After many years of development and a series of challenges, Star Atlas - the MMO game that once caused a stir on the Solana blockchain - is preparing to enter its most critical phase: the launch of the AAA version at the end of 2025. This is seen as one of the last efforts to salvage the project after significant shocks from the Web3 gaming market.

The Sprint to Complete the AAA Game

According to information from The Block, Michael Wagner, CEO and co-founder of #ATMTA - the unit developing Star Atlas, stated that the team is in a "sprint" to finalize the first AAA version of the game. Their goal is to integrate the core mechanics of an online MMO game and launch "Season 0" before the end of 2025.

However, Wagner also acknowledges that setting a release date is always a challenge, as there are many variables that can change the plan during development. Nevertheless, ATMTA remains committed to taking Star Atlas to new heights.

Star Atlas: The Rare AAA Game of Web3

While most current Web3 games are simple games like #AxieInfinity or Tap-to-Earn titles on Telegram, Star Atlas takes a different approach. The project aims for an AAA experience with impressive graphics, developed on Unreal Engine 5, geared towards an immersive open universe where players can join factions, explore space, and trade assets on the blockchain.

However, after 5 years of development, Star Atlas still does not have a true AAA version. Currently, there is only a 2D version on SAGE Labs (released in 2023) and an Early Access trial version on the Epic Games Store. If ATMTA can complete its plans, this would be a significant turning point as the Web3 gaming landscape is gradually losing its appeal.

Challenges Pile Up: From Peaks to Abyss

#StarAtlas once peaked at 20,000 daily active players in 2022, but this number has now dropped to only 1,500. Nonetheless, Wagner remains optimistic as the Star Atlas Discord community still has over 177,000 members.

Once one of the most famous Play-to-Earn (P2E) games of 2021, Star Atlas benefited from the Web3 craze and attracted enormous funding from its IEO on the FTX exchange. However, the collapse of FTX in 2022 dealt a fatal blow to ATMTA. The company was stuck with 15 million USD on FTX, causing its budget to be cut in half in the blink of an eye. As a result, ATMTA had to lay off 70% of its staff, from 235 down to only about 45 people.

Revenue Still Keeps ATMTA "Alive"

Despite the difficulties, ATMTA has survived thanks to revenue from digital assets and tokens. According to Wagner, the company has generated over 220 million USD in revenue without needing to raise funds from venture capital (VC) firms.

The ATLAS token was once the "star" of Star Atlas when it peaked at 0.23 USD in 2021, pushing its market capitalization over 500 million USD. However, the current market cap of ATLAS is only 24 million USD, with extremely low liquidity. Wagner admits that if Star Atlas does not launch a truly engaging AAA game, this ecosystem will struggle to survive long-term.

Investment in Decentralized Cloud Gaming

In addition to game development, ATMTA has recently invested in Shaga, a decentralized cloud gaming platform aimed at optimizing gaming performance.

Shaga operates on the "Shaga Nodes" model, leveraging users' gaming computers to serve as infrastructure, helping to reduce latency, improve gaming experience, and limit dependence on centralized servers. If successful, Shaga could help Star Atlas approach a true AAA gaming experience.

Will Star Atlas "Swim Against the Tide"?

From an ambitious project, Star Atlas has gone through many upheavals, from the decline of Web3 gaming to the collapse of FTX. Currently, the project is betting everything on the AAA version at the end of 2025.

If successful, Star Atlas could create a significant impact on the blockchain gaming market. But if it fails, this could be the end of one of the most ambitious Web3 MMO dreams ever built.

What do you think? Does Star Atlas have enough strength to make a comeback or will it just be an unfinished dream?