Blockchain Games And The Clash Of Cultures

As blockchain games try to become an established, respected genre of gaming, I decided I needed to investigate the subject more thoroughly. Not knowing much, I've used the AI program Copilot to guide my path. So far I've looked into what a blockchain game is and some examples of current blockchain games. Now I need to investigate a subject I think negatively affects the acceptance of Web3 technology into video games. How so-called "crypto bros" and video game hobbyists fundamentally have different world views.

When I started writing this series, all I knew about crypto bros is that the term itself was derogatory and depicted people way, way too obsessed with obtaining real world riches through technological means. Of course, I need a better understanding of crypto bros if I want to write about the subject, so I naturally turned to my AI assistant to answer the question, "What is a crypto bro?"

A crypto bro is a term often used to describe individuals who are deeply immersed in the world of cryptocurrency. Let’s explore some common traits associated with crypto bros:

1. Trading Obsession: Crypto bros are passionate about trading digital currencies. They can’t help but talk about it incessantly. Whether it’s during meals or social gatherings, they’ll discuss which coins are the best, upcoming hype stocks, and market trends. Their Instagram bios might even reflect their crypto enthusiasm, and their Instastories are filled with crypto content.

2. Perpetually Glued to Their Phones: These individuals are never truly “off.” Their phones are their lifelines, allowing them to check their crypto investments, engage in discussions with other crypto enthusiasts, and stay updated on market movements. Social interactions may take a back seat to their screens, except when the conversation revolves around crypto.

3. Recruitment Drive: Crypto bros are like evangelists for their newfound interest. They’ll try to recruit others into the crypto world, often using tactics like sharing screenshots of their profits, creating FOMO (fear of missing out) in their Instastories, and bombarding social media with crypto-related content.

4. Crypto Lingo: After diving into crypto trading, these bros expand their vocabulary with crypto-specific terms. You’ll hear them drop phrases like “HODL” (hold on for dear life), which means holding onto investments even during market dips, and references to going “to the moon” (optimistic predictions of huge future returns) .

5. Rocket Emoji Overload: If you see an excessive use of rocket emojis in their messages, chances are you’re dealing with a crypto bro. Rockets symbolize the hope for explosive price increases in crypto assets.

Remember, the term “crypto bro” can be both endearing and slightly derogatory, depending on context. It’s all part of the colorful crypto culture! 🚀🌙

I'm going to admit, when I read the answer to my first question, I was reminded of hardcore video game players talking about their favorite video game. For example, are World of Warcraft guild masters, Final Fantasy free company masters, or EVE Online alliance leaders ever really off-line? I had to dig deeper because Copilot has a habit of putting a positive spin on topics. In my opinion the description became worse.

Certainly! The term “crypto bro” has become a cultural phenomenon, and it’s worth exploring further. Here’s a deeper dive into the world of crypto bros:

1. Financial Dominance: Crypto bros often exhibit a sense of financial superiority, believing they have mastered the art of making money in the digital age. They may come across as dismissive of traditional investment methods or those who haven’t embraced cryptocurrency.

2. Exclusivity and Masculinity: The culture surrounding crypto bros can sometimes be exclusionary, particularly towards women. It’s been noted that despite more women becoming financially literate and involved in finance, conversations around cryptocurrency tend to remain cliquey and male-dominated.

3. Influence and Hype: Crypto bros are known for their influence, especially on social media. They can create significant hype around certain cryptocurrencies, which can lead to market fluctuations. This influence is not always based on expertise, and sometimes it can contribute to misinformation and unrealistic expectations.

4. Celebrity Endorsements: High-profile figures like Elon Musk have been associated with the crypto bro culture. Their comments and endorsements can have a large impact on the value of cryptocurrencies, for better or worse.

5. Challenging Stereotypes: While the stereotype of the crypto bro is pervasive, recent research suggests that the actual demographic of cryptocurrency owners is more diverse than the stereotype suggests. This indicates that the culture is evolving and becoming more inclusive.

6. Web3 and Ethics: The crypto bro culture has also been criticized for its lack of diversity and disregard for ethics and social responsibility, particularly in the Web3 industry. There’s a growing call for more inclusivity and responsible promotion within the crypto community.

The crypto bro culture is complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative aspects. It’s important to approach it with a critical eye and recognize that, like any subculture, it is subject to change and evolution. If you’re interested in cryptocurrency, it’s beneficial to stay informed and critically evaluate the information you come across, especially when it comes from sources deeply embedded in the crypto bro culture. 📈🔍

I want to go over the final point about ethics. Just reading Copilot's explanation one would get the feeling, along with points 2 and 5, that ethics involves the need to incorporate DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) into crypto bro culture. But the final warning about trusting the information coming from sources deeply involved in the crypto community leads to a different sort of ethics concern.

Why should people not trust information coming from crypto bros? I asked Copilot about examples of ethics issues. I was expecting a list of incidents, not the lengthy list of categories of reasons my AI assistant provided. I wound up picking the top four items.

The crypto bro culture has faced criticism for several ethical issues. Here are some examples that highlight the lack of ethics among certain individuals within this culture:

1. Hype and Misinformation:

   • The promotion of cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin and various meme coins often involves excessive hype and unrealistic expectations. This can mislead potential investors, especially when driven by influential figures without financial expertise.

2. Pump-and-Dump Schemes:

   • Some crypto bros have been involved in pump-and-dump schemes, where they artificially inflate the price of a cryptocurrency before selling off their holdings to make a profit, leaving other investors with devalued assets.

3. Lack of Financial Expertise:

   • Influencers and celebrities within the crypto bro culture sometimes endorse cryptocurrencies without a deep understanding of the market, contributing to an environment of misinformation and speculative investment.

4. Legal Troubles:

   • High-profile figures like John McAfee and Jake Paul have faced legal issues related to their promotion of cryptocurrencies. McAfee’s bold predictions and controversial lifestyle, along with Paul’s fines for illegally promoting crypto projects, have cast a shadow over the industry’s ethical standards.

Trusting a crypto bro does not sound like a wise decision. If a crypto bro is touting something, I can see why people would believe that automatically taking the opposite view is probably in the long run is a smart decision. The odds seem stacked in the critics' favor.

Although crypto bros may disagree, I don't think Copilot painted a pretty picture of the group. The next step is to examine how the group will get along with video game hobbyists, otherwise known as gamers. Copilot spelled out six areas in which crypto bro culture and video gamer culture clashes. I personally think the AI stretched to get to six and reduced the list down to what I think are the three most significant differences.

Community and Purpose:

1. Crypto Bro Culture:
   • Crypto bros are known for their snarky attitude and excessive enthusiasm about digital currencies. They often flaunt their wealth and obsess over potential profits.
   • Their focus is primarily on financial gains, trading, and investment opportunities within the crypto space.
2. Video Gamer Culture:
• Video gamers value community, shared experiences, and the enjoyment of gameplay.
• Their purpose revolves around exploring virtual worlds, completing quests, and immersing themselves in interactive narratives.

While Copilot makes gamers sound pure and innocent, perhaps they are compared to crypto bros. But I do know one thing crypto bros probably will do that will absolutely drive gamers away from blockchain games: try to buy the win button. If a blockchain game is a chance to flaunt their out-of-game wealth by purchasing in-game advantage, most gamers will give the game a hard pass. The video game term for the practice is pay-to-win. 

Gamers also have a term for those who spend a lot of real world wealth on a game: whales. I think having a genre in which whales are loud and proud may sound natural to crypto bros but will weird out gamers. 

Technology Adoption:

1. Crypto Bro Culture:
   • Crypto enthusiasts embrace cutting-edge technology, including blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi), and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
   • They actively participate in the evolution of digital currencies and Web3 platforms.
2. Video Gamer Culture:
• Gamers adopt technology related to gaming, such as consoles, PCs, and virtual reality (VR).
• Their focus is on gameplay mechanics and immersive experiences rather than financial innovations.

I see the technology question as one that will divide crypto bros and gamers. The crypto bro will look at all this marvelous new technology and figure the mere inclusion into a video game makes the game ten times better. Gamers, on the other hand, look at the technology and ask, "How does the inclusion of the technology make the gaming experience better?" If the answer involves the thought, "Because I can make money," then gamers will run away and tell all their friends to avoid the game or entire genre as well.

Narrative vs. Speculation:

1. Crypto Bro Culture:
   • The crypto narrative revolves around financial revolution, decentralization, and disrupting traditional finance.
   • Speculation drives much of the conversation, with a focus on price movements and investment opportunities.
2. Video Gamer Culture:
• Gamers appreciate well-crafted narratives, character development, and immersive storytelling.
• Their discussions often center around game lore, quests, and memorable moments.

Here I think is the biggest point of contention. When crypto bros hear the phrase "blockchain game", they focus on the adjective and want to bring their world view and the outside world itself into the game. They consider out-of-game wealth accumulation fun in its own right. When gamers hear the term, they focus on the noun. The enjoyment gamers receive is found in a virtual world separated from the real world. Many just want to come home from work and relax. They don't want to come home to a second job. 

The crypto bros love of systems like play-to-earn would turn video games into just that: a second job. Throughout the years I've heard gamers complain about MMORPGs which felt like a second job. Whether the discussion involves the effort to stay relevant in the World of Warcraft raiding scene or grinding to earn enough ISK to pay for game time in EVE Online, fun turning into work is a major complaint. The crypto bros focus on wealth turns a game into one gamers complain about.

I want to give Copilot the opportunity to give some final thoughts before I give my own.

In summary, while both cultures exist within the digital realm, they differ significantly in their values, communication styles, and priorities. Crypto bros emphasize financial gains, while video gamers prioritize enjoyment and community. As these worlds intersect, understanding these differences can foster better dialogue and collaboration. 🎮🚀

I'm a bit more skeptical than my AI assistant. Theoretically, I know the two worlds can co-exist. But does enough of an overlap exist to make blockchain games more than a extremely niche market if the genre can exist at all? The more I dig, the more I start comparing crypto bros to video game whales. Sure, they can buy all the advantages to win. But if the non-whales don't stick around for the whales to lord their superior over, then the whales won't stick around either. And once that happens, a video game dies. The question is, can the game developers overcome something I think is a basic fact of video games?

Are Blockchain Games A Good Advertisement For Blockchain Games?

I continue my look into blockchain games by examining existing blockchain games. Combining the words "blockchain" and "game" produces an immediate negative reaction amongst a large portion of the public. After looking into what a blockchain game is last week, I thought I'd look into existing games. Do these games deserve the outright venom they seem to generate online? I called upon my trusty AI assistant Copilot once more to dive into the world of blockchains, NFTs, and other web3 type of stuff.

Before digging into individual games, I wanted to know about monetization. I get the impression that those who viscerally despise any game containing NFTs and cryptocurrency automatically associate the games with scummy monetization. Like, Diablo Immortal levels of monetization. So I first asked Copilot about monetization in general.

The cost to start playing a blockchain game can vary widely depending on the game and its structure. Some games are free to start with options for in-game purchases, while others may require an initial investment to buy game assets such as characters, land, or equipment. Here are some general points to consider:

• Free-to-Play: Many blockchain games offer a free-to-play model where you can start without any upfront investment. However, progressing in the game or accessing certain features might require purchasing in-game assets.

• Initial Asset Purchase: Some games might require you to buy a starter set or initial assets to participate. These costs can be as low as $10 but can vary greatly based on the game and the value of the assets.

• In-Game Purchases: Like traditional games, blockchain games may have in-game purchases for virtual items, power-ups, or access to premium features. These purchases are typically made with cryptocurrency.

• Secondary Market: Players can often buy and sell in-game assets on secondary markets, which can be another potential cost if you’re looking to acquire specific items from other players.

It’s important to research each game individually to understand the potential costs involved. Some games might allow you to earn in-game currency or assets through gameplay, which can offset some of the expenses. Always be aware of the financial risks and never invest more than you can afford to lose in blockchain games.

Normally Copilot gushes enthusiastically about subjects. I'm not feeling the positive vibes coming from the AI on this topic. Also, I get the feeling getting into a blockchain game would cost more than the $40 plus monthly subscription fee Square Enix is charging for the Dawnwalker expansion for Final Fantasy XIV. From the above answer, regular people wondering into the blockchain game pool need to look out for sharks.

Not knowing much about the genre, I asked Copilot about the most popular MMORPGs using blockchain technology. I received the following information.

The most popular blockchain-based MMORPGs, as of the latest information available, include:

• Ember Sword: A free-to-play MMORPG that emphasizes a “gameplay first” approach. It features challenging end-game PvE, hardcore PvP, a living economy, and unique progression. The blockchain integration in Ember Sword is used for cosmetic and land ownership, allowing players to have full ownership rights.

• Blankos Block Party: This game allows players to create their own levels and experiences, with a variety of game modes and player-created levels. It uses blockchain to tokenize in-game assets, giving players true ownership over the collectible digital vinyl-figures called Blankos and other special items.

Other notable mentions in the blockchain gaming space include CryptoBlades, My Crypto Heroes, and Axie Infinity, which have gained popularity among players interested in blockchain mechanics.

Just as an aside, I understand the concept of land ownership in a virtual world. I'm not sure just how valuable owning an in-game asset is if the game shuts down. Perhaps a topic for another post?

Anyway, of the five games listed, I had only heard of one, Axie Infinity. Since the game keeps getting mentioned by Copilot in my searches, I'll jump the game to the front of the line and discuss Axie Infinity first. From what Copilot pulled up, Axie Infinity is not an MMORPG.

Axie Infinity is considered a strategy game that incorporates elements of an NFT online game. It’s often described as a play-to-earn game, where players can earn cryptocurrency by participating in the game’s economy. The gameplay involves collecting, breeding, and battling digital creatures called Axies, and it draws inspiration from games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Idle Heroes for its “idle battle” system. Additionally, it has been compared to Trading Card Games (TCG) due to some of its gameplay mechanics. Axie Infinity has helped define the play-to-earn genre within the blockchain gaming space.

Besides going overboard with the hyperlinks, my AI assistant didn't pick out an MMORPG. But some of the history of the game is still relevant to the topic of the post. Launched in March 2018, Axie Infinity reached its peak in January 2022 with an average of 2.8 million monthly players. Then disaster stuck in the form of an issue that captured mainstream attention.

On 23 March 2022, the Ronin Network was hacked in one of the largest breaches of decentralized finance. While fascinating, I'm trying to keep the post short-ish, so I'll just give the rundown provided by Copilot.

The Ronin network compromise in March 2022 was a significant security breach that resulted in one of the largest thefts in the history of decentralized finance (DeFi). Here’s a detailed breakdown of the event:

• Date of the Hack: The exploit occurred on March 23, 2022.
  
  
• Amount Stolen: Hackers stole approximately 173,600 Ethereum (ETH) and 25.5 million USD Coin (USDC), valued at around $624 million at the time of the theft.
  
  
• Method of Attack: The attackers exploited compromised private keys to gain control over five of the nine validator nodes required to approve transactions on the Ronin bridge.
  
  
• Discovery: The breach wasn’t noticed until six days later when a user reported being unable to withdraw 5k ETH from the bridge.
  
  
• Aftermath: Following the hack, the Ronin bridge was closed, and all deposits and withdrawals were halted. Sky Mavis, the creator of Axie Infinity and the Ronin network, worked on enhancing security measures and collaborated with authorities to track the stolen funds.
  
  
• Involvement of Lazarus Group: The U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) tied the North Korea-based hacking group, Lazarus, to the exploit and added an Ethereum wallet address associated with the group to its sanctions list.

The incident had a profound impact on the Axie Infinity community and the broader blockchain ecosystem, highlighting the need for improved security measures in DeFi platforms.

While deserving of a post of its own, the compromise of the Ronin network pretty much ruined the reputation of Axie Infinity. From the peak of 2.8 million monthly players, the game had fallen to 363,000 players in July 2023. A counter tracking the amount of players currently active in the game showed a little more than 30,000 players active in the game on 30 May 2024.

Security breaches can definitely impact a game that relies on transferring value out of the game to attract players. But what about the other games. I had Copilot look up information on Ember Sword. I was disappointed to find out the game is scheduled for early access release in late 2024. I don't know if the inclusion of a game not even in early access yet is more an indictment of Copilot's ability to search or of the genre itself. But I quickly moved on to the next game.

Blankos Block Party launched in September 2022. I'm not going to lie, the graphics remind me of a kid's game. Copilot provided a features list for the game.

Blankos Block Party is a vibrant and colorful open-world multiplayer game that’s styled like a giant block party. Here are some key features of the game:

• Custom Art and Design: Players can express their creativity by designing and customizing their own levels with a wide range of in-game assets.

• Building and Exploration: There’s a strong emphasis on world-building and exploration, encouraging players to create and discover user-generated levels.

• Collectibles: The game features unique Blanko designs that players can collect. These Blankos can be customized and leveled up, adding rare attributes to grow an impressive collection.

• Blockchain Integration: It uses blockchain technology to tokenize in-game assets, giving players true ownership over their collectibles.

• Social Interaction: Blankos Block Party is designed to be a social experience where players can meet up, show off their Blankos, and compete in various challenges.

• Game Modes: The game includes racing, vibe collection, shooting, and brawl game modes, providing a variety of ways to play and compete.

• Accessibility: It’s available for free on PC and Mac, making it easily accessible to a wide audience.

The game sounds more like a social game than an MMORPG. I'm not sure how well the game was received either, at least as far as the number of players are concerned. Copilot pointed me to MMO Stats which claims the average number of users online at any one time in December 2023 was 726.

Next up on the list of games is CryptoBlades. The game looks like everything I'd expect from an actual blockchain MMORPG. Copilot supplied the following details.

CryptoBlades is an innovative blockchain-based role-playing game (RPG) that combines gaming with decentralized finance (DeFi) elements. Here are some key aspects of CryptoBlades:

• Play-to-Earn Mechanics: Players can earn $SKILL tokens by defeating enemies, participating in player versus player (PvP) combat, and staking their gains. The play-to-earn model allows players to receive tangible rewards for their in-game achievements.

• NFT Integration: The game features non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the form of powerful weapons and characters. Players can forge and trade these NFTs on the game’s proprietary marketplace, adding a layer of strategy and economic interaction.

• Elemental Combat System: Characters, enemies, and weapons in CryptoBlades are assigned elements that influence the outcome of battles. This elemental system adds depth to combat and requires players to think tactically.

• Expanding Universe: CryptoBlades is set to expand with CryptoBlades: Kingdoms, which will introduce a 5000x5000 grid map with different tiers of lands. Players can acquire land through gameplay, purchase, or raids, and the land system will play a crucial role in the game’s mechanics.

• Cross-Chain Availability: Initially launched on the BNB Chain, CryptoBlades is now available on multiple blockchain networks, including Polygon, Avalanche, and Aurora. This cross-chain availability broadens the game’s reach and accessibility.

• Community and Development: The game is developed by Riveted Games, a team with diverse skills dedicated to bringing the vision of CryptoBlades to life. The community around the game is active, with players contributing to the ecosystem and participating in its growth.

The game claims to have 1.1 million active players. But I'm not sure I want to take Riveted Games's claims at face value. When I clicked on the "How to get started" link, I received the following message from ZenDesk.

Oops, this help center no longer exists

The company you're looking for is no longer using our help center. We suggest reaching out to them directly via their official website.

Perhaps I'm too judgmental, but if I'm a new player receiving such a message, I'm moving on to the next game. If a company can't pay attention to one of the first things a potential player will see, how much confidence do I have that the company will pay attention to larger details like security?

Finally, we get to My Crypto Heroes. The game sounds like an MMORPG but, no, not after seeing an example of the combat. I was reminded more of Final Fantasy I than Final Fantasy XIV. But the features list pulled up by Copilot sounded good.

My Crypto Heroes is a blockchain-based role-playing game (RPG) that allows players to collect, train, and battle with characters inspired by historical figures. Here’s a detailed look at the game:

• Historical Characters: Players can collect heroes such as Napoleon, Einstein, and other figures, each with unique abilities and stats.

• Gameplay Modes: It features both PvE and PvP modes. In PvE, heroes can be sent to dungeons to gain experience and materials. In PvP, players compete against others for rewards and recognition.

• Asset Ownership: Heroes and equipment called extensions are NFTs (ERC-721 tokens), giving players true ownership of these digital assets.

• Crafting and Trading: Materials gained from dungeons can be used to craft equipment, which can then be traded on the blockchain.

• Ecosystem Roles: The game has a diverse ecosystem with roles like farmers, warriors, creators, and traders, each contributing to the game’s economy.

• Governance Token: MCHC, the game’s governance token, can be earned by top players in PvP battles along with NFTs and honors.

• Community and Development: Developed by the Japanese company doublejump.tokyo, My Crypto Heroes has a strong community with over 20K members on Discord and 23K followers on Twitter.

Launched in November 2018, My Crypto Heroes has become a prominent game in the crypto gaming space, offering a complex and engaging experience for players interested in the intersection of gaming and blockchain technology. Whether you’re a gamer looking to explore blockchain technology or a crypto enthusiast interested in gaming, My Crypto Heroes offers a rich and complex experience. For more information or to start playing, you can visit their official website.

I decided to leave Copilot's cheerful conclusion in for a change. I did want to know about the cost to play. Given the tone of Copilot's answer, I'm not sure the cost is worth satisfying my curiosity. 

My Crypto Heroes is a blockchain-based RPG that you can start playing for free. However, to fully engage with all the game’s features and to compete at higher levels, you might need to purchase heroes, which are NFTs inspired by historical figures. The cost of heroes can vary based on their rarity and the market demand.

To play, you’ll need an Ethereum wallet to store your in-game items. While the game is free to try, having at least three heroes is necessary for the full experience, which may require an initial investment if you choose to purchase them from the game’s shop or third-party marketplaces like OpenSea.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any costs associated with My Crypto Heroes, it’s best to refer to the official game website or community channels. Remember to always do your own research and consider the risks before investing in blockchain games. Happy gaming! 🎮🛡️

Once again, take note of the financial warning at the end of Copilot's answer. I don't get the impression of a game I can play to forget about the worries of real life for a few hours. How many people play the game and disagree? While noting the game was developed in Japan, the Discord server had over 20K members, and the game's English Twitter account had 23K followers

After doing the research for this post, I came to a conclusion. As vehicles for entertainment, blockchain games don't sound very appealing. For those who want blockchain games to reach mainstream audiences the games can't concern themselves primarily with the mechanics of creating and distributing real world wealth. Instead of identifying themselves by the technology they contain, perhaps the developers and fans of the genre just make good video games that incidentally contain blockchain and other web3 technologies. Because after looking up 5 blockchain games I'm not interested in playing any blockchain game. The games I looked at just don't serve as a good advertisement for the entire genre.

What Is A Blockchain Game?

I like writing about topics surrounding the video games I play, if not about the games themselves. But I am in a bit of a bind currently. Somehow CCP Games managed to accept me into the closed Phase III playtest for their new blockchain-based game, Project Awakening. Due to the NDA I signed, I can't say anything else about the playtest. However, I still want to write about web3/blockchain games.

To try avoiding any NDA breaches I will use an AI program, Co-Pilot, to navigate the waters. Also, I need to learn how to use AI for work and so I found a practical use. Besides, I really don't know the subject field so hopefully Co-Pilot will get set me on the right path.

My first question, naturally, is, "What is a blockchain?" Co-Pilot replied with the following:

A blockchain is a distributed database or ledger that is shared across a network of computers. It is designed to record transactions in a way that is secure, transparent, and tamper-proof. Each record, or “block,” is linked to the previous one, forming a chain of blocks—hence the name “blockchain.” This structure ensures that once information is added, it cannot be altered without changing all subsequent blocks, which requires consensus from the network.

Blockchains are best known for their role in cryptocurrency systems, like Bitcoin, where they maintain a decentralized record of transactions. However, their applications extend beyond cryptocurrencies to any industry where immutable data is valuable. They can be used to create smart contracts, manage supply chains, secure digital identities, and more. The technology is praised for its potential to reduce the need for trusted third parties, such as auditors, by providing a transparent and verifiable system.

Okay, so a blockchain game uses a blockchain. Simple. Co-Pilot's reply extended into the whys of a blockchain game, so I was happy.

A blockchain game is a type of video game that incorporates blockchain technology into its core gameplay mechanics. This technology enables new ways of creating, owning, and trading virtual assets within the game. Blockchain games often use cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to facilitate these transactions, allowing players to trade in-game items for cryptocurrency, which can then be exchanged for real-world money.

These games can also provide a transparent and fair system for in-game economics, and some are designed as “play-to-earn” games, where players can earn cryptocurrency through gameplay. The use of blockchain in games aims to redefine the relationship between players and game creators, offering a fairer and more transparent environment.

Blockchain games have been around since 2017, with CryptoKitties being one of the first to gain widespread attention. The game allowed players to purchase, breed, and sell virtual cats as NFTs using Ethereum cryptocurrency. Since then, the concept has evolved, and many new blockchain games have emerged, each with unique features and economies.

I even received some history, which was nice. But why use a blockchain when other options are available? Honestly, Co-Pilot's answer did not impress me much although gave me ideas for future posts.

Certainly! Blockchain games offer several unique features that set them apart from traditional video games. Let’s explore some of these features:

1. True Ownership with NFTs: In blockchain games, players have verifiable ownership of their in-game assets through non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Unlike traditional games where items are controlled by developers, NFTs allow players to truly own their digital items, characters, or collectibles. These NFTs can be bought, sold, and traded on blockchain marketplaces.

2. Decentralized Economies: Blockchain games operate on decentralized platforms, which means that in-game assets, transactions, and interactions are managed transparently and securely. Players can participate in the game’s economy without relying on central authorities.

3. Play-to-Earn Mechanism: Some blockchain games follow a play-to-earn model. Players can transfer their in-game effort, activity, and items into cryptocurrency. By participating in the game, they can earn real-world value through their gameplay.

4. Unique Abilities and Combinations: Games like Axie Infinity feature Axies, which are axolotl-inspired creatures. Each Axie has its own unique abilities, allowing for an infinite combination of Axie types and playstyles. Players can collect, breed, and battle with their Axies.

5. Governance and Collaboration: In Alien Worlds, players explore space in a fourth-wall-breaking setting of intergalactic bitcoin mining communities. They can find NFTs, mine for resources, stake claims to new frontiers, and even participate in shaping the future of their planets’ governments. The game combines both competitive and collaborative elements.

6. Pixelated Fantasy Worlds: Games like CryptoBeasts create pixelated fantasy worlds where players own plots of land, each containing a rare egg (the central NFT). These eggs serve as governance tokens and can be hatched into CryptoBeasts, which compete in battles. The more eggs and CryptoBeasts a player owns, the greater their impact on the world’s governance.

In summary, blockchain games redefine ownership, transparency, and interaction within the gaming industry, offering players a novel and engaging experience. 🎮✨

So what about the downsides? I asked Co-Pilot and my AI advisor on this knowledge trip provided several.

• Scalability Issues: Many blockchain networks have difficulty handling the high volume of transactions required for a seamless gaming experience. This can lead to slow game performance and negatively affect the user experience.

• Complexity for Players: The perceived complexity of blockchain technology can be a hurdle for many players. Setting up wallets and understanding how to manage cryptocurrency can be daunting for those not familiar with it.

• Energy Consumption: Certain blockchain networks are known for their significant energy consumption, which raises environmental concerns.

• Market Volatility: The unstable nature of cryptocurrency markets can impact the in-game economy, creating unpredictability for both players and developers.

• Regulatory Uncertainty: The legal landscape for blockchain and cryptocurrencies is still evolving, which can lead to uncertainty and potential regulatory challenges.

• Security Concerns: While blockchain can increase security, there are concerns about wallet security and the safety of players’ funds.

So far, so good. The list of potential problems for developers of blockchain games is a place to begin. The next question seemed obvious: "Are there any industry standards or best practices for blockchain game development?"

Yes, there are industry standards and best practices that have been established to guide blockchain game development. These include:

• Clear Concept Development: It’s crucial to start with a well-defined game concept, including the basic game mechanics, design, artwork, and user experience.

• Choosing the Right Blockchain: Developers should select a blockchain platform that aligns with their game’s needs, considering factors like scalability, transaction speed, and cost.

• Token Standards: Adopting token standards like ERC-721 for unique assets (NFTs) and ERC-20 for fungible assets can help ensure interoperability and security.

• Security and Compliance: Conducting thorough security audits and ensuring compliance with regulations is essential for building trust among players.

• User-Friendly Design: Simplifying the user interface and experience to make blockchain elements accessible to a broader audience is recommended.

• Sustainable Monetization: Creating a monetization strategy that is fair and sustainable for both players and developers is important.

• Community Engagement: Building a strong community around the game can contribute to its success and longevity.

• Environmental Considerations: Considering the environmental impact of the blockchain technology used and opting for more energy-efficient solutions is becoming increasingly important.

These best practices are designed to help developers create blockchain games that are not only technically sound but also enjoyable and sustainable for the gaming community.

Honestly I was pretty sure no organizations existed to set standards for blockchain games. But my AI advisor set me straight on that score.

Certainly! There are organizations that actively work on setting standards and promoting blockchain within the gaming industry. Here are a couple of notable ones:

1. Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA): The BGA is committed to spreading awareness about blockchain technologies in gaming. Their mission includes encouraging adoption, advancing public understanding, and providing an open platform for discussion and engagement. They also focus on research, discussions, and sharing best practices related to blockchain game development.

2. Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC): While not exclusively focused on games, the GBBC plays a role in shaping blockchain standards. It tracks developments in blockchain standards and produces recommendations for further standards. It covers various topics, including blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and supply chains.

Additionally, European standardization organizations such as the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) are relevant to blockchain standards in Europe. These organizations contribute to fostering standardization within the financial industry and promoting best practices.

These efforts aim to create a more consistent and reliable environment for blockchain game development and adoption. 🎮🌐

As I stated in the introduction of this post, I'm trying to learn how to use artificial intelligence programs like Microsoft's Co-Pilot. Using AI makes research a lot easier. Well, a human still has to follow up to make sure the answers make sense, but I would have to do that in any case.

Returning back to the topic of the post, I went a little overboard on the subject and produced a 1500 word article on the definition of a blockchain game. I didn't just come up with a definition but found several positives and negatives concerning the genre. Finally, Co-Pilot introduced me to the ways developers address the negatives.

At least in theory. I'll get to see how theory turns into reality with CCP's development of Project Awakening. While the NDA I'm under prevents me from writing about my experiences with a specific developing project, I can still write about the issues both developers and players face with the emerging blockchain gaming industry. The post contains several ideas for follow-up articles. I have the feeling I won't have to worry about writer's block for some time.