Improbable, a UK-based technology company specializing in virtual world infrastructure, has launched its latest project, Chunked, a fully on-chain multiplayer sandbox game. Developed through its metaverse platform Msquared and hosted on the Somnia testnet, Chunked represents the company’s most technically advanced project to date. Built in under three weeks, the game bypasses conventional development timelines by eliminating the need for a traditional backend, as all logic and data storage are managed directly on-chain.
New Fully On-Chain MMO Sandbox on Somnia Testnet
Fully On-Chain MMO Sandbox on Somnia Testnet
Chunked runs in a web browser and supports real-time multiplayer interaction, offering a sandbox environment that allows players to build, mine, and interact within a shared virtual space. While the block-based design of the world is reminiscent of Minecraft, Improbable emphasizes that Chunked is not intended as a simple clone with added blockchain features. Instead, the game was developed to show the capabilities of a high-performance blockchain environment and how it can support open, user-driven participation from the outset.
ERC-1155 Tokens and User-Owned Assets
One of Chunked’s distinguishing features is its use of ERC-1155 tokens for each in-game block. As players mine resources, those blocks are minted as tradable tokens and stored in their digital wallets. This enables a level of ownership that is native to the game’s infrastructure. Rather than prescribing how these assets should be used or exchanged, the system leaves those decisions to the players. The architecture is designed to allow for independent development, meaning other creators can build tools, features, or entirely new experiences by forking the existing smart contracts.
Potential for Player-Driven Economies
The open nature of Chunked’s design supports the growth of decentralized economies within the game. During a recent X Spaces session, Improbable’s Chief Product Officer Rob Whitehead discussed the idea of user-built marketplaces. He noted that if players mine a valuable resource like diamond ore, they could trade it with others interested in customizing their virtual spaces.
Because all assets and interactions are on-chain, the exchange of items can happen directly through smart contracts without needing additional infrastructure from the developers. Whitehead further explained that the team’s goal was to provide the core contracts, while allowing the community to create additional applications, such as trading platforms or gameplay extensions.
Future of Gaming Fully On-Chain
Playtesting and Community Engagement
Chunked is currently available in a test phase on the Somnia testnet. Users can access the game either by creating an account or logging in as a guest. This early testing period is intended to gather feedback and observe how players interact with the system, which may guide future updates and refinements. The playtest also serves to demonstrate how fully on-chain games can operate in real time through a browser interface.
Exploring the Future of web3 Gaming
Chunked reflects Improbable’s broader vision for web3 gaming and metaverse development. By combining scalable infrastructure with composable smart contracts, the company aims to redefine how virtual worlds are built and experienced. Rather than focusing solely on ownership, the approach prioritizes extensibility, interoperability, and user participation. As the game evolves, it may serve as a model for future projects that seek to leverage blockchain technology not only for asset management but also for decentralized content creation and economic activity.
