When we think of the classic games we used to play, we were swept away with the latest technology that bought crisper graphics, sharper lines and new gaming features. I remember playing Zelda 64 for the first time and marvelled at Link’s ability to have his feet meet the rungs of a ladder perfectly. I know – pretty simple compared to today’s standards. But that was the thrill of it in part. It was the new technology that fuelled our excitement and anticipation.
That actually hasn’t changed. Whenever there’s new technology, gaming is sure to make use of it. And the latest toys in the playroom right now are Crypto and blockchain. Bitcoin, Solana, Ethereum all have a stake in this and it’s up to industry leaders to pave out the milestones ahead where and how blockchain will be used. For us, the ability to attach value to digital assets that can be used in our virtual and real worlds has opened up a chasm of potential, giving us just enough time to wonder how the gaming industry is going to make use of it.
Let’s look at what’s currently being used in games today and shine a light on where we’re all heading.
Micro enjoyment
When it comes to economies and transactions in games, there’s been a general feeling that things have become stale -and rightly so. While it’s generally a standard part of games to include a functioning money system and economy, the idea that this could equate to real life worth is still a novel concept. But, it’s not far fetched at all.
Micro transactions, which I’m sure you’re aware of, have burrowed into games and have jostled the gaming community into a bit of a state. Some are for it, and others believe it’s a tall order – adding an unfair advantage to those that are willing to pay more money (literal money). Those that are for micro transactions, exchange real money for in-game ‘special’ currency that allows them to buy skins, weapons, xp gains, gold etc. It’s a middle ground to how Crypto will eventually take its place
It’s easy to understand the frustrations of those that would rather gain these special items through skill and dedication to gameplay. They already pay large amounts of money on the base game, so are annoyed when certain items and aesthetics are only available to those that pay more.
The addition of Crypto changes this hugely, while also appeasing both parties (those for and against). If a game’s economy was on a blockchain, using a specific digital currency to track transactions then every item in the game, from a piece of bread in a tavern to a Legendary weapon in the hardest campaign would all be attainable. Players that wish to skip the accumulation of wealth in the game could still purchase the currency, but the hardcore players – those that sell every item and watch every sale – will quickly find themselves with the same buying options. They’re rewarded for their loyalty and dedication to the game.
The market is showing signs that this technology is, and will be, common place in this regard with an estimated market value of $125 million Dollars by 2032. And just as web3 games are growing pace, it’s not to much of a stretch for the imagination to see them incorporated into more mainstream games.
Power to the players
The other benefit to all this is that the idea of ownership really takes effect. You may have already heard of NFTs (unless you don’t use social media ever) but the principle is the same. Using blockchain technology, where every transaction is recorded with absolute accuracy, there could be no more confusion as to item ownership.
If you wanted to sell what you have earned in game, then the sale would be recorded immediately and automatically, with virtually no chance of error or manipulation. For games that really want to go for it, they could easily add truly unique items where there can only be one true owner.
The other benefit lies in the hands of creators. Games that allow for mods or player creations will have the opportunity to gain money from their creations. As people purchase an item (even if its one of a kind) the creator will forever receive a small portion of that sale. This is how NFTs work and we can really see the principle pass over here.
Weather you like the idea or not, these new technologies will inevitably come into your gaming time. Around the corner we’ll be having full blown conversations with AI powered NPCs, and the idea of having a cryptocurrency that’s usable in the real world and in your virtual world is really quite exciting. Being able to feel a level of ownership too of the things you pick up and trade is a brilliant way to engross us further.
Games will still advance in other ways too with the development of VR and running pads. That’s the beauty of it all. When a new technology comes into our view, we grasp it, experiment with it and then perfect it – giving us a deeper sense of realism that we all long for in our games.
