Hassan Maishera
Over the past couple of years, Web3 gaming has emerged as a frontier of innovation, promising to revolutionize how we interact with and experience digital entertainment. However, looking back at the early days of this space and comparing it to the current landscape, a pressing question lingers: Is Web3 gaming getting better or worse?
The initial wave of Web3 games was marked by unprecedented enthusiasm and sky-high valuations. Projects like Axie Infinity captured the imagination of players and investors alike, showcasing the potential of play-to-earn models and digital ownership. These early successes sparked a gold rush, with developers and entrepreneurs scrambling to launch their own blockchain games.
However, as the initial hype waned, the sector faced significant challenges. Many early projects struggled to deliver on their ambitious promises, revealing severe shortcomings in their graphic designs, gameplay structures, sustainability, and even user experience. As a result, many critics at the time argued that Web3 games were prioritizing profits over everything else — leading to a perception that they were more speculation than entertainment.
The New Wave of Web3 Games
It is no secret that the early Web3 games were dominated by rudimentary graphics and gameplay mechanics. However, as part of today's burgeoning crypto landscape, developers have increasingly prioritized user experience to create immersive and engaging gameplay environments.
In this regard, one of the industry's most significant shifts has been the evolution of token-based elements. Rather than serving as a title's core focus, tokens are now increasingly being integrated in ways that not only enhance gameplay but also provide genuine value to players.
Moreover, there has also been a tangible rise in the quality and complexity of Web3 games. Developers are harnessing the power of advanced game engines, AI-enabled tech, and blockchain infrastructure to create experiences that rival traditional gaming in terms of graphics, storytelling, and gameplay mechanics.
A prime example of this new wave of Web3 games is AMGI Studios’ My Pet Hooligan, a multiplayer, social-action offering that exemplifies the potential of Web3 gaming — merging an unparalleled level of creativity, graphical innovation, and user experience. Set in the vibrant world of Hooliland City, the game offers players a blend of action, social communication, and individual expression.
For example, players can engage in combat scenarios, showcase their skateboarding skills, create graffiti art, or simply socialize with their friends – all within a richly detailed, immersive environment. Moreover, what sets My Pet Hooligan apart is its seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as AMGI Studios' proprietary motion capture and AI module, allowing players to stream and create content as their in-game avatars.
This level of quality has not gone unnoticed, as the game has already accrued a number of significant milestones for itself. To start with, My Pet Hooligan won the prestigious 2023 GAM3S GG Award for Best Action Game. Moreover, its early access (Pre-Alpha) version was downloaded over 400,000 times during the first week of its release, with its popularity only being surpassed by Cyberpunk 2077.
These accolades have not gone unnoticed and have, in fact, caught the attention of major media outlets like Variety and IGN
A Promising Horizon Ahead for Web3 Gaming
As people worldwide look toward the future of Web3 gaming, research data suggests that the industry is undergoing an exciting and transformative change. To this point, recent projections suggest that the sector will reach a value of $133.22 billion by 2033, expanding at an impressive 18.7% during the forecast period.
This growth is not just a reflection of increasing interest in blockchain technology but also a testament to the improving quality and appeal of Web3 games. Therefore, as developers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, we can expect to see several key trends shaping the future of this industry.
For example, future games will likely continue to prioritize engaging gameplay and intuitive user interfaces, making them more accessible to mainstream gamers. Similarly, while some of today's play-to-earn (P2E) models face sustainability challenges, future iterations are likely to be more balanced and integrated into core gameplay mechanics. Lastly, as demonstrated by My Pet Hooligan's development for PC, console, and mobile platforms, future Web3 games will likely focus on cross-platform accessibility as well.
As the industry continues to mature and evolve, it is reasonable to assume that upcoming titles will combine the best of what blockchain tech has to offer with immersive, entertaining experiences. Therefore, the question of whether Web3 gaming is getting better or worse seems to have a clear answer: it's not just getting better – it's transforming the digital entertainment realm from the ground up.
