199 - Are Crypto Games Making a Comeback?

This podcast episode discusses the rise of crypto gaming and its potential impact on the gaming industry. The conversation explores the importance of ownership in gaming and how crypto gaming allows players to own parts of the game such as characters and resources. It emphasizes that gamers would choose a game with ownership over others. The episode also addresses the challenges faced by game developers in the crypto gaming industry, including the technological and financial aspects. It highlights the need for simplifying the user experience and reducing entry barriers to attract more gamers. The spectrum of Web3 crypto gaming assets and the factors that contribute to their success are explored, with a focus on compelling IP and token economics. The episode also explores the user experience in Alluvium, a crypto game, and the broader concept of crypto gaming. It discusses the benefits of integrating blockchain technology into gaming, such as providing ownership and agency to gamers. The potential future of Web3 gaming, the impact of regulations, and the role of user-generated content are also discussed. The podcast concludes with insights into the entrance of traditional gaming studios into the crypto gaming space and the concept of fully on-chain games. Takeaways • The rise of crypto gaming highlights the importance of ownership in gaming, with players preferring games that allow them to own parts of the game such as characters and resources. • Crypto gaming presents opportunities for gamers in regions with limited economic opportunities, as it combines money and time. • Building a sustainable game economy that feels like a game people enjoy playing while also earning money is crucial in the success of crypto gaming. • Challenges in the crypto gaming industry include technological aspects like knowledge of wallets and networks, as well as substantial capital investment needed for development. • Compelling IP and token economics are key factors for success in Web3 crypto gaming. • The user experience in crypto games should be user-friendly, even for casual gamers who may not be familiar with crypto concepts. • Blockchain technology in gaming provides ownership and agency to gamers, allowing them to sell their assets and participate in marketplaces. • Regulatory concerns and cultural differences in gaming preferences shape the future of crypto gaming. • The potential future of gaming lies in the integration of user-generated content and fully on-chain games. • The impact of crypto gaming on blockspace utilization and the role of decentralized finance in on-chain gaming should be considered. • Onboarding gamers through playing crypto games and earning and selling digital assets has the potential to attract new users to the Web3 ecosystem.