Web3 games—also referred to as decentralized games—are a brand-new category of video games that use blockchain technology to let users buy, sell, and trade in-game goods.
Unlike traditional games, where players have total control over their digital assets and can win real money while playing, these games offer a completely new gaming experience.
In this article, we’ll examine what web3 games are, how they function, their distinctive characteristics, and the advantages and drawbacks of web3 gaming. While we talk about the future of this fascinating new sector, we’ll also look at several web3 game examples.
What are Web3 Games?
Blockchain technology is used in Web3 games to let players own, sell, and exchange in-game goods. Because these games are developed on decentralized networks powered by smart contracts, players can communicate with each other and the game in an open and safe environment.
Web3 games are founded on the idea of decentralized finance (DeFi), which attempts to establish an open, transparent, and accessible financial system for all players.
Web3 games can provide players with a new level of control over their in-game possessions and open up new possibilities for making real money while playing by employing blockchain technology.
Is There Any Difference Between Web3 and Blockchain?
Web3 and blockchain are two technologies that share numerous similarities, even though they are not the same. A major emphasis is placed on decentralization, privacy, and security in the third generation of the internet, also known as Web3.
This generation of the internet is also known as Web3. Blockchain is the basis upon which Web3 technologies are built. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that makes it possible to conduct transactions in an open and trustworthy manner.
Players can own, trade, and exchange in-game commodities in Web3 games since the games are built on blockchain technology. This eliminates the need for a centralized authority.
By utilizing blockchain technology, Web3 games can give players a new level of control over their in-game possessions and open up new opportunities for making real money while playing.
How Do Web3 Games Work?
Web3 games are created on decentralized, smart contract-based networks. Self-executing contracts, or smart contracts, are those that automatically uphold the game’s rules and laws. These contracts are transparent and secure since they are stored on the blockchain.
Using a web3-capable browser like MetaMask, players connect to a decentralized network to interact with the game. Players can make an account and begin the game once they are connected. Characters, weapons, and other in-game stuff may all be traded and transferred with other players and are all saved on the blockchain.
Characters, weapons, and other in-game stuff may all be traded and transferred with other players and are all saved on the blockchain.
Unique Features of Web3 Gaming
Web3 gaming offers several unique features that set it apart from traditional gaming:
Ownership of In-Game Assets: Players in web3 games own their in-game items, and they can exchange and trade them with other players. As a result, there are more chances to play while making money.
Decentralization: Web3 games are created on decentralized networks. Therefore, there isn’t a single entity in charge of managing the game. As a result, gaming becomes more transparent and secure.
Interoperability: Web3 games’ assets can communicate with other games and platforms because they are kept on the blockchain. Players now have new options to make money by trading and transferring assets between several games.
Transparency: Web3 games are developed on transparent networks. Thus every transaction is open to public view. As a result, the game experience is made more fair and egalitarian.
Decentralized Gaming and Its Components
Decentralized gaming is the backbone of web3 games. It is built on several key components, including:
Decentralized Networks: Web3 games are developed on decentralized networks that utilize smart contracts. Without the need for a centralized authority, gamers can own, trade, and exchange in-game assets thanks to these networks’ transparency and security.
Smart Contracts: Smart contracts are self-executing agreements that automatically uphold the game’s rules and regulations. They are transparent and secure since they are stored on the blockchain.
Digital Assets: All in-game items in web3 games are digital and kept on a blockchain. Characters, weapons, goods, and other game components are among the assets that players can possess, swap, and trade with one another.
Web3-Enabled Browsers: In order to connect to the decentralized network and interact with the game, players require a web3-enabled browser, such as MetaMask. Players can create accounts, manage their in-game assets, and trade and swap with other players using these browsers.
Cryptocurrency: The major medium of exchange in web three games is cryptocurrency. In-game items can be purchased, sold, and traded between users using cryptocurrencies. By participating in the game and accomplishing various in-game activities, they can also earn cryptocurrency.
What is the Difference between Web2 and Web3 Gaming?
Traditional games, commonly referred to as Web2 games, are constructed on centralized networks and are governed by a centralized authority.
Players in these games cannot exchange or trade their in-game items with other players because they do not belong to them. The gaming experience is restricted to using the game and receiving in-game incentives.
On the other side, Web3 games are constructed on decentralized networks and are managed by smart contracts. Players can exchange and trade their in-game possessions with other players.
Players have new options to make real money while playing and the gaming experience is more immersive Players have new options to make real money while playing, and the gaming experience is more immersive.
How Do You Upgrade Web2 to Web3 Gaming?
Game makers must adopt blockchain technology and create their games on decentralized networks to transition from web2 to web3 gaming. This calls for a large investment in infrastructure and development, as well as the readiness to adopt a new game paradigm.
By connecting to the decentralized network with a web3-capable browser like MetaMask, users can upgrade to web3 gaming. Anyone can establish an account and begin playing the game once they are connected.
How Do You Make Money from Web3 Gaming?
There are several ways to make money from web3 gaming, including:
Trading In-Game Assets: Users can use cryptocurrencies to buy, sell, and trade in-game items with other players. These assets’ values are subject to supply and demand fluctuations, which presents the potential for profit for players
Completing In-Game Tasks: Many web3 games provide incentives for task completion. These benefits may come in the form of digital currencies that users may later exchange or sell for real money.
Participating in Tournaments: A few web-3 games offer tournaments with monetary awards. Gamers can take part in these competitions and win cash prizes.
Challenges of Web3 Gaming
Web3 gaming, however, also presents several difficulties, such as:
Learning Curve: Players must learn how to utilize a web3-enabled browser, maintain their in-game assets, and trade and exchange with other players. This is a substantial learning curve for web3 gaming.
The volatility of Cryptocurrency: Since the value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate greatly, players should exercise caution when buying, selling, and exchanging in-game goods. To make wise selections, they might also need to stay current with news and market trends.
Lack of Regulation: Because the Web3 gaming sector is still relatively young, there are several areas where regulations are lacking. Players may feel uncertain and at risk as a result, especially with regard to the security of their in-game items and private data.
Risks of Web3 Gaming
Playing games on Web3 exposes consumers to a number of risks, including the following:
Since Web3 games run on decentralized networks, they are vulnerable to hacking and other forms of online attack. When gamers save their cryptocurrency and in-game assets in web3-enabled browsers, they should do it with extreme caution to avoid being hacked.
Lack of Regulation: As has already been mentioned, the web3 gaming industry is still in its infancy, and as a result, there are various areas in which regulations are missing.
As a consequence of this, players could experience feelings of unease and vulnerability, particularly with regard to the safety of the in-game assets and personal information they own.
Instability of Cryptocurrency: Due to the fact that the value of cryptocurrencies is subject to significant swings, players should proceed with caution when purchasing, selling, or trading in-game items. They may also need to keep up with the latest news and trends in the market in order to make intelligent choices.
Examples of Web3 Games
There are many different examples of web3 games, including the following:
Axie Infinity: This blockchain-based game is called Axie Infinity, and it allows players to own monsters known as Axies and engage in combat with those monsters. Bitcoin can be earned by gamers through the completion of in-game objectives and the trading of Axies with other players.
The Sandbox: The Sandbox is a decentralized gaming platform that gives players the ability to develop, take control of, and profit from their virtual worlds. Blockchain technology is utilized by the platform, which enables users to engage in transactions, including the purchase and sale of virtual real estate and other assets.
Cryptokitties: In the blockchain-based game known as CryptoKitties, players may collect, breed, and trade virtual cats with one another. This game was one of the first Web3 titles to gain significant popularity, and it was a pioneer in the genre.
The Future of Gaming on Web3
The future of gaming on web3 platforms seems promising as an increasing number of game developers use blockchain technology and build games to run on decentralized network architectures.
As a direct consequence of this, gamers now have an increased number of opportunities to own and monetize their in-game assets, allowing them to earn real money even as they play.
In the years to come, we may expect to see an increase in the number of web3 games that incorporate cutting-edge technology and dynamic gameplay elements. In addition, there will likely be an increase in the number of games that are compatible with several platforms and allow players to transfer stuff to and from one another.
Because of the rapidly expanding market for web3 games, the gaming industry is on the verge of going through a transition. As we go towards a more decentralized and blockchain-based future, there is only going to be growth in store for the potential of web3 gaming. Here are some other considerations to take into account:
Game Developers and Web3
As developers of video games become more aware of the possibilities presented by web3 gaming, they are beginning to incorporate blockchain technology into the games they create.
By creating games that are based on decentralized networks, developers can provide players with new opportunities to own in-game assets and earn money from those assets. They also can design novel business models that are less reliant on well-established income streams such as in-game purchases and have a longer-term outlook.
One of the most significant advantages of web3 gaming for game developers is the opportunity to cultivate more personal relationships with their player base.
By utilizing blockchain technology, game developers may be able to provide players with increased control over their in-game assets, in addition to increased transparency and security for those assets.
Because it can help gamers establish a sense of trust and loyalty, this may, in the long term, result in more engagement and income than would otherwise have been the case.
A Financial Investment in Web3 Games
For those who are willing to take a risk and put their money where their mouth is, investing in web3 gaming could prove to be a lucrative decision. But, before investing, it is imperative to complete your research and due diligence responsibilities.
The following are some guidelines to follow while considering investing in web3 gaming:
The success of a web-3 game will mostly depend on the people working on it. Thus you must do your homework on them. Do some research on the individuals involved in the creation of the project, as well as the advisors and partners who will be working on it.
Keep an eye out for a strong community: Because a web3 game can’t be successful without a large community, you should always be on the lookout for one. Look for games that have player and developer communities that are engaged and enthusiastic about the game.
Take into consideration the game’s revenue model: web-3 games can make money in a variety of different ways. Some games force players to make in-game purchases, while others provide players the opportunity to earn virtual currency by completing in-game tasks or selling virtual items to other players.
Ensure that the game’s revenue model is taken into consideration before making any investments.
Assess the technology: Web3 games can be produced utilizing a wide variety of protocols and platforms, and blockchain technology is still an emerging industry. Both of these technologies should be evaluated. Be sure you perform a thorough analysis of the game’s technology to determine whether or not it is scalable and secure.
Be aware of the dangers: investing in web3 gaming, like any other type of investment, is not without its share of potential downsides. It is essential to have an awareness of the risks, and you should never risk more money than you can afford to lose.
The Bottom Line
Because the gaming industry on Web3 is continually expanding, new opportunities are opening up, not just for users but also for those who make games.
Players of Web3 games are given new chances to own and monetize their in-game assets, as well as make real money while playing, thanks to the use of blockchain technology and decentralized networks. Users will now have access to these newly available possibilities.
Gaming on Web3 has its fair share of difficulties and risks, but it also provides a wealth of benefits and chances to gamers who are prepared to take a chance on themselves.
It is possible that, as the video game industry continues to develop and advance, we may see an increase in the number of creative and exciting web3 games that push the boundaries of what is technically possible in gaming. This would be a welcome development for the industry.
