Distinct Possibility Studios
Category: AI in Media / Gaming / Entertainment
A next-generation, open-world, persistent extraction shooter called 'Reaper Actual'. It blends AAA-quality gameplay with optional, integrated Web3 features for digital asset ownership. Distinct Possibility Studios was founded in 2023. The company is led by John Smedley. Based in San Diego, California, USA. Team size: 40-90. Total funding raised: $30.5M+ (undisclosed additional round). Latest round: Venture Round. Key investors include BITKRAFT Ventures (Lead), Brevan Howard Digital (Lead), Tezos Foundation, Hashed, Delphi Ventures, Shima Capital, North Island Ventures, Decasonic (Lead - April 2026 round).
- Founded
- 2023
- Headquarters
- San Diego, California, USA
- Team size
- 40-90
- Total funding
- $30.5M+ (undisclosed additional round)
Value proposition
Combines high-fidelity FPS action with true player ownership via the Tezos blockchain, ensuring fair play through an advanced AI-powered anti-cheat system and creating a persistent, player-driven world.
Products and solutions
Reaper Actual (flagship competitive multiplayer FPS), Player-owned bases with crafting and defense mechanics, Tradeable in-game assets (e.g., skins, weapons, characters) on the Etherlink blockchain, Proprietary AI-powered anti-cheat system
Unique value
Merges AAA-level extraction shooter gameplay with optional, seamless blockchain integration, prioritizing a 'fun-first' design. Strong focus on persistent world mechanics and player-owned bases.
Target customer
Core gamers interested in competitive FPS and extraction shooter titles, as well as Web3 gaming enthusiasts.
Industries served
Video Games, Web3/Blockchain Gaming, Esports Entertainment
Technology advantage
A proprietary anti-cheat engine using AI to ensure fair play, and leveraging Etherlink, a Tezos Layer 2 blockchain, for an efficient in-game economy.
How they differentiate
Prioritizes traditional game quality and fun over crypto speculation, with a strong emphasis on a proprietary AI-driven anti-cheat system to attract competitive players. Led by a team of proven MMO and FPS veterans.
Main competitors
Mythical Games, Gunzilla Games, Shrapnel
Key partnerships
Tezos (for its Etherlink Layer 2 blockchain), Big Moxi Games (Co-development partner), Epic Games Store (Distribution partner), Steam (Distribution partner), Decasonic (Lead investor, April 2026), Bing Gordon (Board member, April 2026), Paul Hsu (Board member, April 2026)
Notable customers
Steam Early Access players (launched May 29, 2026)
Major milestones
Secured a $30.5 million seed funding round., Announced flagship title 'Reaper Actual'., Established key technology partnership with Tezos for the Etherlink blockchain., Closed additional funding round led by Decasonic (April 2026)., Launched Reaper Actual on Steam Early Access (May 29, 2026).
Growth metrics
Raised over $30M in seed funding (July 2025) plus additional undisclosed round (April 2026); launched Steam Early Access May 29, 2026.
Market positioning
Positioned as a high-quality, competitive FPS within the Web3 gaming niche, targeting hardcore gamers.
Geographic focus
Global, with an initial focus on the US and European markets.
Patents and IP
No specific patents are publicly listed, but the company references proprietary technology for its anti-cheat system.
About John Smedley
John Smedley is a prominent figure in the video game industry, best known for his pioneering work in the massively multiplayer online (MMO) genre. He was the co-creator of the groundbreaking title EverQuest and served as the President of Sony Online Entertainment (SOE), which later became Daybreak Game Company. Under his leadership, SOE launched several successful titles, including PlanetSide and H1Z1. After leaving Daybreak, he founded Pixelmage Games and later joined Amazon Game Studios. He is now the CEO of Distinct Possibility Studios, where he continues to focus on developing large-scale, open-world games.
Official website: https://dps.gg/