What are Web3 Games? | Popular Web3 Games and Platforms [2023]

Decode Web3 gaming for a smooth ride to the gaming world!

12 May 2023 | 12 min read

Table of Contents

Web3 games are an exciting new development in the world of gaming, offering players a unique and immersive experience that leverages the power of blockchain technology. In this article, we will explore what web3 games are, how they work, and the benefits they offer players.

Understanding Web3 Games

Before delving into the specifics of web3 games, it’s important to first have an understanding of what web3 is. In simple terms, web3 refers to the third generation of the internet, which is designed to be decentralized, open, and more secure than previous iterations of the web.

Defining Web3

At its core, web3 is built on blockchain technology, which allows for the creation of decentralized applications that run on a network of computers rather than a single server. This means that web3 applications are not controlled by any centralized entity but are instead owned and operated by a community of users.

The decentralized nature of web3 makes it more secure than previous iterations of the web. With traditional web2 applications, data is stored on centralized servers, which are vulnerable to hacking and other security breaches. In contrast, web3 applications are stored on a decentralized network of computers, making it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to user data.

Source: Coinloan

The Evolution of Gaming: From Web1 to Web3

Gaming has always been an integral part of the internet, with web1 games such as Pong and Tetris paving the way for more complex web2 games like World of Warcraft and League of Legends. However, with the advent of web3, gaming is set to undergo another evolution, with games that offer true ownership of in-game assets, play-to-earn models, and community-driven development.

Web1 games were simple and often text-based, with limited graphics and gameplay. As technology advanced, web2 games became more complex, with better graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics. However, web2 games are still controlled by centralized entities, which means that players have limited control over the direction of the game and do not truly own their in-game assets.

With web3 games, players have more control over the direction of the game and truly own their in-game assets. This is made possible by the use of blockchain technology, which allows for the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that represent in-game assets. These NFTs can be bought, sold, and traded outside of the game, giving players true ownership of their assets.

How do Web3 Games work?

Web3 games have several key features that set them apart from traditional web2 games. These include:

Decentralization – Web3 games are decentralized, meaning that players own their in-game assets and have more control over the direction of the game.
True Ownership – In web3 games, players own their in-game assets as NFTs, which allows for true ownership and the ability to sell or trade these assets outside of the game.
Play-to-Earn – Web3 games offer a play-to-earn model, allowing players to earn crypto by playing the game and participating in the community.
Community-Driven Development – Web3 games are developed by a community of users rather than a centralized entity, allowing for a more collaborative and democratic approach to game development.

Web3 Games vs Traditional Games

Decentralization is one of the key features of web3 games, and it has several benefits for players. With traditional web2 games, players are often at the mercy of the game’s developers and publishers. If the developers decide to shut down the game or change the rules, players have no say in the matter. However, with web3 games, players own their in-game assets and have more control over the direction of the game. This means that players can vote on changes to the game and have a say in its development.

True ownership is another key feature of web3 games. In traditional web2 games, players do not truly own their in-game assets. Instead, they are often subject to the whims of the game’s developers and publishers. However, with web3 games, players own their in-game assets as NFTs. This means that they can buy, sell, and trade their assets outside of the game. This gives players more control over their assets and allows them to monetize their gameplay.

Play-to-earn is a unique feature of web3 games that allows players to earn crypto by playing the game and participating in the community. This is made possible by the use of blockchain technology, which allows for the creation of decentralized economies within games. Players can earn crypto by completing in-game tasks, participating in tournaments, and contributing to the development of the game. This creates a new way for players to monetize their gameplay and earn a living playing games.

Finally, community-driven development is a key feature of web3 games. With traditional web2 games, development is often controlled by a centralized entity, such as a game developer or publisher. However, with web3 games, development is driven by a community of users. This allows for a more collaborative and democratic approach to game development, with players having a say in the direction of the game and the features that are included.

In conclusion, web3 games represent a new era of gaming that is more decentralized, open, and secure than previous iterations of the web. With features such as true ownership, play-to-earn, and community-driven development, web3 games offer a unique and exciting gaming experience that is sure to attract players from all over the world.

Popular Web3 Games and Platforms

There are several popular web3 games and platforms that are making waves in the gaming world. These include:

Decentraland

Decentraland is a virtual world built on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing players to own and develop their own plots of land in the game. The game features a range of activities, from gaming to socializing and even shopping.

Players can create their own avatars and explore the vast virtual world, which is divided into different zones and districts. Each district has its own theme and unique features, such as art galleries, casinos, and even nightclubs.

One of the most interesting aspects of Decentraland is the ability for players to create and monetize their own content. This means that players can design and sell their own virtual items, such as clothing and accessories, or even create their own mini-games within the platform.

The Sandbox

The Sandbox is another virtual world built on the blockchain, with a focus on game creation and user-generated content. Players can design, build, and monetize their own games within the platform.

The game features a voxel-based design, allowing players to create 3D objects using a simple and intuitive interface. This means that even players with no prior game development experience can create their own games and experiences within The Sandbox.
The most exciting feature of The Sandbox is the players having the ability to monetize their creations. This means that players can earn crypto by selling their games and virtual items to other players within the platform.

Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game that uses NFTs as in-game assets. Players can breed and battle creatures called Axies, with the ability to earn crypto by participating in the game.

The game features a unique battle system, where players must strategically deploy their Axies to defeat their opponents. Each Axie has its own unique set of traits and abilities, making it important for players to carefully choose which Axies to breed and train.

One of the most interesting aspects of Axie Infinity is the ability for players to earn crypto by participating in the game. This means that players can potentially earn a significant amount of money by breeding and battling their Axies.

CryptoKitties

CryptoKitties is one of the earliest web3 games, allowing players to collect, breed, and trade digital cats as NFTs. The game gained widespread attention in 2017 due to its unique gameplay and the high value of some of the rare cats.

The game features a breeding system, where players can breed their cats to create new, unique offspring. Each cat has its own set of traits and attributes, which can be passed down to its offspring.

One of the most interesting aspects of CryptoKitties is the rarity of some of the cats. Some of the rarest cats have sold for thousands of dollars, making it a potentially lucrative game for players who are able to breed and collect these rare cats.

The Benefits of Web3 Gaming

Web3 gaming offers several benefits to players, including:

True Ownership of Digital Assets

Unlike traditional web2 games, where in-game assets are owned and controlled by the game developer, web3 games allow players to truly own their in-game assets as NFTs. This means that players have more control over their gaming experience and the ability to profit from their in-game assets outside of the game.

For instance, a player who owns a rare NFT sword in a web3 game can sell it to another player for a profit, or even trade it for another valuable item in the game. This creates a new level of value and excitement for players, as they can invest in their gaming experience and potentially earn real-world rewards for their efforts.

Play-to-Earn Model

Web3 games offer a play-to-earn model, allowing players to earn crypto by playing the game and participating in the community. This provides a new avenue for income generation and enables players to monetize their gaming skills.
For example, a skilled player who participates in a web3 game’s competitive events can earn crypto rewards for their performance. This creates a new level of motivation for players, as they can earn real-world value for their gaming achievements.

Enhanced Security and Privacy

Blockchain technology provides enhanced security and privacy compared to traditional web2 games, as the decentralized nature of the blockchain network means that there is no single point of failure. This makes web3 games more resistant to hacking and other forms of cyber attacks.

Additionally, web3 games often use advanced encryption and secure login methods to protect players’ personal information and prevent unauthorized access to their accounts. This creates a safer and more secure gaming experience for players, which is especially important in today’s digital landscape.

Community-Driven Development

Web3 games are developed by a community of users rather than a centralized entity, allowing for a more democratic and collaborative approach to game development. This means that players have more say in the direction of the game, and game updates and improvements are driven by the needs and desires of the community.

For instance, a web3 game developer may solicit feedback from the community on new features or gameplay mechanics, and implement changes based on that feedback. This creates a more engaging and personalized gaming experience for players, as they feel like they have a direct impact on the game’s development.

In conclusion, web3 gaming offers a new level of ownership, income generation, security, and community engagement for players. As the web3 ecosystem continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of web3 gaming.

Risk associated with Web3 games

Though web3is making the rounds for the new possibilities that it is bringing into the table; however, there are a few risks that comes with it. They are:

Security Vulnerabilities: Web3 gaming relies on blockchain technology and smart contracts, which introduce new security risks. Smart contracts can have bugs or vulnerabilities that may be exploited by hackers, leading to financial losses or unauthorized access to user accounts.
Lack of Regulation: Web3 gaming operates in a relatively unregulated environment compared to traditional gaming platforms. This lack of oversight can result in fraudulent practices, unfair gameplay, or scams that can harm players’ interests and investments.
Volatility of the Crypto space: Web3 gaming often involves the use of crypto for in-game transactions, purchases, or rewards. The value of crypto can be highly volatile, leading to unpredictable changes in the purchasing power of players’ assets or rewards, potentially resulting in significant financial losses.
Privacy Concerns: Web3 gaming typically requires users to provide personal information or link their digital wallets to participate fully. This can raise privacy concerns as players’ personal data may be vulnerable to breaches or misuse, compromising their identity or financial security.
Accessibility and Adoption Barriers: Web3 gaming relies on blockchain infrastructure and crypto wallets, which can present technical barriers to entry for casual players. The complexity of these systems, including the need for digital wallets, private keys, and knowledge of blockchain technology, may limit the accessibility and adoption of Web3 gaming for a broader audience.

Conclusion

Web3 games offer a unique and exciting gaming experience that leverages the power of blockchain technology. With true ownership of in-game assets, play-to-earn models, and community-driven development, web3 games represent the future of gaming and offer several benefits to players. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, web3 games are definitely worth exploring. Is web3 the future of gaming? We will have to wait and see how it unfolds itself further!

FAQs

What are the benefits of Web3 gaming?

Web3 brings with it the right to ownership, the possibility of earning while playing at the comfort of your space along with a lot of other features like security, and community engagement for players.

How Web3 is changing the gaming industry?

Web3 gaming is not only a mere part of the crypto industry, but it is also clubbing the usage of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for in-game assets.

How do Web3 games make money?

By making use of the blockchain technology, Web3 is enabling decentralized ownership of in-game assets and currencies, by allowing players to earn, trade, and make use of these assets outside of the game. The Web3 gaming industry also often make use of crypto tokens as payment option and smart contracts in order to make secure and transparent transactions.