Imagine participants playing games that can be played to seamlessly exchange in-game assets with others and easily or to earn money from Web3 games. Web3 game development has reconstructed the industry’s economic landscape by allowing gamers to buy and sell in-game assets on a variety of platforms and turning them into real-world currency.
Originally, the first era of Web3 games faced a variety of challenges, including limited availability on mainstream platforms such as Google Play and the Apple App Store. Many early Web3 games were not designed with mobile games in mind and were not intuitive for participants new to blockchain.
Typically these games require cryptocurrency wallets, employing a pay play model that contradicts the first “free play” trend that gained widespread popularity. As a result, early Web3 games felt niche and closure, limiting mass adoption.
However, it now unlocks the true potential of Web3. Recent advances in coding within gaming environments, improving data transfers, and increasing transparency and security have changed the landscape.
Unlike Web2, where user data is collected and stored on a centralized server owned by a company, Web3 leverages blockchain ledgers to record ownership of all transactions and assets. This innovative change in Web3 games will drive control over players, give them greater power to the ecosystem, and lead to the democratization of gaming access, a key aspect of Web3’s impact.
Web3 is democratizing game access
To democratize access to the game, Web3 games reduced the entry barrier by allowing players to start with minimal investment and earn money from participation. This represents a significant shift from traditional payment models that could thwart many players.
They can make money through web3 games. This is particularly beneficial for players in economically disadvantaged regions, allowing for wider participation in game development.
It is important to understand gaming practices in this transition. In Web2, the concept of first-time user experience (FTUE) was essential. Players are usually drawn to the game based on ads, their intellectual property, or attractive mechanics. This initial interest gives them “one foot at the door.” However, to be fully involved and “put in the second leg”, the barrier to entry must be minimal.
The biggest challenge with Web3 is to expect players to perform complex actions without proper onboarding or understanding of blockchain technology. Using FTUE insights to create a smoother transition from Web2 to Web3, the conversion rate of approximately 50% of existing Web2 players is Web3.
Not only does it make games more accessible, but Web3 technology enhances how games interact with each other.
Take advantage of Web3 game interoperability
Think about this. I got a unique cosmetic outfit from my favorite Battle Royale game. You can use this to style your avatars on virtual social platforms and lock special benefits in connected roleplay games. Doesn’t that excite you?
In the realm of Web3, assets are often interoperable. This means that players’ efforts and investments are recognized across a variety of platforms and games. Simply put, players can transfer items and achievements from one game to another. So what we see is a more connected and vast gaming world.
As a result, players experience a sense of community and collaboration. You can interact and share resources across a variety of games, which will encourage a more cohesive gaming experience.
However, the benefits of interoperability have been extended beyond players, and developers also enjoy great benefits. The ability to read blockchain data provides a unique opportunity to enhance player acquisition strategies. Developers can identify highly valuable players, often referred to as “whales,” and adjust incentives based on their activity in the chain.
For example, if a player purchases a particular outfit in their favorite Battle Royale game, the developer can recognize this preference and provide similar or complementary items in the new game, encouraging deeper engagement.
This targeted approach allows developers to attract players more efficiently, reducing user acquisition costs while ensuring that incentives are directly in line with what players value most. By leveraging insights from player interactions across multiple games, developers can create more personalized experiences and promote player retention and satisfaction. This sets the stage for an innovative game format. One of them is the “plant” game.
The rise of innovative gaming experiences
Phygital Gaming Experience offers a more immersive and enchanting experience that appeals to a larger audience. Players can interact with each other in real life at live events, tournaments and community gatherings. This allows them to build friendships and create a sense of community that extends beyond the virtual world. The gaming experience can be greatly improved by this social component. This makes it even more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Additionally, Phygital Gaming will create new revenue streams for event organizers and developers. They can attract a larger audience, including gamers and fans of live events, by developing a hybrid experience that combines eSports competition with live entertainment. This targeted approach leads to increased ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and product sales that further drive the growth of the gaming industry.
A real-world case study of this is a partnership with the July 2024 Phygital Entertainment Festival Now (owned) Valencia 2024 for Web3 Games. This collaboration demonstrates the possibilities of Phygital Gaming by combining eSports competitions with live entertainment and interactive experiences.
The Expanding Space of Web3 Games
As plant experiences continue to blur the distinction between digital and physical gameplay, they show a broader trend that will affect the future of the gaming industry. The game environment now places a focus on transparency, fairness and success in sharing, ensuring that all players are stakeholders who contribute to the future of the game.
Web3 Play-to-earn games introduce innovative monetization models that align the goals of both developers and players. Attention and capital are invested in Web3 games, crypto games, and metaverse, pointing to a key role in the future of the game. As Web3 continues to advance, the gaming industry becomes more integrated and dynamic, with players at the heart of the ecosystem.
The complete promise of Web3 is to make the game accessible, easy to use and comprehensive. Everyone has the opportunity to participate, and involves streamlining the onboarding procedure and providing clear guidance to new entrants. Web3 games should welcome everyone, not just those who are already familiar with blockchain technology.
