Challenges and Opportunities in Web3 Gaming
Sebastien Borget, Co-founder and COO of Sandbox, discussed in an interview with Crypto.News that while Web3 gaming has brought revolutionary changes to the gaming industry, it also faces a series of challenges, which is the main reason hindering its mainstream adoption. Compared to traditional gaming platforms, Web3 gaming allows players to engage in games in a new and decentralized way, increasing control and ownership over in-game assets such as items, characters, and currencies.
Hesitation from Mainstream Gaming Giants
Despite efforts from gaming giants like Ubisoft to integrate NFTs into their popular games, such as the attempt in “Tom Clancy’s The Division,” Web3 gaming still hasn’t received a strong response from the wider player community. According to a report from the Blockchain Game Alliance, 51% of users believe that player onboarding is the biggest challenge, while 37.2% believe that poor gameplay is an issue. This has led companies like Ubisoft and Sega to slow down the pace of launching new Web3 games in order to find ways to overcome the barrier of mass adoption.
Expected Industry Growth
Despite these challenges, it is projected that the Web3 gaming industry will experience significant growth, with the market size potentially reaching $30 billion by 2030. Borget shared his insights on the industry’s development, suggesting that AAA game companies may wait for innovations from small studios in the Web3 space before entering the industry. He explained that large companies are often reluctant to embrace the latest innovations because their existing business models heavily rely on the Web2 model.
Technological Integration and Development Challenges
From a technical perspective, Borget believes that the integration of blockchain technologies into game engines like Unity and Unreal is a major step forward, but issues such as player access and distribution still need to be addressed. He advises game developers to focus on creating engaging games and utilize middleware solutions to reduce the need for specific resources.
Strategies to Attract Traditional Gamers
Borget believes that the first step in attracting traditional gamers is through interesting gameplay and providing new experiences. Additionally, educating new players on how to get started is crucial, which is where game guilds and other communities can contribute. He also expresses optimism towards major platforms joining the Web3 gaming space, mentioning that Google Play and the Epic Store have already started moving in that direction, which will help users discover and enjoy good games without needing a deep understanding of blockchain technology.
The Role of NFTs and Token Economics in Enhancing the Gaming Experience
When discussing how NFTs and token economics can enhance player participation in games, Borget emphasizes that when players become content creators or owners of game assets, they become active participants in the game community rather than passive consumers. Through referrals from friends, adding content, and participating in the game economy, players not only gain financial benefits but also increase the enjoyment of the game, attracting more people to participate and play a role in value creation, thus driving deep player engagement.
Looking to the Future: The Intersection of AAA Games and Web3
Regarding whether we will see more AAA game publishers entering the Web3 gaming industry in the future, Borget expresses optimism. He points out that large companies like Square Enix, Ubisoft, and Atari have already begun developing games using blockchain technology and NFTs. With the involvement of these companies, it can be expected that more existing AAA game publishers will join the ranks, as they are challenged by existing free-to-play and premium game models and seek new opportunities.
Borget concludes by emphasizing that the combination of Web3 and AAA games will create an economic system that empowers both players and developers, providing value to players and offering developers a new business model. With the attraction of more players and a larger gaming community, this model may become the standard for Generation Z and gradually realize the freedom of digital asset trading and value creation.
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