Despite the growing buzz around blockchain games like Axie Infinity, Gods Unchained, Star Atlas, Decentraland, and The Sandbox within the blockchain community, their penetration into the mainstream gaming community remains modest. This limited influence points to a significant opportunity within an industry ripe for innovation.
A survey conducted by OnePoll for Unstoppable Games indicates that blockchain gaming is still in its nascent stages with considerable potential waiting to be tapped. The poll, involving 2,000 adults, found that 52% were entirely unfamiliar with blockchain gaming, and another 32% had heard of it but never engaged with it directly.
The survey highlighted a common pain point among gamers: the loss of in-game purchases and downloadable content (DLC) due to the closure of game studios and shutdowns of game servers. A significant 63% of respondents believed that refunds should be issued for in-game purchases lost when games are permanently discontinued.
About one-third of participants (34%) felt that decisions to discontinue game servers and take games offline should be influenced or made by the gaming community rather than solely by game developers or publishers.
Blockchain as a Solution
Blockchain technology introduces a compelling solution to issues of asset loss in gaming through the use of nonfungible tokens (NFTs). By anchoring in-game assets to the blockchain, gamers not only secure ownership but also gain the ability to resell these items, which traditionally have no resale value outside the game’s ecosystem.
The centralization prevalent in the gaming industry often limits players’ ability to monetize their in-game achievements and assets. Blockchain gaming platforms challenge this norm by providing players with real economic incentives and opportunities to generate income through gameplay.
Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity serves as a prime example of how blockchain can transform gaming economies. In 2021, the game reported $1.3 billion in revenues, substantially aiding players, particularly in developing countries. Some players reported earning up to $1,300 per month by trading and battling with Axies, the game’s digital creatures.
The success of Axie Infinity underscores the potential of blockchain games to create vibrant marketplaces for in-game assets, allowing players to capitalize on their gaming skills and investments by trading these assets for real-world value.
The Future of Blockchain Gaming
As blockchain technology continues to evolve, the potential for its integration into more mainstream gaming platforms grows. This integration promises to enhance the security of digital assets, introduce new forms of player engagement, and provide additional revenue streams for both developers and players.
The ongoing development of blockchain games could lead to a paradigm shift in how games are created, played, and monetized, potentially disrupting the traditional gaming industry’s business models.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Awareness among gamers | 52% unaware, 32% aware but not engaged |
| Impact of game server closures | 63% support refunds for lost in-game purchases |
| Blockchain gaming benefits | Secure ownership, resale value, income generation |
| Notable blockchain game | Axie Infinity with $1.3 billion in 2021 revenues |
The intersection of blockchain technology and gaming presents a transformative opportunity for the industry. While current awareness and adoption among traditional gamers remain low, the success stories of platforms like Axie Infinity illustrate the vast potential of blockchain games to redefine norms and establish lucrative, player-centric economies. As the technology matures and more gamers recognize its benefits, blockchain could very well become integral to the gaming world.
Featured image credit: Igor Karimov via Unsplash