The Evolving Landscape of Crypto and NFT Gaming
In the ever-evolving world of gaming, the integration of blockchain and NFTs is creating ripples of change. This article takes a closer look at some of the latest shifts and challenges in the crypto and NFT gaming sector. From the decision of a chess platform to ditch play-to-earn models due to cheating, to strategic alliances aimed at simplifying game development in the Web3 era, these developments highlight the ongoing transformation and adaptation within the gaming industry.
Immortal Games Abandons Play-to-Earn Model Due to Cheating
Immortal Games, an online chess platform, has decided to discontinue its NFT marketplace and Checkmate token (CMT), citing rampant cheating as the primary reason. Initially built on the Ethereum scaling network Immutable X, the platform aimed to reward players through crypto prizes. However, this play-to-earn mechanic led to widespread cheating, degrading the user experience. Despite securing $15.5 million in funding, the value of CMT plummeted by over 73% this year. The team plans to continue exploring Web3 and decentralized technologies, focusing on anti-cheat measures and community engagement. This move reflects the challenges faced by blockchain games in balancing financial incentives and fair play.
Rally Protocol and Taki Games Partnership for Simplified Web3 Game Building
Taki Games, known for its expertise in mobile game development, has partnered with Rally Protocol to simplify the process of building Web3 games. This collaboration will introduce in-app wallets for TAKI rewards through RallyMobile and RallyTransact, enabling players to earn tokens while playing games. RallyMobile’s End-User Agreement (EOA) solution offers a non-custodial experience, simplifying the onboarding process for new gamers. This partnership aims to lower the entry barriers for users and developers in the Web3 space, focusing on user engagement and improving scalability and user retention in gaming.
Blockchain Game Alliance's 2023 Industry Report
The Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA) has released its annual industry report, surveying its 390 member companies and 110 individuals from over 70 countries. The report highlights that the top benefit of blockchain technology in gaming is the ownership of assets by gamers. However, the majority of respondents anticipate a slow year in 2024 regarding adoption by traditional game companies. The report also reveals that 44% of respondents receive some portion of their salary in crypto. This report provides valuable insights into the current state and future expectations of the blockchain gaming industry.
Chain Switchers in Blockchain Gaming
One of the notable trends in the blockchain gaming world is the migration of games between different blockchains, seeking optimal technological solutions. For instance, Rogue Nation from Moonlit Games, initially deployed on Polygon, has announced its move to Avalanche subnet Beam. This shift aims to blend creative game development with cutting-edge blockchain technology for enhanced gaming experiences. Similarly, Vietnam-based Mirai Labs is migrating its games, including Petopia and Pegaxy, from Polygon to the Avalanche subnet of Mirai Chain, designed specifically for mobile games. These migrations reflect the dynamic nature of blockchain gaming, where developers are continuously seeking better platforms for scalability, user experience, and technological advantages.
LINE NEXT Raises $140 Million for DOSI Mobile Gaming Platform
LINE NEXT, the US-based blockchain arm of South Korean social network Line, has raised $140 million from Crescendo Equity Partners. This investment will accelerate the growth of its DOSI blockchain social and gaming platform. The DOSI platform, which integrates with the existing Line NFT marketplace, aims to attract web2 game developers to sell non-blockchain assets and currencies alongside NFTs. With around 5.5 million DOSI users and over 20 million NFTs distributed, LINE NEXT is setting a standard for Web3 apps that are easily accessible and adoptable by general users.
The stories from Immortal Game, Taki Games, the Blockchain Game Alliance, and others reflect a gaming world in flux. As developers and companies navigate the complexities of blockchain integration and the challenges it brings, the gaming landscape continues to adapt and evolve.
