In Brief:
- AI-focused MMORPG Avalon confirms integration with Sony’s Soneium Ethereum-based L2 blockchain for item ownership and trading.
- The game, set for a playable version in late 2026, emphasizes creator tools and community-generated content alongside its core world, Elysara.
- Upcoming private beta aims to onboard creators and stress test the platform.
Avalon unseals blockchain details
Avalon, an MMORPG project by AI-focused developers, has revealed critical updates on its blockchain strategy. The game will utilize Sony’s Soneium Ethereum-based L2 for item ownership and trading, marking a significant step in its development.
This information comes from the project’s Summer Update materials, framing Avalon as more than just an online RPG. The developers are positioning it as a platform where players can create worlds and earn from their creations.
The main game world, Elysara, spans 32 square kilometers. Yet, the roadmap also includes Vireon, a second cyberpunk desert environment. Players will have access to several tools designed for content generation and monetization, including:
- Forge, an AI-driven system for NPCs, items, and loot tables.
- Merlin, a no-code visual logic system for gameplay rules.
- Sage, an AI world generation tool that translates prompts into playable experiences.
The Soneium blockchain will primarily serve as an ownership and monetization layer. Its role is not front-and-center; instead, Avalon aims to abstract blockchain elements from the user experience. Players won’t manage wallets or gas fees, focusing instead on gameplay while owning digital assets on-chain.
The development timeline indicates a phased approach. A private beta is scheduled for July 2026, targeting creator onboarding and community playtests. Fall 2026 will involve “flywheel validation,” focusing on creator monetization and marketplace functionality. Early Access is planned for the end of 2026, introducing persistent worlds and a live service.
While Soneium can record ownership and royalties, it cannot generate demand for Avalon’s environments or assets independently. Success hinges on whether tools like Forge, Merlin, and Sage can enable creators to produce engaging and balanced content, avoiding simply overwhelming players with AI-generated material.
The confirmation of Soneium marks a clearer trajectory for Avalon, backed by a Sony-linked infrastructure partner as blockchain gaming shifts towards practical applications in the space.
