The world of gaming is constantly evolving, and a new stage combining blockchain technology and interactive entertainment is on the horizon - Web3 and GameFi. These innovations are changing the way we think about player ownership, player interaction, and community dynamics. To dive deeper into this exciting intersection of Web3 and gaming, I spoke with Web3 Researcher and true GameFi enthusiast - arcaze.bnb.

This interview explores his journey into the world of Web3 and gaming, the latest innovations shaping the landscape, and his views on how game mechanics, community management, and the future of decentralized gaming ecosystems will change the gaming industry.

Before diving further, it is worth understanding what Web3 games are. This is a concept that involves the use of blockchain technology as the basis of the game economy. The main idea of Web3 is ‘ownership’, and this concept also applies to games in this space. While traditional games are centrally managed, Web3 games, especially in the context of the Metaverse, transfer control from large companies to the players themselves, focusing on decentralization. Each player has full control over their in-game digital assets, such as NFTs and tokens, and can freely exchange them with others without interference from developers or centralized organizations. This ensures that your digital assets acquired in Web3 games remain under your full control.

— To begin with, please tell us a little about your background, and what initially to the intersection of Web3 and gaming? Was there a particular moment or project that inspired you?

My journey into Web3 and gaming began with seeing how blockchain gives real ownership of in-game assets. A standout moment was Axie Infinity’s play-to-earn model, showing GameFi’s potential to change lives and economies.

— Web3 and GameFi are developing rapidly, bringing new concepts and technologies to the forefront. What recent innovations in the Web3 or GameFi space have caught your attention?

Recent innovations catching my eye include DAOs within games, giving players control over development, and AI-driven adaptive gameplay that evolves with players.

— If you could immerse yourself in the world of any GameFi project or game you're passionate about, what would it be, and what unique element of its design or community attracts you to it? How would you imagine your ideal experience in this universe?

I'd immerse myself in Illuvium for its blend of AAA graphics, exploration, and player governance. The community-driven approach and strategic depth keep me hooked.

— With the transition from Web2 to Web3, what unique opportunities do you see for game developers to increase player engagement and ownership, and how do you think these changes will change the relationship between players and the gaming ecosystem?

The transition from Web2 to Web3 presents game developers with opportunities to enhance player engagement through genuine asset ownership, cross-platform interoperability, and tokenized incentives. These innovations can deepen the player-developer bond, as players have a tangible stake in the game’s ecosystem. The shift toward community-governed development could also lead to more player-centered content updates and enhancements.

— What do you think are the core game mechanics that make crypto clickers interesting enough to keep players coming back? Can social features, such as leaderboards, guilds or PvP (player versus player) increase the longevity of crypto clickers?

Crypto clickers succeed when they blend simple, accessible, and rewarding mechanics with strategic depth. Core mechanics like incremental progression, unlocking new features, and optimizing gameplay loops keep players engaged. Social features such as leaderboards, guilds, and PvP elements further enhance longevity by fostering competition and camaraderie.

— Do crypto clickers need a strong narrative or story arc to succeed, or is gameplay the most critical element?

While compelling gameplay is essential for crypto clickers, a strong narrative or story arc can add emotional depth and immersion. Maybe, but the backing and trust in the developers still play a main role, driving player commitment even when gameplay becomes repetitive.

— Given the competitive nature of GameFi, are there any innovative approaches to attracting new players to crypto clicker games? And if so, could you tell us more about them?

To attract new players to crypto clicker games, innovation is key. One approach could be integrating real-world rewards, such as token incentives or NFTs that hold value across multiple platforms. Collaborations with popular influencers and gamified onboarding experiences can also make these games more approachable and engaging for newcomers.

— Do you believe that interoperability with other games or metaverses can boost a crypto clicker’s success? And if so, how?

Yes, interoperability with other games or metaverses can significantly boost a crypto clicker’s appeal. By allowing assets to be used across various games or platforms, players experience added value and utility. Interoperability can enhance collaboration, increase the value of in-game assets, and attract diverse communities.

— With major cryptocurrency exchanges like OKX, Bybit, and WhiteBIT introducing their own Tap-to-Earn games: OKX Racer, Coinsweeper, Bull Run. What impact do you think these exchange-driven games will have on the broader gaming and crypto ecosystems? And what unique advantages do these platforms bring to the gaming experience for users?

Exchange-driven Tap-to-Earn games like OKX Racer and Coinsweeper make it easier for non-DeFi users to start learning about Tap-to-Earn through fun and engaging experiences. These games attract newbies by providing entertainment and the opportunity to make money, making them appealing for both gamers and traders.

— In your opinion, what makes a GameFi project successful, especially in terms of long-term player engagement and financial viability? And how do you think successful GameFi projects develop a sense of community and engagement among their players?

A successful GameFi project focuses on balancing engaging gameplay mechanics with sustainable economic incentives. Long-term engagement thrives when players feel invested in a community, and when there’s a consistent stream of meaningful updates.

Examples of Top GameFi Projects:

Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is one of the first and most successful projects in the GameFi world, where players collect, breed and fight fantastic creatures called Axies. In the game, you can earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP) and Axie Infinity Shards (AXS) tokens that can be sold or exchanged. Axie Infinity has gained immense popularity, allowing players from all over the world to earn money from participating in the ecosystem.

The Sandbox

The Sandbox is a decentralized metaverse where users can buy, sell, and create virtual lands and assets using NFTs. Here, players can create interactive games and activities on their land and monetise their creations using the SAND token.

Decentraland

Similar to The Sandbox, Decentraland is a virtual reality game where players can buy land, build structures on it, and interact with other users. The MANA virtual currency allows players to make transactions in the game, as well as receive rewards for creating and selling experiences or assets.

Illuvium

Illuvium is an open-world RPG and auto-battler game built on the Ethereum blockchain. Players can explore the game world and catch creatures called illuvials, which are represented as NFTs. These creatures can be used in battles or sold on the market. High-quality graphics and gameplay make Illuvium a notable project in GameFi.

Yield Guild Games (YGG)

Yield Guild Games is a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that specializes in investing in virtual assets and NFTs from various GameFi projects. YGG collects assets from players and generates passive income through staking and participation in gaming ecosystems, which allows participants to earn money by playing different games.

Originally published at https://36crypto.com/ on November 25, 2024