Dive into the emergence of legacy game publishers in the Web3 arena
As the world of gaming continues to evolve, many traditional game publishers are turning to Web3 technologies to enhance their offerings. This shift not only provides a new platform for their creations, but also gives players more control and ownership over their gaming experience. In this guide, we’ll delve into some of the most prominent game publishers moving to Web3, examine their innovative ventures, and reveal how to navigate this new era of play-to-earn gaming.
Contents
- Traditional publishers exploring web3 games
- Success story: the Sandbox’s Web3 evolution
- The blockchain advantage in gaming
- Trending play-and-earn games to watch
Traditional publishers exploring web3 games
The shift to Web3 opens new doors for traditional game publishers, introducing features like player-owned economies and true digital ownership. Keep reading to explore how notable publishers are embracing Web3, driving major transformations in the gaming industry.
1. Ubisoft
Ubisoft, the esteemed creator of franchises such as Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, has become a beacon in the Web3 gaming arena. In late June 2023, the company unveiled Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, a player-vs-player game constructed on the Oasys blockchain. This initiative by Ubisoft, a trailblazing AAA studio, underscores their significant investment in the burgeoning Web3-based gaming environment.
Not merely harnessing blockchain for immersive gameplay, Ubisoft is also contemplating free token airdrops to engage players. Further testament to Ubisoft’s commitment to Web3 advancements is their expansion into the metaverse, marked by the deployment of their Rabbid characters in the Sandbox.
2. Square Enix
Square Enix, the Japanese studio responsible for the famous Final Fantasy franchise, has shown a keen interest in the blockchain and NFT space. Square Enix has been exploring NFT video games since 2019 and, in 2021, released a sold-out collection of Ethereum-based NFT trading cards. The company is also planning to release an NFT game, Symbiogenesis, on the Ethereum sidechain network Polygon.
As part of its commitment to the Web3 landscape, Square Enix has invested in the metaverse game The Sandbox and announced plans to bring its Dungeon Siege IP to the game world. The company’s interest in blockchain technology underlines its readiness to explore new methods of enhancing player engagement and the gaming experience.
3. SEGA
SEGA, the Japanese game maker famed for Sonic the Hedgehog, is demonstrating its commitment to the Web3 realm. The company is actively leveraging the Oasys blockchain to adapt its popular Web2 game franchise, Sangokushi Taisen, to the Web3 landscape.
Alongside this, SEGA is teaming up with blockchain gaming experts Double Jump Tokyo to develop the PC-based trading card game, Battle of Three Kingdoms. This shift is reflective of the broader trend among traditional gaming companies, particularly in Asia, to adapt and evolve their offerings to incorporate blockchain technology.
4. Konami
In 2022, Japan’s renowned game publisher Konami embraced NFTs, aiming to immortalize their cherished game content as ‘Commemorative Art.’ This bold move, steeped in Konami’s rich gaming history with franchises like Metal Gear and Castlevania, signaled a significant step towards the Web3 era while offering fans an innovative way to connect with their beloved games.
Konami’s step towards NFTs mirrors a broader trend among Asian game publishers, especially from Japan and South Korea. With their proactive approach to blockchain and NFTs, these Asian innovators are primed to spearhead the integration of Web3 in the gaming sector, potentially positioning Asia as a leader in the Web3 gaming landscape.
5. Atari
Atari, a pioneer in the gaming industry, is breathing new life into its brand through innovative forays into Web3. This rejuvenation started with the launch of Atari X in October 2022, a comprehensive blockchain initiative aimed at melding gaming, community, and utility into one robust Web3 ecosystem.
The creation of Atari X reflects the brand’s intent to adapt and thrive in this new digital frontier, consolidating its various blockchain interests into one unified platform. This venture is aimed at delivering a gaming experience like no other to Atari’s devoted fanbase.
Further, Atari leveraged the power of NFTs to commemorate its 50-year history with a unique collection dubbed 50 Years of Atari. Besides, Atari continues to make its presence felt in the metaverse, launching Sunnyvale, a unique virtual experience in The Sandbox. This step solidifies Atari’s commitment to exploring and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the Web3 space.
Success story: the Sandbox’s Web3 evolution
From its humble beginnings as a mobile game, The Sandbox has successfully transitioned into a leading metaverse project, providing users with an interactive platform where they can create, own, and monetize their gaming experiences.
Their evolution is a testament to the potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing the gaming industry.
The blockchain advantage in gaming
The advent of blockchain technology in the gaming landscape signifies a revolution, bolstering the gaming experience with unique benefits that reshape how players interact with their favorite games. Key advantages include:
- Decentralization: Blockchain technology puts power back in the hands of players. By decentralizing the gaming architecture, players have more control over their gaming experiences.
- True Asset Ownership: In traditional gaming, players often lease assets rather than truly own them. Blockchain flips this paradigm, offering real ownership of in-game assets in the form of NFTs.
- Play-to-Earn Mechanism: Blockchain games enable players to earn through their gaming activities, transforming gaming into a potentially profitable venture.
- Transparency and Security: All transactions and ownership details are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and providing an extra layer of security against fraud.
While the potential to earn through gaming is attractive, it’s important to remember that these improvements primarily aim to elevate the gaming experience. Blockchain isn’t just about making money. It’s an innovative technology that enhances gaming by building stronger communities, creating new opportunities, and engaging players on a deeper level worldwide.
Trending play-and-earn games to watch
Several promising games are currently being built on the Web3 ecosystem. Titles such as Illuvium, Planet IX, Ascenders, and Life Beyond are blazing the trail, introducing players to the thrilling possibilities of play-to-earn gaming. Similarly, metaverse projects like Decentraland and The Otherside are paving the way for an immersive, interactive gaming future.
Remember to check out DappRadar’s Top Games Ranking tool to stay updated on the latest trends and rankings in the play-to-earn gaming world.