square Enix, Ubisoft, and Tencent. The studio focuses on creating large-scale, immersive, and competitive multiplayer games that emphasize player agency.

Final Thoughts

The Machines Arena, initially not conceived as a blockchain game, has expanded its horizons since its first beta release. A collaboration with Sky Mavis has allowed players to mint, buy, and sell character skins on the Ronin network. The game promises a playable experience with its quick-paced, action-packed MOBA gameplay.

For those intrigued by The Machines Arena please check their official website. As the game continues to evolve, players can expect more exciting developments in the intersection of gaming and blockchain technology. To learn more about The Machines Arena, visit their website, follow them on Twitter, and join their Discord server.