What are Web3 games?

Player-oriented Web3 games have transformed the gaming experience using blockchain technology, NFTs, and other decentralized technologies.

Apillon

Sep 29, 2023 • 4 min read

The principles of Web3 are changing how we act and interact with data in the digital world in a wide range of sectors, from finance, art, supply chains, governance, and healthcare to gaming.

No matter the industry, Web3 shifts traditionally centralized systems towards more decentralized, user-centric, and open structures. No more centralized platforms and services that a few large corporations control.

In this article, we look at how Web3 influences the gaming industry and what exactly are Web3 games, often called blockchain games or decentralized games.

Understanding Web3

Before looking at how Web3 games integrate the core Web3 principles, let’s refresh our memory.

What are some of the main Web3 principles?

Decentralization

Aiming to reduce centralization, Web3 is defined by distributing control and authority across a network of nodes or participants. This decentralization is often achieved through blockchain technology and peer-to-peer networks.

Ownership and control

Users have greater ownership and control over their digital identities, data, and assets. They can decide how their information is shared and used, reducing the power of centralized entities.

Self-sovereign identity

Self-sovereign identity systems allow individuals to manage and share personal information without relying on centralized authorities. Users regain control over their digital identities.

Transparency

Web3 puts a lot of importance on transparency in transactions, data handling, and governance. Blockchain’s public ledger ensures that anyone can verify transactions and actions on the network.

Community governance

Community-driven governance models, where users and stakeholders have a say in decision-making, help promote fairness and inclusivity.

Security and privacy

With a strong emphasis on security and privacy, Web3 often relies on cryptographic methods to protect user data and transactions.

What are Web3 games?

Web3 games integrate the main principles of Web3 and blockchain technology to deliver a player-oriented, innovative, and decentralized gaming experience. What does this mean?

To provide players with more control over the game, Web3 games or blockchain games incorporate technologies such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), blockchain-based assets, decentralized ownership, and, often, cryptocurrency.

Blockchain games are defined by having game assets that are owned by players in custodial wallets by players in the form of NFTs.

Maybe the following examples can help paint a clearer picture.

Launched in 2017, the first example of a Web3 game was CryptoKitties, where players collected and bred unique virtual cats as NFTs. One of the most famous Web3 games is Axie Infinity, which is a play-to-earn game where players can collect and battle fantasy creatures called Axies.

10 key features of Web3 games

We’ve established that Web3 games can offer an immersive experience that’s just not possible in traditional gaming. But what features make that possible?

Blockchain integration: Web3 games utilize blockchain technology to store and manage in-game assets, transactions, and other game-related data. This integration ensures transparency, security, and immutability of in-game actions.
NFTs: NFTs are unique digital assets that can represent ownership of in-game items, characters, skins, or other virtual collectibles. Each NFT is distinct and cannot be replicated, and ownership is recorded on the blockchain, providing scarcity.
True ownership: Web3 games grant players true ownership of in-game assets. Players have full control over their assets, which can be transferred between games or traded on external marketplaces. This is the opposite to traditional games where in-game assets are owned by the game publisher.
Play-to-Earn: Some Web3 games employ play-to-earn mechanics, allowing players to earn cryptocurrency or other rewards by actively participating in the game. This can include completing quests, winning battles, or contributing to the game’s ecosystem.
Decentralized governance: Some Web3 games incorporate decentralized governance models, where players have a say in the development and direction of the game. Decisions are often made through token-based voting systems, ensuring a more democratic and community-driven approach.
Interoperability: Web3 games are designed to be interoperable with other games and platforms within the Web3 ecosystem. Players can carry assets and progress across different games, enhancing the user experience and increasing asset utility.
Cryptocurrency integration: Many Web3 games incorporate cryptocurrencies or tokens for in-game transactions, rewards, and monetization. These tokens can often be traded on cryptocurrency exchanges, potentially providing real-world value to players.
User-controlled economies: Web3 games empower players to shape in-game economies by determining the value of assets and participating in player-driven markets. This can lead to unique and dynamic in-game economies.
Digital collectibles: Players can collect and showcase NFT-based digital collectibles, which can include anything from virtual pets and weapons to virtual real estate and art. These collectibles have real-world value and can be traded or sold.
Community engagement: Web3 games often foster strong player communities, as players are more deeply invested in the game’s success and direction. This can lead to vibrant in-game social interactions and collaborations.

How can you build Web3 games with Apillon?

Besides providing you with the NFT service and Decentralized Storage service, Apillon can vastly improve your game with the available Decentralized Hosting service. Plus, if you choose a custom enterprise plan, you can even get a game-specific cache to boost the performance of the game even at its size.

Discover a success story where a game was upgraded to IPFS-based hosting via Crust Network in less than a day. This immediately improved the speed of the game.

If you’ve got an idea for a Web3 game, you can easily build it on the Apillon platform.

⧓ About Apillon

The Apillon platform serves as a unified gateway to the Web3 services provided by linked Polkadot parachains. Following the multi-chain vision, Apillon powers the transition of developers to Web3, simplifying its adoption in the real economy, and expanding its versatility as the ecosystem grows. With Apillon, Web3 services are within reach for every developer, regardless of their background and experience with blockchain technology.