The Evolving Landscape of Web3: What is the Future of Web2 and Web3 Games
Major Companies are Warming Up for the NFT-related Patent Applications While Some are Seriously Considering a Venture into NFTs
In the ever-changing world of gaming, the rise of Web3 technology has sparked a huge shift that is transforming the landscape. Web3 games which were once characterized by their rapid but untested releases are now undergoing a substantial evolution. The developers of the play-to-earn crypto game Axie Infinity recently made headlines by introducing a “Lite” version that eliminates the need for owning NFTs to play, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of Web3 and traditional Web2 gaming.
This move by Axie Infinity underscores a broader trend of Web3 studios embracing characteristics of their Web2 counterparts, blurring the lines between the two worlds. As the bridge between Web2 and Web3 games is gradually constructed, the gaming community eagerly anticipates a future where quality and accessibility prevail.
Web3 Evolution: A Paradigm Shift in Testing
Web2 games have gone through long periods and testing before being publicly released. In contrast, the Web3 approach has been much more different. Web3 games prefer speed over thorough testing. The primitive designs of the early Web3 games were due to this preference for rapid deployment. Studios would normally test the game by launching games quickly, allowing players to jump in immediately. This was their approach to effectively testing the games “live.” This untested strategy inevitably led to technical problems and bugs, frustrating players. However, early Web3 players remained engaged despite these hurdles, primarily driven by the potential for earnings rather than polished gameplay.
The direction and strategies are up in the air as Web3 game studios take a more deliberate approach to testing. Web3 gaming testing is transitioning from rapid launches to pre-launch testing, aligning with the meticulous testing methodologies of Web2 games. This shift has resulted in significantly longer development cycles, which have increased from two to three months to a minimum of six to twelve months. This abandonment of immediate releases is motivated by a renewed focus on user retention and gameplay quality. For long-term success, studios are increasingly balancing development time, user acquisition, and player retention.
Balancing Accessibility and Quality
The pivotal transformation from speed-centric releases to quality-centric ones has not only attracted traditional gamers but has also led to the consideration of aesthetics and gameplay quality. Some Web3 games are rooting to acquire AAA-level graphics, even though optimization for retention doesn’t necessarily equate to such standards. However, achieving this level of graphical sophistication requires substantial investment and development time, much like the traditional AAA game development timeline of three to four years. This aspiration highlights the intention to bridge the graphical gap between Web2 and Web3 games, ultimately creating a more appealing experience for players.
The journey towards a seamless blending of Web2 and Web3 gaming experiences is not a sprint but rather a marathon. It is marked by the ongoing development of Web3 technology and the extended timelines of AAA games. This convergence between Web3 and Web2 is not just a mere idea but an inevitable progression that will redefine the gaming landscape. While AAA Web3 games may not be on the immediate horizon, there is a growing lineup of Web3 games in the pipeline that promise better gameplay and accessibility. These factors are aimed at attracting the Web2 gaming community, which will undoubtedly be enticed by the improved features and experiences.
Web2’s Role in the Web3 Ecosystem and A Vision of the Future
As we get closer to the convergence, traditional gamers are likely to be drawn into the Web3 gaming scene, though the impact isn’t limited to players alone. Major Web2 studios are actively exploring the integration of blockchain technology into their releases. Examples include Sony’s buildup of NFT-related patent applications and Square Enix’s commitment to embracing NFTs. This symbiotic relationship between Web2 and Web3 signals a harmonious coexistence, where technology advancements enhance gaming experiences across both domains.
The evolution of Web3 games signifies a broader transformation in the gaming industry as a whole. The gradual merging of Web2 and Web3 gaming worlds signifies a monumental shift towards improved accessibility, gameplay quality, and user retention. While the journey to a seamless integration won’t happen overnight, the signs are clear: Web3 gaming is maturing, and the Web2 community is poised to embrace this evolution. As Web3 game studios continue to refine their offerings and focus on quality, the barrier between the two worlds will fade away, ushering in an era of unified gaming experiences.
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