Massively multiplayer online (MMO) games have been a popular genre of video games for decades, offering players a chance to immerse themselves in a virtual world and interact with other players from around the globe. However, the gaming industry is now on the brink of a new era with the emergence of Web3 gaming. Web3 gaming is set to revolutionize the gaming industry as it promises to offer gamers an unprecedented level of autonomy, ownership and control over their gaming experience, by leveraging the power blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT). This article will explore the exciting world of Web3 gaming and the opportunities it presents for the MMO genre. We will look at some of the key features of Web3 gaming and how it could potentially change the way we think about games nowadays.
TD;LR:Web3 gaming leverages blockchain technology to provide gamers with unprecedented autonomy and control over their gaming experience, including ownership rights to in-game assets and the ability to trade them using cryptocurrencies.
The benefits of Web3 gaming for the MMO genre are decentralization, transparency, player-driven economy, Interoperability andcommunity-driven development. One of the technologies that can revolutionize MMOs is the Metavers as well as the play-to-own model that allows players to truly own their in-game assets.
What are MMO Games?
MMO games are games that allow players to interact with each other in a virtual world. These games are typically massive (hence the name), with thousands of players all playing in the same world. MMO games provide players with a social experience, where they can team up with other players to complete missions or quests. MMO games have been around for many years, and they continue to be popular among gamers.
With the advent of Web 3.0 technology, there has been a lot of buzz about the potential of decentralized applications, blockchain, and smart contracts to revolutionize online gaming, and enhance the MMO experience.
Some of the most popular Web3 MMOs are Ember Sword, Infinite Fleet and BLOCKLORDS.
One of the most exciting aspects of Web 3.0 MMOs is the potential for player-driven economies. In traditional MMOs, in-game currencies are often controlled by the game developer and are subject to inflation or deflation based on their decisions. In Web 3.0 MMOs, however, the economy is entirely in the hands of the players. They can create and trade their own currencies, set their own prices, and even launch their own businesses within the game world. This creates a much more dynamic and engaging experience, where players are actively shaping the world around them and competing for resources in a more realistic way.
What is Web3 Gaming?
Web3 gaming is a term used to describe the use of blockchain technology in the gaming industry. This technology allows for the creation of decentralized gaming platforms that are transparent and secure. Web3 gaming provides gamers with more control over their gaming experiences, as they have the ability to own and trade in-game assets. This is a significant shift from traditional gaming, where players do not have ownership rights to in-game items.
Web3 gaming platforms are built on blockchain technology, which is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions. This means that transactions are transparent, immutable, and cannot be altered.
Blockchain technology ensures that in-game items and digital assets are unique, verifiable, and cannot be duplicated or counterfeited. This provides gamers with the assurance that the in-game items they own are authentic and have real-world value. These digital collectibles, also called NFTs, are unique, verifiable, and have real-world value and can be bought, sold, and traded on blockchain-based platforms. Web3 games are still in their early stages, but many people believe that crypto gaming will be the catalyst to massive blockchain adoption
The Advantages of Web3 Gaming for the MMO genre:
The draws of blockchain technology
1. Decentralization: Web3 MMOs operate on a decentralized blockchain, which means that the game’s data and assets are stored on a distributed ledger rather than on a central server. This makes the game more secure, as there is no single point of failure, and it also allows players to truly own their in-game assets.
2. Transparency: The use of blockchain technology in Web3 MMOs also allows for greater transparency, as all transactions are recorded on the blockchain and can be easily audited. This reduces the risk of fraud and cheating in the game.
3. Player-driven economy: In traditional MMOs, the game’s economy is controlled by the game developers. However, in Web3 MMOs, the economy is driven by the players themselves. This means that players have more control over the game’s economy, and can even make money by selling in-game assets.
4. Interoperability: Web3 MMOs are designed to be interoperable, which means that players can take their in-game assets from one game and use them in another game. This allows for greater flexibility and choice for players, and encourages collaboration between different games.
5. Community-driven development: Because WEB 3 MMOs operate on a decentralized blockchain, they are often developed by community-driven teams, through gaming DAO’s rather than large game development companies. This allows for greater creativity and innovation in game development, as well as a more open and collaborative development process.
Although the crypto industry is often associated with being “trustless,” it actually has one of the most passionate and devoted communities. While this community may have some spillover effects, the real impact of blockchain technology lies in its ability to enhance other areas. One particularly noteworthy area is the emergence of tokens and tradeable NFTs with true ownership, which promotes trust among users. This is ironic considering the industry’s core value of being trustless. However, with player-to-environment (P2E) gaming becoming increasingly important, the communities you build must rely on trust to thrive, similar to real-life communities.
The Play-to-Own model
In traditional MMOs, players typically do not own the in-game assets they acquire, such as weapons, armor, or even characters. These assets are controlled by the game developers, and players are merely renting them while playing the game. This means that if the player stops playing the game or the game shuts down, all their progress and assets are lost.
In contrast, the play-to-own model used in some Web3 MMOs allows players to truly own their in-game assets. This is made possible by the use of blockchain technology, which allows for the creation of unique digital assets that can be bought, sold, and traded just like physical assets.
By owning their in-game assets, players have greater control over their gaming experience and can even earn real-world value from their gameplay. For example, in some play-to-own MMOs, players can sell their in-game assets on marketplaces, giving tangible value to their efforts.
Overall, the play-to-own model is a significant shift in the gaming industry, and it is becoming increasingly popular with players who want more ownership and control over their gaming experience.
MMOs and the Metaverse?
MMOs have been around for decades, offering players the chance to explore virtual worlds, battle monsters, and interact with other players in real-time. Some people believe the MMOs are the ancestors of the Metaverse. With the help of the metaverse and Web 3.0 tools, these games are becoming more sophisticated and interconnected, allowing players to seamlessly move between different games and platforms.
At the heart of this evolution is the concept of the metaverse, a virtual space where players can engage with each other and with digital assets in a decentralized, peer-to-peer environment. The metaverse is essentially a network of interconnected virtual worlds, games, and experiences, all built on top of a shared blockchain infrastructure.
In this new world, players can move seamlessly between different games and platforms, taking their assets and characters with them. They can buy and sell virtual goods and services, and even create their own games and experiences using the same underlying technology.
The potential for MMOs in the metaverse is enormous, and we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible. As more developers and players get involved, we can expect to see new and innovative games and experiences that truly push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of gaming. From immersive virtual worlds to decentralized marketplaces for digital goods and services, the opportunities are endless.
Web3 MMO’s to Watch
BLOCKLORDS
Developed by MetaKing Studios, BLOCKLORDS is a MMO grand strategy title, built on Polygon and Immutable X. The world is set in the medieval era, and players can choose their path. Whether you want to be a farmer, and live a relaxing life, or a warrior thirsty for battle, the choice is yours. The game boasts the play-to-own model, enabling players to be their assets, and as they progress, they unlock new skills and traits – creating a unique experience for every player. BLOCKLORDS’s backers include some of the biggest names in the web3 gaming scene,Animoca Brands, Square Enix, GameStop, and Makers’ Fund and its set to redefine the MMO strategy genre. Check out some exclusive BLOCKLORDS gameplay!
Ember Sword
Ember Sword is an innovative MMORPG that offers players a great level of freedom and control. The game’s open-world design allows players to explore a vast and varied landscape, interact with other players, and shape the game’s economy. Unlike many traditional MMORPGs, Ember Sword is not goal-oriented, meaning that players are free to pursue their own interests and goals without being constrained by the game’s design. The game’s unique social sandbox approach means that players can interact with each other in a variety of ways, from PvP battles to cooperative PvE quests. Ember Sword is leveraging the Ethereum blockchain to power collectible NFTs and land ownership.
Infinite Fleet
Infinity Fleet is set in the futuristic world of the year 2150 where humanity has discovered a new form of energy that has allowed them to travel to the far reaches of space. Players take on the role of fleet commanders, tasked with exploring new territories, engaging in battles, and completing missions to advance their fleets.
The game was developed by Pixelmatic and is built on Liquid Network,which is a secondary layer of the Bitcoin blockchain. As for the business model, Infinity Fleet is free-to-play, meaning anyone can download and start playing the game without paying any money. However players can buy and trade in-game purchases such as cosmetic items, ship upgrades, and other gameplay enhancements.
Final thoughts
As Web3 gaming is still in its early stages, it will be interesting to see how it develops and evolves over time, but there is no doubt that it has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work and have fun. If you’re a gamer, it’s worth exploring the world of Web3 gaming and experiencing firsthand the benefits of decentralized gaming platforms. And if you’re a developer or entrepreneur, consider exploring the opportunities that Web3 gaming presents for new business models, innovative game design, and community-driven development. The future of gaming is here, and it’s time to be a part of it.
