The gaming industry has come leaps and bounds since the introduction of the Magnavox Odyssey, back in 1972. We have progressed through Web1, Web2, and are now entering the new age of the internet with Web3, and with the evolution of the internet, comes the evolution of gaming.

Blockchain technology has revolutionized the gaming industry, bringing transparency to games, and complete ownership to players, something that was always missing in web2 gaming experiences. We have seen many Web3 games and publishers get the green light from VC’s and investors, such as Fenix Games and BLOCKLORDS, as the technology gets recognition outside the realm of finance.

Over the last few years, most Web3 games have boasted the Play to Earn model, where players earn tokens, or in some cases NFTs, which can be sold on the open market for real gain. Whilst this has done some good, by giving those in less fortunate circumstances to earn a living, the execution of most P2E games has been poor from a tokenomics standpoint, leading to an unsustainable growth model, and exponentially devaluing the tokens earned.

When a financial incentive is added, the motive behind playing, and the experience of playing the game are drastically changed, moving everything away from fun- which is why we play games in the first place!

This is where Play to Own shines.

What is Play to Own?

Play to Own, or P2O for short, is another web3 gaming model, which is much better aligned with the intention of Web2 games. With a focus on longevity and fun, Play to Own games encourage players to hold onto their in-game assets, using a range of game mechanics that give assets unique and dynamic traits that depend on the actions of the player. The end result is that any one player's experience is totally different from the next, and gives real value to the time and effort invested.

This is something that is missing in web2 games, as even though you can obtain items and level up characters, as a player you do not own them, and they can be taken away from you as fast as you can log in.

Creating a gaming ecosystem where unique experiences can be harboured and owned by the players, brings us one step closer to the perfect gaming experience.

The play-to-own model essentially utilises Web3 technology in a way that brings the focus back on fun, whilst also keeping all the draws of Web3 gaming intact.

Which is better? Play to Own vs Play to Earn?

Each model has their place and ultimately serves different purposes in gaming. For die-hard gamers, Play to Own is the most familiar in terms of play style and intent, as the experience resembles that of Web2 games. Players are able to play with the sole purpose of enjoyment and items aren’t just there to be sold, but to be a part of the experience for the long run. it's likely that this model will lead the charge when it comes to onboarding the biggest games onto Web3.

Although the Play to Earn experience isn’t conventional gaming, the wider economic impact cannot be denied. It has provided those in less fortunate situations to earn a living off of something they truly enjoy - a rare occurrence in the game of life. Something like that cannot be knocked, as the value added to society is more than just a few bucks earned. Games and fun should be available to people from all walks of life, and if it is able to help them in an economic sense, who’s to say that is wrong? Play to Earn has its place in the space, but maybe not in the same conversation as the future of blockchain games as a whole

The sustainability of the Play to Own model is what sets it apart from other models, and for web3 games to compete on the stage as the biggest web2 titles - or get them on board - longevity must be a focal factor.

Play to Own games

BLOCKLORDS

BLOCKLORDS is first Web3 grand strategy game, and is progressively pushing the Play to Own model. Developed by MetaKing Studios, the game is a medieval strategy game, in which players choose their path and create their own story. Whether you want to be a farmer or a lord of the land, the choice is yours. The games NFT’s have unique traits that develop through the game, creating a personalised experience for each player. Check out some exclusive BLOCKLORDS gameplay!

Upland

Upland is a city-building metaverse, where players buy, sell and trade property - but its more than that. Players connect to build cities, communities, societies and economies, as the game aims to blur the boundaries between the virtual and physical worlds. The game has seen great traction over the last couple years, and had the honour of being FIFA’s metaverse partner for the 2022 world cup.

Reign of Terror

Another new MMO strategy game, this time set in a feudalistic cyberpunk society. Players choose their squad and complete missions, and use resources to craft armour and weapons. RoT is more than completing some side missions, join a faculty or guild and form alliances to experience the depth of the social, and economic strategy side to the game. They have recently revealed more on their utility pass, which provides access to the ecosystem and more.

The Future of Play to Own, 2023 and Beyond

The Play to Own model seems like a perfect fit for many genres, such as MMORPGS, adventure games and more, due to its focus on longevity and the overall gaming experience.

As the Web3 space grows, we must ensure that the experience for users is as similar as can be to Web2, enabling a seamless transition into the next generation of the internet. For gaming, it's the same story. To onboard Web2 gamers into the Web3 gaming ecosystem, a feeling of familiarity must be produced, and here is where Play-to-Own will take centre stage.

Centred around fun, Play to Own encompasses everything gamers currently care about, whilst using blockchain technology to games to create experiences that players can own for themselves. currently, it is hard to truly own your experience, with centralised authorities holding the keys to fun, being able to turn the lights off with the flick of a button. Web3 gaming, utilising the Play to Own model brings an end to the tyranny, and gives power to the players - creating an experience like no other.

Web3 is a concept that has been shifting perceptions since its inception and is transforming industries to the next level, beyond our conscious capabilities. Now, web3 gaming has the potential to revolutionize the gaming experience forever.

The development of web3 gaming has opened up a whole new realm of exciting experiences for casual and die-hard gamers. Web3 gaming provides an online experience that allows gamers to engage in decentralized gaming experiences, as games operate on the blockchain. All the rules, results, and rewards are transparent and verifiable and prevent any potential fraud or manipulation. As gamers, the opportunity to play games securely and transparently, with full ownership of our experiences is as close to the perfect gaming experience as we can get and is only made possible thanks to smart contracts and blockchain technology.

Web3 gaming aims to transform the online gaming sector by providing gamers with low-cost transactions and complete control over their data. It also provides creators with the tools to genre-defining games. The web3 gaming industry has untapped potential that should not be overlooked. Over the last year, billions of dollars have been poured into the space, with game investors backing the biggest games, such as BLOCKLORDS and Dogami. Web3 games have a bright future, and with a focus on research & development activities, user experience, and collaboration with the conventional gaming business, web3 can redefine the gaming scene. Prepare for the future of gaming with web3; the revolution is here.

The Opportunities in Web3 Gaming

With a focus on decentralization and ownership, web3 gaming allows you, as a player, to have complete control and autonomy over your game experience.

And what about those in-game assets you’ve worked so hard to acquire? With the power of blockchain technology, you can now truly own them, and they are yours! That’s right: You can buy, sell, trade, and even invest in your in-game assets, giving them real-world value and meaning. All those seasons of grinding to be left with cool skin and depleted serotonin are no more! In-game assets earned are now 100 percent owned by you. As a player, you are at the centre of this exciting new gaming frontier, where your efforts and skills are rewarded.

Another upscaled trait of web3 games is the possibility of interoperability. Interoperability refers to the ability for in-game assets to be portable and accessible across multiple games and platforms. Players can take their in-game identity with them as they switch from one game to another, and since those assets are placed on the blockchain, they will always be available! Enhancing the overall gaming experience and allowing for greater flexibility in the games players choose to play.

The rise of web3 gaming opens up a world of opportunities for players to also monetize their skills, time, and creativity within the game. Think of it as turning fantasy into reality. Some gaming models use NFTs and tokens within the in-game economy allowing players to be rewarded for their efforts.

There is also a big opportunity for developers! No longer bound by the limitations of centralized systems, developers can now dream up new ways for players to earn, engage, and thrive within their games. The use of smart contracts gives developers the freedom to play around and create intricate in-game economies, and mechanics that would not be possible until now.

Web3 gaming presents significant improvements to the current gaming experience through complete ownership and monetization of assets and experiences, and the ability to create an interoperable gaming ecosystem, a concept unheard of before now. This can only be possible thanks to the use of smart contracts and blockchain technology

Challenges for Web3 Gaming

Technical Complexity

Web3 gaming poses a unique set of technological challenges, necessitating a thorough grasp of blockchain technology. Building and maintaining a decentralized network is a difficult task that requires specific knowledge of complicated topics. However, advancements in development tools, frameworks, and libraries are making it easier for developers to build web3 solutions with reduced complexity.

Scalability

Scalability is a recurring issue being faced in web3. Networks must be capable of handling massive amounts of data and transactions created by gaming apps quickly and efficiently. Considerable investment in research and development, as well as cutting-edge technology, is necessary to address this obstacle.

While scalability is still a challenge, ongoing research and development are improving the scalability of web3 games solutions. Layer 2 solutions such as Immutable X and Boba Network, enable games to run as cheaply as possible, without compromising on the user experience.

Adoption and User Awareness

To truly bring web3 gaming to the masses, we must go beyond just marketing and outreach efforts. Instead, we need to tap into the power of community-building and gamification to educate users on the benefits of decentralized gaming and inspire them to become part of this revolutionary movement. One approach could be to host decentralized gaming tournaments and events where participants may compete for rewards in a fair and transparent atmosphere, showcasing the advantages of decentralized gaming and fostering a solid and engaged community.

Regulatory and legal challenges

The regulatory and legal landscape for web3 is still largely uncharted territory, and navigating the complex issues of intellectual property, data privacy, and security requires expert legal counsel and strategic planning, to ensure the longevity of web3 gaming.

Best Practices and Future Trends in Web3 Gaming

User-Centric Design

The future of web3 gaming is all about putting the player first. By implementing user-centred design, which simply involves the process in which the needs, wants, and limitations of end-users are given active consideration at every stage of the design process, creating gaming environments that prioritize the player’s needs, preferences, and enjoyment, we can reach the pinnacle of gaming experiences.

This approach leads to more engaging and memorable gaming experiences that keep players returning for more. To enhance this experience, massive adoption and integration with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the next big thing in gaming. By integrating NFTs into video games, developers can give players actual ownership of in-game items, allowing them to trade, collect, and showcase their virtual assets like never before. This is one of the essential features of this unique and one-of-a-kind gaming experience; as a gamer, you finally have the right to own.

Collaboration with the Traditional Gaming Industry

The gaming industry is evolving, and web3 gaming is at the forefront of this change. By working with traditional gaming companies, web3-based games can tap into their expertise and resources, bringing the best of both worlds to players everywhere. This collaboration is paving the way for a brighter, more exciting future for gaming.

Community Building

Web3 community building differs from Web2 community building in that it incorporates greater direct engagement and ownership by community members via decentralized governance, and really puts meaning behind “power to the players”. Web3 communities also embrace openness, collaboration, and longevity, and similar to traditional gaming communities, come together to get behind a common cause. For any web3 game, or project for that matter, building a strong community is imperative for success.

Future Trends

With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, web3 gaming is likely to become even more immersive, allowing players to dive into their favorite games and explore new virtual worlds. We may also see the development of games that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to create dynamic and responsive environments that are personalized to each player’s preferences. With the advancement of AI and machine learning, it would be exciting to see what the impact on web3 gaming will be.

Conclusion

The emergence of web3 gaming presents a unique and exciting opportunity to bring gaming to the next level. By leveraging blockchain technology, web3 gaming offers players greater ownership, transparency, and control over their in-game assets and experiences.

To fully realize this new gaming era’s potential, the industry must embrace vital trends such as user-centered design, community building, and collaboration with the traditional gaming industry. By prioritizing the needs and wants of players, web3 gaming has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about gaming and offer a truly immersive and equitable experience.