Blockchain games and the play-to-win model were all the rage in 2021, but over time the model declined as a few issues came to light and the broader market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and crypto has seen some slowdowns. It’s safe to say that the sector is “down, but not out” and it’s entirely possible that blockchain gaming could see another 2021-style surge once the market regains momentum.
Friday, NFT Steez, a bi-weekly Twitter space hosted by Alyssa Exposito and Ray Salmondmet with the founders of Crypto Raiders to discuss blockchain game state, and the future of game-based projects to win. According to the founders, Crypto Raiders is an NFT-based dungeon crawler and in the episode everyone agreed that the current blockchain gaming landscape should focus on sustainability and “fun” first.
Can the play-and-earn model work in Web3 games?
During the interview, founder Nick Kreupner talked about embracing “hybrid models” for playing and winning and Kreupner said the current sentiment is more so, due to the nature of humans being “reactive to short term” and quickly believing that they must be fired.
However, Kreupner acknowledges that while it is natural to assume the worst, in reality “the [P2E] the model needs adjustments and several attempts, before it really works. ”
In fact, the Crypto Raiders team researched and sorted out the possibilities of hybrid models and how it can work as an interaction of games performed on and off the blockchain.
Kreupner said it is important to note:
“Where does the [player] where does the revenue come from? »
This sentiment stems from the current landscape of gambling and earning models that typically derive revenue from new players, which is why it is often seen or described as a ponzi.
According to Kreupner, a hybrid model would appear as both pay-to-play (P2P) and free-to-play (F2P). In this hybrid model, new players could easily enjoy the game for free but would need resources, or in this case, in-game assets mined by P2P players to progress.
Related: Crypto Raiders Explains How Blockchain Gaming Attracts New Users to Web3
Pleasure rather than “financialization” is the path to mass adoption
When asked about concerns about fun and gaming monetization, Crypto Raiders acknowledged that traditional and Web3 gamers each fear that monetizing gaming mechanics will tarnish their hobby.
As a solution, Crypto Raiders prefers “play to own” rather than “play to win” as a way to drive home the value players receive with provenance over that of AAA games. Although many gamers have expressed a desire for more game ownership and autonomy, Kreupner says it’s no surprise that gamers have a negative view of Web3 gamers.
“Gamers are really pushing back on microtransactions”, so when it comes to NFT games, the backlash is expected, but interestingly, many gamers would love the opportunity to be in the gaming business “while earning money doing it,” says Kreupner.
While mainstream gamers seem to have a distaste for Web3 games, David Titarenco highlighted the importance of game accessibility when it comes to adoption. In terms of the integration and success of a Web3 game, Titarenco defined the idea process as follows:
“Ask your grandma in the Midwest to play it.”
Plug in and Listen to the full episode of NFT Steez!
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