Blockchain gaming has entered a new era of maturity, with more players accessing games seamlessly, thanks to advancements in technology within the gaming sector. However, there are significant shifts occurring as traditional gaming developers enter the scene.
Major studios like Sony and Square Enix are making their mark in the blockchain gaming space through layer-2 solutions, as highlighted in a recent industry survey released by the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA). Despite these developments, public perception remains a significant obstacle, with 66% of projects still working to establish credibility and dispel misconceptions about blockchain games being associated with scams.
The report reveals a positive trend in terms of user experience, with the onboarding friction rate decreasing from 79.5% last year to 53.9% in 2024. This improvement can be attributed to enhanced user interfaces that make it easier for gamers to transition into blockchain games seamlessly.
BGA President Sebastian Borget emphasized the principle of player empowerment as a driving force behind the growth of blockchain gaming. The ownership narrative has been a key attraction for gamers exploring blockchain-based experiences, with over 71% of respondents considering it the most significant benefit that blockchain gaming offers.
Looking ahead to 2025, the BGA predicts a continued focus on player experience over financial aspects in blockchain gaming platforms. The shift is moving away from overt crypto elements towards seamless integrations where Web3 functionality operates in the background.
One of the major transitions in blockchain gaming is the evolution of play-to-earn models, which are now more focused on utilizing on-chain characteristics for gameplay. This shift has led to merit-based and activity-driven iterations that aim to address previous flaws, such as hyper-inflationary rewards and a lack of token sinks.
The report also introduces the concepts of autonomous worlds (AW) and fully on-chain games (FOCGs), which describe games that exist entirely on-chain, including game rules, player items, and in-game economics. These autonomous experiences allow for community input and the integration of AI with blockchain infrastructure, paving the way for intelligent and adaptive gameplay based on real-time player behavior.
As blockchain gaming continues to evolve, the industry is moving towards a future where games operate fully on-chain, providing transparency and enabling advanced AI capabilities for a more immersive gaming experience.
The insights shared by the Blockchain Game Alliance highlight the ongoing developments and innovations shaping the future of blockchain gaming, where player experience and ownership are at the forefront of industry advancements.