Star Atlas is a next-generation video game incorporating aspects of the metaverse and Solana blockchain.
The game, where players travel through space to discover new planets and hidden treasures, was created by Michael Wagner and launched in December 2021.
Star Atlas is a play-to-earn game where players earn money by selling NFT items in an online marketplace.
Ships are one of the core assets in the Star Atlas metaverse represented by NFTs, allowing players to explore the universe, perform work on the game, and battle others.
Players must also choose between a human, android, or alien faction and then help their faction expand its sphere of control in deep space.
At present, the developers of Star Atlas are focused on economics. They believe that the metaverse could potentially attract billions of new users, so it is important to balance the release of new assets with user adoption rates.
This will ensure that the economy on which Star Atlas is based does not suffer from hyperinflation.
To that end and since the full version has yet to be released, the business model of Star Atlas is currently focused on a phased release of game assets. This approach will enable the developers to raise the capital required to bring their full vision to life.
Phases include:
Phase 01 (Galactic Asset Offering) – after Star Atlas was launched, the first batch of in-game NFT assets were sold. While these assets could not be used in the game until the second phase, they were available for trade on decentralized exchanges.
Phase 02 (Browser Mini Game) – Star Atlas was then launched as a browser-based minigame where asset purchases on the Solana blockchain were usable across the entire Star Atlas feature set. During this phase, there is continuing revenue from the sale of the minigame.
Phase 03 (Shipyard Module Sale) – production then commenced on Star Atlas in Unreal Engine 5, with the first milestone a shipyard module allowing collectors and players to see their final assets including ships, crew, and components. To fund this phase, another round of assets will be made available for purchase in addition to further revenue from minigame sales.
Phase 04 (Final Pre-Sale at Beta) – all pre-live assets will go on sale once the beta version is released. Assets will be fully playable immediately after purchase.
Phase 05 (Ongoing Sales) – in the final phase, revenue will occur from continuing sales of assets and concepts created by the Star Atlas development team. When the full version of the game is launched, production-ready assets will no longer be available for purchase (excluding Phase 03 beta version assets). Once this point is reached, the parent company of Star Atlas plans to collect transaction fees on all in-game trades.
Distribution Strategy:
Online Gaming Platforms: Star Atlas primarily distributes its game through online gaming platforms and marketplaces. This includes the distribution of the browser-based mini-game and the eventual full PC version through platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or their own dedicated website.
Blockchain Integration: Star Atlas utilizes blockchain technology, particularly the Solana blockchain, for the ownership and trading of in-game assets (NFTs). This distribution method ensures secure and transparent ownership of digital assets, appealing to blockchain enthusiasts and gamers interested in blockchain integration.
In-Game Marketplace: The game includes an in-game marketplace where players can buy, sell, and trade NFT assets. This marketplace facilitates the distribution of in-game items and assets among players.
Community Engagement: Star Atlas engages with its community through various online channels, including social media, forums, and its official website. Engaging with the gaming community is crucial for building a player base and spreading the word about the game.
Marketing Strategy:
NFT and Play-to-Earn Focus: Star Atlas’s marketingstrategy centers around the play-to-earn model and the use of NFTs. The company emphasizes the opportunity for players to earn real-world value by selling NFT items in the marketplace. This unique selling point is likely highlighted in marketing materials.
Blockchain Enthusiast Outreach: To attract players interested in blockchain and NFTs, Star Atlas likely conducts marketing campaigns targeting blockchain and cryptocurrency communities. These campaigns may include partnerships with blockchain influencers, participation in blockchain conferences, and targeted online advertising.
Teasers and Trailers: The release of teasers, trailers, and gameplay footage is a common strategy in the gaming industry. Star Atlas may utilize these materials to generate excitement and anticipation among potential players.
Community Events: The company may organize community events, tournaments, or giveaways to engage with the player base and create a sense of community around the game.
Phased Asset Releases: Star Atlas’s marketingstrategy may also align with its phased asset releases. Each phase may be accompanied by marketing efforts to promote the sale of new in-game assets and the features introduced in that phase.
Organizational Structure:
Founders and Leadership: Michael Wagner, one of the co-founders, plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s vision and strategy. Leadership roles are crucial for setting the direction of the game and the company as a whole.
Game Development Team: A dedicated team of game developers, including programmers, designers, and artists, is responsible for creating and maintaining the game’s digital universe, gameplay mechanics, and visual elements.
Blockchain Experts: Given the integration of blockchain technology, Star Atlas may employ blockchain experts or consultants who specialize in blockchain development, NFTs, and smart contracts.
Community Managers: Community managers engage with the player community, handle inquiries, and organize community events. Their role is essential for fostering a strong and active player base.
Marketing and PR: The marketing and PR team is responsible for promoting the game through various channels, including social media, gaming forums, press releases, and partnerships with influencers.
Business Development: This team may be responsible for forming partnerships, negotiating with exchanges for NFT listings, and exploring opportunities to expand the game’s ecosystem.
Customer Support: A customer support team addresses player inquiries, assists with technical issues, and provides support for in-game transactions.
Legal and Compliance: Given the involvement of blockchain and NFTs, there may be legal and compliance experts ensuring that the game adheres to relevant regulations.
Key Takeaways:
Star Atlas is a next-generation video game incorporating aspects of the metaverse and Solana blockchain. A browser mini-game was released in late 2021, with a full version for PC in development but currently without a scheduled release date.
The business model of Star Atlas is currently focused on a five-phase release of NFT assets sold to players in its marketplace. This approach will also allow the developers of Star Atlas to bring their vision of the game to life.
Revenue will also come from ongoing sales of the browser minigame which was released in late 2021. Once the full version is live, the parent company of Star Atlas will collect transaction fees from in-game trades.
Key Highlights
Game Concept: Star Atlas is a space-themed video game where players explore the universe, discover new planets, find hidden treasures, and engage in battles. The game incorporates blockchain technology and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) to enhance gameplay and enable players to earn real-world value.
Play-to-Earn Model: Star Atlas operates on a play-to-earn model, where players can earn money by selling NFT items on an online marketplace. NFTs represent valuable in-game assets, such as ships, and can be bought, sold, and traded by players.
Metaverse and Blockchain Integration: Star Atlas is designed as a metaverse, a virtual shared space that combines various digital experiences. The game utilizes the Solana blockchain for asset ownership, transaction transparency, and secure trading of NFTs.
Phased Release of Game Assets: The business model of Star Atlas involves a phased release of game assets. This approach helps balance the introduction of new assets with user adoption rates, preventing potential hyperinflation in the in-game economy. The phases are as follows:
Phase 01 (Galactic Asset Offering): Initial sale of in-game NFT assets that were tradable but not usable until later phases.
Phase 02 (Browser Mini Game): Launch of a browser-based mini-game allowing asset purchases on Solana to be used across the Star Atlas feature set.
Phase 03 (Shipyard Module Sale): Production in Unreal Engine 5 begins, with a shipyard module enabling asset preview. Additional assets are sold to fund development.
Phase 04 (Final Pre-Sale at Beta): All pre-live assets go on sale when the beta version is released.
Phase 05 (Ongoing Sales): Continued sales of assets and concepts created by the Star Atlas team, along with transaction fees on in-game trades once the full version is launched.
Revenue Streams: The revenue for Star Atlas comes from multiple sources:
Sales of in-game assets during each phase.
Ongoing sales of assets and concepts.
Transaction fees on in-game trades after the full version is live.
Revenue from the browser-based mini-game.
Element
Description
Value Proposition
Star Atlas offers a compelling value proposition for its users, including: – Blockchain Gaming: Providing a blockchain-based gaming experience with provable ownership of in-game assets. – Virtual Universe: Offering a vast and immersive virtual universe for exploration and adventure. – Economic Opportunities: Enabling players to earn cryptocurrency through gameplay and trade virtual assets. – Player Governance: Empowering players with decision-making authority through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). – NFT Integration: Incorporating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for unique in-game assets. – Community Building: Fostering a passionate and engaged player community. – Scarcity and Collectibility: Creating scarcity and collectible value for virtual assets. – Play-to-Earn: Allowing players to earn rewards while playing the game.
Core Products/Services
Star Atlas’s core products and services encompass: – Blockchain Gaming: Providing a decentralized gaming platform on the Solana blockchain. – Virtual Universe: Creating a rich and expansive science fiction-themed virtual universe. – NFT Marketplace: Operating a marketplace for buying, selling, and trading virtual assets as NFTs. – Play-to-Earn Mechanism: Enabling players to earn cryptocurrency (ATLAS) by participating in the game. – DAO Governance: Allowing players to participate in governance decisions through DAOs. – Tokenomics: Implementing a cryptocurrency (ATLAS) with various utilities within the ecosystem. – Resource Management: Involving players in resource gathering and management within the virtual universe. – Community Features: Building a strong community through forums, social media, and events.
Customer Segments
Star Atlas targets a diverse range of customer segments, including: – Blockchain Enthusiasts: Attracting users familiar with blockchain technology and NFTs. – Gaming Communities: Engaging with traditional gamers interested in blockchain gaming. – Crypto Investors: Appealing to cryptocurrency investors looking for play-to-earn opportunities. – Science Fiction Fans: Catering to fans of the science fiction genre. – Collectors: Attracting collectors of rare and valuable virtual assets. – Decentralized Governance Advocates: Engaging individuals interested in decentralized governance. – Virtual World Explorers: Targeting users seeking immersive virtual experiences. – Economists and Traders: Appealing to those interested in virtual economies and trading.
Revenue Streams
Star Atlas generates revenue through various revenue streams: – NFT Sales: Earnings from the sale of in-game assets as NFTs on the marketplace. – Transaction Fees: Income from transaction fees on the blockchain for asset transfers. – Virtual Land Sales: Revenue from selling virtual land parcels within the virtual universe. – Gaming Events and Tournaments: Earnings from hosting in-game events and competitions. – Advertising and Partnerships: Income from advertising and brand partnerships within the virtual universe. – Subscription Services: Potential subscription services for premium features or benefits. – Development Funding: Funding from initial coin offerings (ICOs) and token sales. – Asset Management Fees: Fees for managing virtual assets and portfolios.
Distribution Strategy
Star Atlas employs a strategic distribution strategy to reach users: – Blockchain Integration: Leveraging the Solana blockchain for secure and transparent transactions. – Community Engagement: Building an engaged player community through social media and forums. – Digital Marketing: Utilizing digital marketing and partnerships to promote the platform. – Gaming Events: Hosting in-game events and tournaments to attract players. – Virtual Land Sales: Selling virtual land parcels through the platform. – NFT Marketplace: Operating a user-friendly marketplace for trading assets. – Decentralized Governance: Involving the community in governance decisions through DAOs. – Education and Onboarding: Providing resources and tutorials for newcomers to blockchain gaming.
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Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
