Web3 gaming is a new approach to video games that is rapidly gaining popularity among both gamers and investors. The introduction of blockchain technology allows users to truly own game items, rare weapons, and legendary characters. Players can use loot and characters on different platforms that allow it, without being limited to just one game world. And the most interesting thing is that in Web3 games, you can earn real money in a variety of ways.
Our team has successfully implemented dozens of successful Web3 projects, including several crypto games. We also provide consulting services for blockchain projects and help with strategy.
Web3 games open up more opportunities for their creators, generating innovative ways to make money. In addition, users remain constantly engaged in the gaming process, gaining a platform where they can conveniently form communities and communicate with like-minded people from all over the world. Web3 gaming takes the possibility of earning a steady income from games to a new level, ensuring complete security and increasing trust between players.
At the same time, the industry continues to evolve. According to forecasts, by 2025, the Web3 gaming market will grow by an average of 61.5%.
How Web3 gaming differs from Web2 games
Web3 games differ significantly from their predecessors in several key ways:
First, Web3 games introduce the concept of “true ownership.” In the Web2 world, the game developer effectively owns all in-game assets, and players have no physical rights to anything they have earned. Conversely, in Web3 gaming, in-game items are represented as NFT tokens, ensuring that players are the sole owners of these virtual assets. This allows players to freely buy, sell, and trade their items both within and outside the gaming ecosystem.
Second, Web3 games facilitate interoperability. In Web2 gaming, in-game items are usually tied to a specific platform, making them unusable in other games. Web3 gaming breaks down these barriers, allowing players to use their resources across different games and virtual worlds. This interoperability improves the overall gaming experience, taking users to a new level of freedom and versatility that is impossible in the traditional gaming industry.
Finally, Web3 gaming has introduced the play-to-earn model, which has quickly gained traction among the gaming audience. In traditional games, developers typically derive most of their revenue from players through in-game purchases and advertising. In Web3 games, material values are redistributed evenly, allowing players to monetize their gaming skills and time investments. Gamers can earn cryptocurrencies and rare NFTs by participating in the gaming ecosystem, effectively monetizing their love of games.
Types of Web3 games
There are many genres and types of Web3 games, each with its own unique features and gameplay. Below are the most common ones.
Play-to-Earn games
One of the fastest-growing markets in the cryptocurrency industry is Play-to-Earn games. According to DappRadar, from January to December 2022, the daily activity of all crypto games on PC, Android, and iOS grew by 35%, reaching 718,000 users. Moreover, market capitalization grew by 191%, reaching $173.5 million daily by the end of 2022.
Popular examples of Play-to-Earn games include Axie Infinity, where players can earn money by breeding, battling, and trading Axie creatures, and TownStar from Gala Games, which rewards users for building cities, managing resources, and other tasks.
NFT collections
Games that focus on collecting NFTs are all about gathering and trading rare tokens that are unique digital assets. CryptoKitties was one of the first games in this category, letting players collect and breed digital cats with rare traits and features. CryptoPunks, God’s Unchained, and Illuvium are other games that have become popular among NFT collectors.
Blockchain-based virtual worlds
Some Web3 games are entire virtual worlds built on the blockchain. In these worlds, players can buy, develop, and monetize virtual land and assets. For example, Decentraland and The Sandbox allow users to create and profit from their creations in a shared metaverse.
Blockchain-enhanced MMOs
In order to ensure true ownership of in-game assets and create a unique player-driven economy, some massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) have integrated blockchain features. For example, Lost Relics combines traditional MMO gameplay with blockchain-based asset ownership.
Blockchain card games
Games that combine traditional card game mechanics with blockchain technology have begun to gain popularity. For example, Gods Unchained and Splinterlands use NFT cards that players can buy, trade, and use in strategic battles.
Blockchain racing
Web3 has also reached the world of racing. Formula 1 F1 Delta Time uses blockchain to create and trade rare virtual cars, drivers, and parts.
Blockchain-based sports games
Some Web3 games focus on sports and collecting, allowing players to own and sell items from the world of virtual sports. For example, NBA Top Shot allows users to buy and trade officially licensed NBA collectibles in the form of NFTs.
Blockchain games for art and creativity
Some games allow players to create and sell digital art and collectibles as NFTs. For example, CryptoPunks and Art Blocks conceptually combine art and blockchain technology.
Blockchain-based puzzle and adventure games
Puzzle and adventure games (such as My Crypto Heroes and Chainmonsters) use blockchain to enable full ownership and trading of items.
This article presents just a few examples of Web3 games, but the gaming environment continues to evolve organically.
Developers are still exploring the potential of blockchain and decentralized ecosystems in the gaming industry, leading to new technological possibilities and, with them, unique game functionality.
