Photo credit: venturebeat.com
Nice Gang, an independent game development studio, has recently unveiled the introduction of player-versus-player (PvP) combat in its free mobile RPG, Eighth Era.
This squad-based role-playing game, co-created in partnership with Perfect Day Games, marks its official launch with the full availability of both single-player and multiplayer modes, including PvP and player-versus-environment (PvE), on Android and iOS platforms globally.
The latest update enables players who reach level 9 to engage in asynchronous PvP battles, allowing them to assemble their optimal teams and strategize to compete for top honors on an international scale, drawing from a selection of over 50 unique heroes in the newly introduced Arena Mode.
During a recent interview at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, Jason Wasserman, CEO of Nice Gang, shared insights into the game’s features. “We’re thrilled to transition from our soft launch to the full rollout of Eighth Era,” Wasserman expressed. “The inclusion of PvP is one of our players’ most anticipated features, allowing them to face off in exciting battles. The Arena Mode enriches strategic gameplay while helping to foster connections within our gaming and collectible communities, providing players with enhanced opportunities to win physical collectible trophies every month.”
Eighth Era takes players on a futuristic journey set 10,000 years into the future, where they must guide their squad in epic battles against the malevolent supercomputer, Harmony. Players ally with The Collector’s Society—a group of eclectic treasure hunters—to confront Harmony’s minions, dispatched back in time to manipulate history and assert dominance over past, present, and future.
“Beyond retention and monetization, we identify substantial marketing potential,” Wasserman noted. “Players can showcase their collectible coins, obtained through the game, to friends. We’re also planning to integrate NFC chips within these coins to unlock in-game rewards.”
He further elaborated on a registry system that tracks each collectible coin’s unique number, enabling players to compare their collections with others within the game.
The game has garnered a commendable 4.8 out of 5 stars based on user reviews, in part due to its novel incorporation of physical collectibles, according to Wasserman. “In a competitive market, we aim to introduce distinctive elements that set us apart,” he stated.
Gameplay Overview
In Eighth Era, players engage through a turn-based strategy format using a diverse array of RPG characters. Players manage a roster of five team members during battles—three active in combat and two in reserves. With over 50 heroes to choose from, each possessing distinct abilities, players can curate their ideal squad to overcome challenges.
Characters can be enhanced with powerful abilities and rewards earned from defeating formidable bosses in various eras. Additionally, players can compete globally for collectible trophies, aspiring to rise as a Legendary Collector in ongoing tournament events that reward top performers with physical prizes.
Those ranking in the top ten of any tiered leaderboard can receive collectible coins, which currently come in three types with varying colors and finishes, including gold and silver plating. The coins’ authenticity is validated by NGC, a subsidiary of the Certified Collectibles Group, allowing players opportunities to resell or trade their collectibles.
Winners from tournaments receive their coins by mail within a few days, with the option to purchase a team coin once they reach level three.
The gameplay seamlessly intertwines RPG mechanics with fighting game elements, incorporating a unique tag system. Players can charge their meter to swap in reserve units for powerful counterattacks against adversaries.
The narrative campaign unfolds over multiple chapters, allowing players to advance and gain tournament points. This aids in matchmaking against higher-level competitors, with chances to earn coins that vary in tiered prizes.
Latest Updates
The Eighth Era update not only introduces the eagerly awaited PvP mode but also implements various patch updates. Players reaching level 9 can unlock the new Arena Mode, where they can ascend the Arena Leagues to claim championship titles.
Each new game season features highlighted factions that offer stat bonuses, incentivizing players to leverage these advantages for Arena League success. With each season’s conclusion, players can win loot, including collectible trophies for top tournament placements, which are categorized into tiers for newcomers, returning players, and veterans.
Season Two will offer additional heroes and limited-edition collectibles, beginning in late April. Players can engage with a global competitor pool to earn freshly minted coins representing new season characters, with top ten finishers receiving direct shipments of their coins.
Moreover, an upcoming limited-time Era Vault event presents players with the opportunity to earn a special American Silver Eagle coin, featuring the eagle-in-flight privy mark, recognized as the official silver bullion coin of the United States. During the two-week tournament, first-place winners in the level 41-60 bracket will also receive this coin while supplies last.
Eighth Era represents Nice Gang’s inaugural free-to-play venture, with all collectible coins authenticated by NGC. These items are not categorized as Web3 products and are shipped globally at no extra cost.
Founded by industry veterans in entertainment, gaming, and collectibles, Nice Gang has collaborated with the United States Mint to unlock special opportunities for players, such as acquiring the American Silver Eagle coin.
Company Origins
Established in 2022, Nice Gang has achieved over 145,000 downloads across iOS and Android platforms. The talented team includes Wasserman, who previously worked with Disney and 20th Century Fox, along with notable figures like Vincent Nguyen (formerly of King Games and 20th Century Fox), Mark Salzberg (founder of Certified Collectibles Group), and Josh Adam (from Goldman Sachs).
Co-founder Nguyen’s vision stemmed from his desire to blend his artistic influences and childhood gaming experiences into a unique title. The team aimed to create engaging gameplay that incorporates esports-like competitive elements and recognition for players of varying skill levels, ensuring they can quickly enter tournaments and experience a competitive environment.
With approximately 35 employees at Perfect Day and a core team of nine at Nice Gang based in Seattle, the company has raised $13 million in funding to further develop its innovative approach to gaming.
The collectible model is strategically designed, with a finite mint for each coin type, ranging from 250 coins for one category to just five for the rarest coins. This structure may evolve as the company plans to implement similar models across different games and genres in the future.
Initially exploring the possibility of a Web3 approach—a trend prevalent in 2022—the team ultimately decided against blockchain integration due to concerns about user experience. Instead, players need only provide their mailing address to receive tangible collectibles periodically.
“We have developed a squad-based RPG with Perfect Day as our developer,” Wasserman explained. “Our aim was to facilitate player engagement in competitions within a few hours of gameplay, allowing them to ascend in leaderboards and tournaments.”
Source
venturebeat.com