In a move that's set to enhance web3 gaming, Pool Masters has announced the launch of its anticipated Preseason Beta, scheduled for early Q2 2024. This phase, previously known as Phase 2, introduces a plethora of new features, including multiplayer gameplay, revamped UI, in-game currency, and the introduction of CUE sticks. 

In this article, you will learn all about the new features, including early access passes and new in-game currency, $GOLD. We will also cover how Eyeball Games, creators of the acclaimed web2 game 8 Ball Pool, recently announced plans to innovate the genre by integrating blockchain and web3 technology.

Multiplayer Madness

Embark on a thrilling journey in multiplayer player-vs-player (PvP) matches, where participants engage in intense 8-ball pool showdowns. Joining a PvP match requires an entry fee payable in soft in-game currency, with victorious players claiming a share of the prize pot.

Introducing a robust matchmaking engine that pairs players based on their skill levels, ensuring fair and challenging competitions. The system analyzes players' lifetime statistics and accumulated XP to match them with suitable opponents. To enhance matchmaking efficiency, an AI bot system has been developed to supplement the player pool, guaranteeing engaging matchups at all times.

In addition to matchmaking enhancements, the game's user interface has undergone a complete overhaul. This comprehensive redesign shifts the focus from traditional level-based progression to immersive game quests and asset accumulation. Leveraging blockchain technology, players have full ownership of their assets, distinguishing this experience from others in the gaming world.

CUE Sticks

The Preseason beta release of the game introduces non-tokenized in-game CUE sticks, each boasting varying rarity levels and base stat performances. While web3 elements remain disabled during the Preseason, game starter packs featuring tokenized assets will debut alongside web3 enablement closer to the global release slated for early Q1 2025.

During the Preseason, every player receives a default in-game CUE stick for gameplay. Additionally, players have the opportunity to acquire upgraded CUE parts from CUE CASE loot boxes, available in five different rarities: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary.

Each CUE stick offers unique performance attributes determined by its rarity, distributed across the following categories:

1. Power: Determines the force with which players can push the cue into the cue-ball.
2. Spin: Dictates the amount of English that can be applied to the cue-ball or how "thin" the ball can be struck. A thinner tip allows for precise strikes without causing the cue to bounce off the ball and result in a scratch.
3. Accuracy: Governs the length of guide-lines displayed. Higher accuracy provides enhanced visual guidance for cue-ball exit angles and target-ball placement, particularly at extreme angles.
4. Time: Specifies the duration (in seconds) allotted for players to set up and execute their shots. Longer timeframes enable the setup of complex shots and facilitate better cue-ball positioning for subsequent moves.

CUE CARDS and the CUE Level-up Module

The introduction of collectible CUEs brings forth the innovative CUE stick level-up module, enhancing the gameplay experience. Leveling up a CUE involves a systematic progression through each of the CUE's stats or attributes, sequentially amplifying its power and effectiveness on the field. To achieve this, players must utilize a combination of CUE CARDS (parts) and $GOLD.

CUEs are categorized into five different rarities: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary (referred to as "CUREL"). All CUEs commence at level 1 and can be elevated to their respective maximum levels based on their rarity type. The maximum level attainable for C/U/R/E/L rarity types is 10/20/30/40/50, respectively.

Standard CUE leveling incurs a cost in $GOLD along with a specific quantity of the same CUE CARD type. At pivotal levels, a rank-up is triggered, necessitating the merging of an additional CUE to craft the new star or rank level. This process results in a significant boost across all of the CUE's stats, further augmenting its performance.

In-game Currency $GOLD

A notable addition to the game is the introduction of $GOLD, an in-game soft utility currency (non-tokenized) that offers various functionalities. Players can utilize $GOLD to level up CUES, cover table entry fees, and engage in wagers against fellow players, thereby contributing to the prize pot in PvP matches. Acquiring $GOLD is facilitated through participation in PvP matches or completing quests. Additionally, daily login incentives will be implemented to provide players with a starting source of $GOLD.

During the Preseason launch, the accumulated balance of $GOLD serves as a qualification criterion for claiming hard currency (tokenized) once web3 enablement becomes available later. Players' qualifying $GOLD balance will be subject to a multiplier based on the number of Balldroid Passes held. A snapshot of all in-game player $GOLD balances will be taken at a specified date, determining the percentage of the Preseason tokenized hard currency allotment each player receives.

The scaling factor applied to the end-of-season $GOLD balance for multiple Balldroid holdings will be determined according to the provided table:

Balldroid Originals and Early Access Pass Collections

With the highly anticipated multiplayer game mode now available, it's time to expand the player base. To achieve this, two tiers of next-generation early-access passes will be introduced: the Balldroid Originals Pass (migrated on March 14, 2024) and the Early Access Pass (minted in April 2024).

These digital collectibles will grant access to the Preseason beta of Pool Masters and will be launched on the Immutable zkEVM, marking Pool Masters as one of the pioneering game titles available on the new layer 2 blockchain. Upon the global release, the game will support assets on the Immutable zkEVM blockchain.

In addition to accessing the Pool Masters Preseason closed beta test, holders of Balldroid Originals will be eligible to claim a game starter pack containing a tokenized CUE stick digital collectible and additional hard/soft game currencies later. This offering mirrors the benefits provided to holders of the previous Balldroid Gen 0 collection (Cronos).

The game starter packs will feature a limited edition Balldroid-branded CUE stick, commemorating early project supporters. These limited edition CUES will be exclusively available through winning matches in various locations and collecting CUE CASES. The in-game peer-to-peer marketplace will serve as the sole platform for players to buy and sell complete limited edition CUE sticks from other players.

These digital collectibles will be offered only once, and holders of multiple Originals and Early Access Passes will benefit from a collection multiplier on the regular hard currency claim, scaling with the number of collectibles owned. The Balldroid Originals collection will boast a collection multiplier of 1.3x, while Early Access Pass holders will receive a collection multiplier of 1.2x.

The total number of tokenized hard currency preseason claims a player is eligible for will be determined by the provided formula:

Where:

• Collection: Multiplier for the different NFT collection types (1.3x for Originals, 1.2x for Early Access)
• NumNFT: Number of NFTs a player owns at the snapshot date (Multiplier ranges from 1x to 10x based on the number of NFTs held)
• GoldBalance: Balance of $GOLD a player has at the snapshot date
• TotalGold: Total amount of $GOLD distributed in the economy during the Preseason prior to the snapshot date
• TotalTokens: Total amount of tokens allocated to the Preseason rewards (pending tokenomics balancing, scales up with the number of acquired active users)

The total collection size of the Balldroid Originals Pass will be 4,008 NFTs reserved 1:1 only for the migration of the current Balldroid Gen 0 (Cronos) collection holders. The Early Access Pass collection size will be fixed at 1,111 NFTs. Additional digital collectible drops will be added throughout the Preseason to aid in increasing PvP player liquidity. The Early Access Pass drop will be a free mint with whitelist spots issued out for various project collaborations, community events, and marketing efforts. 

Final Thoughts

With the Preseason Beta set to launch soon, Pool Masters invites players to join the revolution of digital entertainment. Immerse yourself in thrilling multiplayer matches, unlock exclusive rewards, and showcase your pool-playing prowess. Visit the website to learn more and secure your spot in this novel gaming experience.