Discovering Reaper Actual: Insights from Distinct Possibility Studios

As an enthusiast of MMOs and a former PlanetSide 2 player, the recent unveiling of Reaper Actual by Distinct Possibility Studios caught my attention. The studio has reunited several notable talents from the gaming industry, including John Smedley, the former president of Sony Online Entertainment, along with Creative Director Matthew Higby and Senior Art Director Tramell Isaac.

Much like PlanetSide 2, Reaper Actual is set in an expansive, continuous world, featuring a massive and immersive MMOFPS environment capable of housing nearly a thousand players concurrently. However, while PlanetSide 2 focused on traditional Realm vs. Realm gameplay, Reaper Actual introduces players as mercenaries working with various NPC factions, thereby enhancing the gameplay experience with a lively world full of characters. Furthermore, this year’s evolving trends have brought in extraction shooter mechanics, marking another significant divergence.

First Impressions from Gamescom 2025

I had the chance to see a presentation of Reaper Actual during Gamescom 2025. As a pre-alpha build, the game exhibited typical early-stage bugs—occasionally, NPCs would freeze or become unresponsive. However, conversations with Smedley and Higby revealed the team’s vision for an engaging experience. For those interested, I’ve summarized our extensive discussion below.

Excitingly, a paid Foundation Alpha will launch soon via the Epic Games Store and the official website, but with a limited number of copies to maintain an effective testing pool. The game is set for early access release on both Epic Games Store and Steam in early 2024.

Certainly, one of the standout features of Reaper Actual is its persistent world, breaking away from the round-based structure prevalent in many extraction shooters and incorporating a full day/night cycle along with dynamic weather.

The Unique Mechanics of Gameplay

John Smedley: Upon logging in for the first time, players are positioned in their initial base—a bunker base—offering a variety of structures such as warehouse and apartment bases. Each type unveils unique functionalities; for instance, the bunker base lacks a garage, making it secure yet challenging to accommodate vehicles. Each base features a vault that varies in size depending on the base itself and comes equipped with Reapers—elite operators from various military and intelligence bodies, each possessing distinct loadouts and abilities.

At the base, players can engage in trade with different factions. Missions could earn you reputation points, unlocking better equipment and supplies. Set on the north island of Morova, the playable area is impressively large—measuring roughly 3 km by 2 km within a greater landscape of 16 km by 12 km.

Alpha Stage and Technical Foundations

Is Reaper Actual currently in Alpha stage or Pre-Alpha?

John Smedley: Currently, it is in Pre-Alpha. The Foundation Alpha, launching on September 22, will make a limited number of copies available to facilitate feedback from actual players about their experience and enjoyment of the game.

Are you using Unreal Engine 5?

John Smedley: Absolutely. As of now, we’re using Unreal Engine 5.5, with plans to upgrade to 5.6 by the Foundation Alpha. We’re actively optimizing performance, achieving around 120 frames per second consistently, which is promising.

Players can accumulate ‘heat’ by taking aggressive action in the game. High levels of heat can lead others to track you back to your base, creating an engaging defensive scenario.

Base Mechanics and Player Engagement

John Smedley: Player bases have a real-world location and differ in headquarters and functionality. They’re essential for strategic gameplay, where players can set up defenses against potential raids. Defenders have the advantage as they can fortify their bases and employ Reapers as automated defenders.

Are bases instanced?

John Smedley: Yes, while being instanced, they also hold significant real-world relevance.

Will there be vehicles in the game?

John Smedley: Yes, we plan to incorporate ground, air, and sea vehicles, currently focusing on operational ground vehicles and helicopters.

What gameplay mechanics determine time-to-kill?

John Smedley: We are aiming for a time-to-kill similar to that of Call of Duty DMZ or Escape from Tarkov.

Dynamic Environments and Player Missions

Matthew Higby: The environment’s mission structure continually draws players into action. Based on dynamic conditions, missions will spawn throughout the world, often involving conflict scenarios between NPC factions, thus encouraging player engagement in combat.

Does NPC behavior vary with time and weather?

Matthew Higby: Absolutely. Different factions operate with distinct behaviors based on the time of day. For example, the Obsidian Syndicate, inspired by John Wick, showcases advanced combat techniques at night, adding layers of strategy during gameplay.

Future Features and Player Experience

Distinct Possibility Studios has ambitious plans for enhancing player experience. Factions’ missions may influence the dynamics of their power in the world, allowing players to engage more with specific groups over time, which can lead to special rewards based on their contributions.

Will there be clan systems in the game?

Matthew Higby: Yes, clanships will feature heavily in our design. We intend for outfit bases that allow for clan-specific management and strategies.

To give players additional connectivity, Discord integration is also planned. Players can utilize voice connectivity for team communications, which is essential for strategic gameplay.

Plans for Release and Community Engagement

Is there a prospective timeline for consoles?

John Smedley: Yes, while our main current focus is on PC, we aim to extend our reach to consoles within a year or so after adequate player feedback and development funding.

Will the game adopt a free-to-play model eventually?

John Smedley: Initially, it will start as a buy-to-play model, transitioning to a free-to-play model at the official launch.

The Foundation Alpha will have different purchase levels priced at $30, $50, and $75, intended to support the game’s growth and maintain a robust community of testers during this early stage.

Will there be opportunities for public testing before the official early access?

John Smedley: Yes, we’ll open public testing in phases, dependent on how well the game responds to player feedback during the Foundation Alpha.

Conclusion

Reaper Actual looks to be an engaging blend of MMO features with dynamic shooter gameplay, promising a thrilling experience for both FPS enthusiasts and MMO fans. Keep an eye on further updates as the game approaches its early access launch.

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