Web3 games, also known as blockchain or decentralized games, are a new type of online experience that utilizes blockchain technology for play-to-earn games.

Blockchain technology is the backbone of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Essentially, the blockchain allows for the creation of decentralized networks where transactions are recorded and stored on a public ledger.

This technology can now also be used to create games that are decentralized. This means that the games are not controlled by a central authority. To do this, they use smart contracts to govern the game’s economy.

Playing Web3 Games

To get started in play-to-earn gaming, you will need to set up a crypto wallet. This will allow you to store your crypto in order to start purchasing the NFTs needed to play. However, be careful to only play games that you truly enjoy. If the only reason you play is to try to make money, chances are that you will become demotivated quickly.

Basically, some “Crypto Games” have been developed with the sole intention of making money. These types of games can disappear quickly because not everyone will make money. For the rest of the players, there is no fun or excitement to continue playing the game. What generally follows is a slow descent into an inactive or dead game.

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Benefits of Web3 Games

On a positive note, one of the main benefits of Web3 games is that they allow for true ownership of in-game assets. In traditional online games, players do not own the virtual items or currency they acquire, as they are controlled by the game’s developer.

However, in Web3 games, players can truly own their in-game assets, as they are stored on the blockchain. Specifically, this means that players can trade, sell, or even keep these assets as a form of investment.

Another advantage of Web3 games is that they are typically more transparent than traditional online games. The decentralized nature of blockchain technology allows for the creation of games that are not necessarily controlled by a central authority. Therefore, in theory, this can reduce the potential for cheating and fraud.

Additionally, the use of smart contracts allows developers to create transparent game economies. Game developers and publishers cannot easily manipulate these types of economies.

Blockchain Technology

While Web3 games are still in their early stages of development, they have the potential to revolutionize the online gaming industry. The use of blockchain technology allows for the creation of games that are more transparent and offer true ownership of in-game assets.

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, developers will increasingly create more Web 3 games. These games will offer players new and exciting ways to play and earn.

Popular Web3 Games

Some of the more prominent Web 3 games include:

Axie Infinity: A blockchain-based game that allows players to breed, raise, and battle fantasy creatures called Axies. Players can earn cryptocurrency by participating in battles, breeding new Axies, and completing in-game tasks.
Sorare: A football-themed collectible card game that utilizes blockchain technology to create unique and scarce digital cards. Players can purchase, trade, and use these cards to compete in in-game matches.
The Sandbox: A blockchain-based virtual world game where players can create, share, and monetize their own gaming experiences using SAND, the platform’s utility token.
Decentraland: A virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain where players can create and explore 3D scenes, interact with other players, and buy and sell virtual assets using the platform’s cryptocurrency, MANA.
Splinterlands: A fantasy-themed collectible card game where players battle using unique and rare cards. Players can earn cryptocurrency by participating in battles and earning rewards.
Gods Unchained: Gods Unchained is a decentralized competitive card game. At its core, Gods Unchained is a state-of-the-art blockchain-based game that enables users to trade and sell their cards freely. This is accomplished with the same level of ownership as if they were real, tangible cards.

Web3 Games - Gods Unchained — Credit: Immutable

Web3 Gaming Development

These are a few examples of the many Web3 games that exist. More game publishers and developers are adding Web3 games at a rapid pace. The recent slowdown in the crypto markets may have reduced some investment in this sector. However, many investors and venture capital companies are still quite optimistic about the potential for Web3 gaming.

For example, Shrapnel is a First-Person-Shooter (FPS) Web3 game that caters to fans of this particular subgenre. The game is currently in development and could add players from similar Web2 FPS games such as Call of Duty or CS:GO.

Shrapnel has attracted top-notch development talent and sizeable investment capital. This is because the game offers high playability along with the opportunity to earn while playing. Older Web2 gaming titles, such as COD and CS:GO, do not offer the ability for players to earn money or exchange tokens via gameplay.

Building for Success in Web3 Gaming

Fundamentally, the key to making the Web3 gaming ecosystem successful is going to be in the quality of the gameplay itself. If developers mainly focus only on the monetary aspects of Web3 games, then the ecosystem will most likely lose their dedicated gaming audience.

On the other hand, if the entire experience is fun and exciting, the game will attract a larger percentage of players. Consequently, a certain percentage of those dedicated gamers will start to participate in the blockchain aspects of the game. This will then create a sustainable economy for Web3 games to develop and succeed.