Parallel Studios, known for its Ethereum based trading card game Parallel, has unveiled a new chapter in its universe—a 3D third-person shooter currently codenamed Project Tau Ceti. Revealed at the Token 2049 event in Singapore, this expansion takes familiar elements from the Parallel card game and brings them to life in a fully immersive world powered by Unreal Engine 5.
With over 300,000 users already engaged in Parallel’s dystopian world, Project Tau Ceti is designed to offer players a more action oriented experience. Named after Tau Ceti, a star located about 12 light years from Earth, the game aims to build on the rich sci-fi narrative established in the Parallel universe.
Transition from Cards to 3D
Project Tau Ceti brings the 2D characters from the Parallel trading cards to life as fully animated 3D models. Using Unreal Engine 5, the game enhances the existing visual style. This transition marks one of the first major steps in expanding Parallel beyond its roots in card based gameplay.
Players who may have found the slower pace of the trading card game less appealing will now have a chance to engage with familiar characters in a faster, more action driven setting. The shooter will adopt an extraction style format, where players compete on detailed maps to collect valuable in-game assets while navigating rich environments.
Optional Blockchain Integration
While Parallel has always integrated blockchain elements at its core, Project Tau Ceti takes a different approach by making these features optional. The game is designed to be accessible to a broad range of players, including those unfamiliar with web3 technology. This means that players can dive into the shooter experience without the need to manage cryptocurrency wallets or gas fees.
However, for those interested in exploring the blockchain side, Project Tau Ceti offers the option to mint in game items like weapons, skins, and characters as NFTs. These NFTs allow for ownership and interoperability across different gaming environments. Players can move assets between games or even lose them during gameplay, adding an extra layer of challenge for those engaging with the Web3 elements.
Unreal Engine 5 Raises the Visual Bar
The use of Unreal Engine 5 marks a major visual upgrade for Project Tau Ceti. The game will feature high fidelity graphics and dynamic lighting, setting a new standard for blockchain-based games, which often have simpler visuals. By focusing on graphical quality, the team aims to deliver an experience comparable to AAA titles, proving that web3 games can match the production values of traditional games.
This enhancement in visual design is intended to serve the story and world-building that Parallel has been developing since its launch. The team’s goal is to make the game more appealing to a wider audience, ensuring that both casual gamers and long-time fans of the Parallel universe can engage with the deeper lore and themes.
Rich Sci-Fi Narrative Continues
At the core of Parallel is a deep sci-fi narrative that explores themes of division, survival, and commonality. Set in a future where Earth has become uninhabitable, humanity has scattered across the galaxy and formed five distinct factions: the Marcolians, Augencore, Kathari, Shroud, and Earthen. Each faction embodies different philosophies and approaches to survival, yet all share a common origin—Earth.
This central theme of human commonality amidst division is reflected throughout the game. The dystopian setting invites players to consider the state of their own world, particularly how unchecked technological advancements can lead to destruction. The story’s cautionary tone serves as a reminder of the potential dangers humans face if they fail to learn from their past mistakes.
Anticipated Alpha Release in 2025
Project Tau Ceti is currently in development, with alpha testing planned for 2025. The initial release will be on PC, but there are potential plans for expansions to mobile and console platforms in the future.
The Parallel community has expressed excitement about the project, with many anticipating that the shooter will add a new layer of engagement to the existing universe. While no firm release date has been set, players can expect to see more details about the game in the coming months.
Growing the Parallel Ecosystem
Project Tau Ceti is not the only expansion planned for Parallel. The studio has also been working on other projects to further grow its universe. Earlier this year, the team partnered with the Royal Academy of Illustration & Design (RAID) to release NFT comic books, deepening the game’s lore. They have also introduced interactive digital collectibles like Companions and customizable in-game cosmetics.
The studio’s efforts to build a multi faceted IP that includes comics, digital assets, and now a shooter game demonstrate a long-term vision for the Parallel universe. The goal is to create a world that offers various entry points for players, whether they are interested in the card game, the shooter, or the broader narrative.
